John Hunter Kaknis

Date of Death: January 24, 2021

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Due to COVID-19, a memorial service
will be private for the family on
Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm
at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
There will be a livestreaming of the
service available on the
Omps Funeral Home website, www.ompsfuneralhome.com,
under Hunter’s obituary page

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601

Home Instead
1400 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601

American Cancer Society
124 Park Street SE
Vienna, VA 22180

Shirley’s Angels Animal Rescue
PO Box 4261
Winchester, VA 22604

Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue
221 Gainesboro Road
Winchester, VA 22603

John Hunter Kaknis, 64, of Frederick County, VA passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.

Hunter was born in 1956 in Winchester, VA, son of the late John and Delores Kaknis. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1974. Hunter was a Quality Control Technician at General Electric, retiring in 2010. He worked part-time seasonally at Weber’s Nursery. Hunter was a passionate soul about the outdoors. He loved fishing, communing with nature, and seeing the beauty in all wildlife. Hunter enjoyed various shows on TV, especially the fishing shows and was an avid Hokies fan. His greatest joy in life was his family and spending time together on their boat at Lake Holiday. When his granddaughter, Kennedy Ann, was born, she became his light of hope.

He married Lori Riggleman on September 28, 1985 in Winchester, VA.

Surviving with his wife are daughters, Erin Pahl (Andrew) of Winchester, VA and Sarah Kaknis of Alexandria, VA; granddaughter, Kennedy Ann Pahl of Winchester, VA; sister, Robin Jarrell (Joseph) of Bunker Hill, WV; brother, Chris Kaknis (Gina) of Blacksburg, VA; aunts and uncles, Mary Gage (Jack), Rachel Herrmann (Randy), and J.B. Sutphin (Joann); his best friend, Mark Anderson (Tina); in-laws, Marcelle Riggleman (Carolyn); brothers-in-law, Jeff Riggleman (Kristi) and Marc Riggleman (Ursula); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends and neighbors; and his faithful canine and feline companions, Chewy, Mittens, Jinx, and Miracle.

Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be private for the family on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. There will be a livestreaming of the service available on the Omps Funeral Home website, www.ompsfuneralhome.com, under Hunter’s obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601, Home Instead, 1400 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601, American Cancer Society, 124 Park Street SE, Vienna, VA 22180, Shirley’s Angels Animal Rescue, PO Box 4261, Winchester, VA 22604, or to Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 221 Gainesboro Road, Winchester, VA 22603.

Jeffrey Rutherford

Deborah Hardie Bare

Ursula Riggleman

Andy Racey

LORI R KAKNIS

Kara Canoles

Debbie Partlow Dean

Amanda Weatherholt

Pam Ritter & Steve Williams

Caitlin Evans

Kacy Kearse

Jessica Robinson

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601

Home Instead
1400 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601

American Cancer Society
124 Park Street SE
Vienna, VA 22180

Shirley’s Angels Animal Rescue
PO Box 4261
Winchester, VA 22604

Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue
221 Gainesboro Road
Winchester, VA 22603

John Hunter Kaknis, 64, of Frederick County, VA passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his home surrounded by family. Hunter was born in 1956 in Winchester, VA, son of the late John and Delores Kaknis. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1974. Hunter was a Quality Control Technician atContinue Reading

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Lori and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I found out today. Words can’t describe how sorry I am. You’re in my prayers. Love, Cheryl

Sorry for your loss we will be praying for you in these hard times of letting go

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kaknis family. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Hunter.

Lori I want to tell you how much my husband Dale and I appreciated your message during Hunter’s memorial service. It is a testament to you love and devotion, and the fabric of the relationship you and Hunter shared. It is also a strong and loving statement of your Christian faith which we share with your family. Many, many prayers have gone up from our home for Hunter, you, your daughters and family during the last few years. We share in the sadness of his death but look forward to a great celebration with him and you and all those we love when our Heavenly Father welcomes us to eternity with Him, his holy Son the angels and saints. My husband wasn’t able to meet Hunter but I told him I would describe him as incredibly kind, humble, optimistic and quiet of heart. If there is anything we can do for your or your family, I hope you would call us anytime. May God richly bless you and yours now and always - Deborah

Deepest Sympathies. We love you all

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

As an employee of the Valley Health Club, I got to know Hunter real well. He was one of the morning regulars that I always enjoyed seeing and talking to. We seemed to hit it off from the beginning, he was such an easy going, friendly guy and interesting to talk to. He once told me that he's Greek so I gave him the nickname of the "Greek God". Just really enjoyed our conversations, just a great guy and I will deeply miss him. God speed my friend! John Carr

Lori and family, I will always remember Hunter's warm heart and infectious smile. He will be missed by all. You are in our prayers. Love you guys, Andy and Seth

You are at peace my love, and no longer hurting. I love you. It's not good-bye but simply...."see you later" until we meet again in heaven.

My sincere thanks to everyone for your kind words and sharing your special memories of my dear, wonderful husband and my BEST FRIEND, "Hunter" Kaknis. We knew each other for 39 years and were married for 35 of the BEST years of my life. On behalf of me (Lori), our daughters, Erin and Sarah, Son-in-law, Andrew and Grand-Baby, Kennedy Ann, thank you so much for your kindness, support and for loving my dear husband as much as we did. His memories will be with us forever and we are comforted in knowing that he is in Heaven and no longer in pain after his 2 year battle with Esophageal cancer. May God bless you all and thank you SOOO much for sharing your wonderful memories. And yes....he had the most captivating, intoxicating beautiful smile. That same smile and warm soul had me at "hello" when we first met in 1982, These were the best years of my life. Love and Hugs, Lori Riggleman Kaknis XOXO

Hunter ,like all of the Kaknis family, was a genuine person. We are thankful to have known him as a friend. We pray that time and God's Grace will bring healing to all that were blessed to have known him. Condolences.

I’m loving memory of my uncle, Hunter Kaknis.

Lori, Erin, Sarah and family, We are covering you all in prayer during this most difficult time. Remember "Precious in the sight of the Lord is our loved ones" Psalms 116:15

Peace be with his family

So sorry for your loss much love

My deepest sympathy for the family. Hunter was truly a special person. He will be missed by many. Prayers for the family and friends. Fly High My Friend. RIP Hunter.

RIP Hunter . it was awesome working with you . Sorry for your loss.

I am sending prayers to the family. He was such a kind and nice man in school. I went to James Wood with John & Robin. He will be greatly missed by all.

With deepest sympathy

All around great friendly guy. Beautiful smile. RIP... Thoughts and prayers for family.

Hunter was one of those people that always seem to make you feel good to see him and he never had a bad word for to say about anyone. May God rest his soul!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

So sorry for your loss. Hunter was such an amazing individual to be around. He always found a way to make others laugh. Thinking of you all during this time. <3 Caitlin

I am so sorry for the family’s loss. I know that Hunter will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you each.

Just looking at Hunter always made me smile, and he always smiled back at me. Which made me smile back at him. What a happy man he was.

My deep condolences to Erin and all the family.

I am so sorry to hear about Hunter. I only knew him very casually from his father restaurant the Amherst Dinner. He was one of a kind. A truly friendly and nice person. I saw him a few years ago at Weber’s an we got to talk for a few minutes. It was always a pleasure to see and talk to him. I am sorry for your loss. Rick

In memory of John Hunter Kaknis, Jessica Robinson lit a candle

It was my great pleasure to care for Mr. Kaknis and I will miss him. My heart felt condolences to his family.

So sorry to lose such a fine man. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Sincerely, Carolyn and George Glaize

May you rest in peace. Hunter was a co-worker and old jr high friend, he had a beautiful smile that i will never forget. Prayers to Lori and the family.

Lori i am very sorry to hear about Hunter. Tom Zirkle

Sorry for your loss. RIP Hunter

It was always nice to chat with Hunter on the lake and compare fishing stories. We will pray for your family it this most difficult time.

Deepest sympathy to Erin and Sarah. Both parents were wonderful people and you had such a loving family. Mr. ‘Z’ and Mrs. ‘Z’ remember you fondly when you were at Bass-Hoover Elementary.

In memory of John Hunter Kaknis, Dusterhoff Family lit a candle

In memory of John Hunter Kaknis, Amy lit a candle

Hunter was a very happy and nice guy just taken to soon. Prayers to all the family. RIP Hunter

My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. Hunter was a great person. We used to have alot of great conversations. We worked together at GE from 1984-2010.

✨My Sweet, Precious Brother, My Hero - What a Blessing You were to Me and the World - I Miss You So Much, but I’m Comforted Knowing You’re in Beautiful Heaven Now - Surrounded by Perfect Love & Peace - and Mom, Daddy & Many Other Loved Ones - I Know I’ll See You There One Day, & I Bet You’ll be My Greeter 😇 - Until then, You Live On in My Heart ❤️🙏✨

Gone from this earth, but still deeply loved.

We are so incredibly saddened to hear of Hunter's death. My dad, Joe has many wonderful memories of time spent with Hunter and his parents. We pray that you will remember the smiles, cherish the moments and find comfort in the memories. Thinking of you at this time and wishing you comfort and peace. Our hearts go out to you. Joe Hulver, Theresa Hulver Gilbert and family

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Always a beautiful smile.

Hunter was a wonderful kind man may God give u strength and carry your family in his loving arms

Prayers of peace and comfort to the family. I didn't stay in touch when I left Winchester in 79, but have many great memories. Fun times with Hunter in the late 70's - many times ending up eating (very) early mornings at the Open Kitchen. RIP Hunter.

I graduated with John, he was a kind, well liked person, an outgoing football player. I knew his sister also, hope they remember me.Such a wonderful , nice looking guy.God be with the family and friends.You all are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😂💙

Lori, please know that I am sending hugs and prayers of comfort in knowing that Hunter is with our Lord.

In memory of John Hunter Kaknis, Renee Russell-Guardino lit a candle

In memory of John Hunter Kaknis, Rob Kellas lit a candle

Our deepest sympathy.

Love you forever daddy ❤️

Hunter was the best co-worker you could ask for. We shared many a laugh and good time working at General Electric. Prayers to all the family

Lori, Erin and Sarah My condolence to you all. May your memories of Hunter always bring a smile to your heart. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Lori and family, Brad and I are saddened by Hunter’s passing. Continued prayers for family and friends. Keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Hunter you special smile will be missed by all that you touched. You were that special friend that kept a young bunch of collegians from getting into too much trouble. You showed all of us by example how young men should act and treat others, for this I will always be thankful. You will always be an important person to me and to the extended family that we all share. Thanks to Gina and Chris for getting all of us together to celebrate the numerous milestones in our lives and sometimes to just get together to share our memories.Rest in peace my friend. I am sure that Sonny, JK, Charlie and Aaron have a great stand picked out for you

Lori, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is breaking for you. May the Lord be with you and your family during this time. I know your faith is strong. Love you, Rhonda Warren Crayton

John was a fantastic guy. Just so friendly and caring. I will truly miss him and the World is little less loving. May God Bless his family!

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