John G. Kaknis

Date of Death: February 18, 2010

John G. Kaknis

John G. Kaknis, 78, of Hayfield, Virginia, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Mr. Kaknis was born in 1931, in Frederick County, Virginia, the son of the late Constantine J. and Katherine C. Kaknis. Mr. Kaknis was the owner/operator of Johnny’s Sport Shop, then later going into business with his father at the Braddock Grill. He changed the name of Braddock Grill to the Open Kitchen Restaurant, which he sold in 1991 and also operated the Amherst Diner until his retirement in 1996. Mr. Kaknis was a member of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Winchester, Virginia, the Izzak Walton League and the NRA. He was a graduate of John Handley High School, Class of 1949 and attended Virginia Tech University for two years.

His wife, Delores Ellen Sutphin Kaknis, whom her married June 19, 1954, preceded him in death on March 29, 1997.

Surviving are his children, Robin Elizabeth Kaknis of Purcellville, Virginia, John Hunter Kaknis and wife, Lori, of Hayfield, Virginia, Christopher Brooks Kaknis and wife, Gina, of Blacksburg, Virginia; granddaughters, Erin Lindsey Kaknis and Sarah Hunter Kaknis both of Hayfield, Virginia; and two sisters, Helen Thomas of South Carolina and Mary Gage of Florida. One sister, Kaula Baughman preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 on Monday at the Dormition of the Virginia Mary Greek Orthodox Church, with Father Stephen Gousious officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until the service. Interment will be in Gainesboro Cemetery, Gainesboro, Virginia.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 221 Gainesboro Road, Winchester, Virginia 22603.

Please sign the guestbook and view obituaries at www.ompsfuneralhome.com

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John G. Kaknis John G. Kaknis, 78, of Hayfield, Virginia, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Mr. Kaknis was born in 1931, in Frederick County, Virginia, the son of the late Constantine J. and Katherine C. Kaknis. Mr. Kaknis was the owner/operator of Johnny’s Sport Shop, then later going into businessContinue Reading

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In honor of John G. Kaknis, Nancy Strosnider lit a candle.

I was informed that John, or "Turkey Bird" as I called him, had passed away. I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of John's family. I began working at Berkeley Springs Rehab and Nursing frest out of College. John reminded me daily of what made me want to become a Social Worker. I will forever hold in my heart how "Turkey Bird" would come into my office, each and every day, speaking of his memories of hunting and fishing. It wouldn't be long before we were sharing stories of our families and experiences. He was able to find love in his big heart for everybody he met. We often had jokes amongst ourselves, such as me "clomping up the hall like a horse" in my high heeled shoes. He didn't even have to turn around. He would just start dancing to the rhythm and say, "Here comes Ms. Gibble Gibble." Nothing would touch me more; however, when John would daily ask to call Hunter. Even if Hunter did not answer the phone, John would say in the sweetest way, "Hey Babe" or "Hey Sweetie." I never heard a father speak with such love and devotion. He would look forward to every Sunday when Robin would come and have dinner with him. He would be waiting every Monday morning to let me know about his evening. When I decided to leave BSRN, one of the hardest parts was leaving behind my Turkey Bird, who despite evry professional block I put up, weasled his way into my heart and life. I will forever be grateful for getting to know John and his family. I am sincerely sorry for your loss, Jennifer Burroughs

In honor of John G. Kaknis, tammy long lit a candle.

I would like to send the family our deepest sympathy,John will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of meeting John in his home, I was a caregiver for him. John was always smiling and laughing. He was a very remarkable man. He shared many differant hunting,fishing,and family stories. John always made me feel at home. I often took him to Walmart, he would always run into someone he knew, really no matter were we went there was someone who knew him. John talked about the Amerst Diner and the Open Kitchen, all the people he meet and knew. John taught me some cooking skills. I took him to the cemetary to visit his love Delores, which he missed very much. On one Chirstmas I put up a little tree and went shopping for him---not knowing any sizes , colors, likes or dislikes, for his family, John thought everything I got was great. He told me after Christmas everyone was happy. I did a great job! My husband ( Mark) & my father ( Allan) had the Great pleasure of hunting at John's. John was so glad they both got a deer. My father would come out and cut John's hair. John loved to watch the birds,watch the flowers bloom. He enjoyed the outdoors. John always made me feel at home,whenever I was there. At the end of my day, I always told John...Johnny be Good!John would refer me as his Girl to people we met. He was like family to me. I will miss John , more than words could express. John was very much loved. He will always have a very special place in my heart.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.