John Fakan

Birth date: May 10, 1934 Death date: Jul 5, 2012

Dr. John C. Fakan, a long-time resident of Vermilion, Ohio, and skipper of the U.S.S. COD submarine Memorial in Cleveland, entered his eternal rest on Thursday, July 5, 2012 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. John Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Anne And Jim Cummings - The Villages, Fl - Friend

708w ago

We wish to extend to your family and your brother's family our heart-felt condolences. We're so sorry that we did not have the opportunity to get to know such a wonderful person.

Jason Theis - Westlake, Oh - Friend Of The Family

709w ago

My thoughts and prayers got out to Dr. John's many family members and friends. What a legacy.

Jay & Jill Boggess - Grand Coulee, Wa - Friend Thru The Uss Cod

709w ago

I knew two of John's kids (Steve & Deb) at VHS long before I ever met him thru the Cod. We would see Dr. John and Cod whenever our lives in Chicago, Alaska and Washington could spare a visit back to Vermilion. He loved to share his latest stories of ups and downs of running a WWII sub museum. Perhaps the best was when an internet company got John's home address in Vermilion associated with the Cod - next thing he knows, there are tourists wandering the shores of Lake Haven Estates Reservoir looking for a 312-foot long submarine...

Jill & I will miss him dearly.

Skip Woods - Vermilion, Oh - Scouting Friend

709w ago

Dr. Fakan (John) will truly be missed. Because of his interest in helping boys learn and becoming young men, Both my boys earned their BSA Eagle Scout. I enjoyed our time together going to summer camp, and talking about all sorts of things. John was one of the smartest and most friendly man anyone could have the pleasure to meet. He will be missed.

Skip, Margaret, Chris and David Woods

Hmc(Exw) Charlotte Ward - Akron, Oh - Cpoa Cleveland Member

709w ago

Thank you so much for the gift he was to the Navy and World; my deepest condolences for his loss.

Miranda Gammella (Nee Snell) - Brunswick, Oh - Friend

709w ago

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Fakan's passing this morning from my father, Jim, who had been a long time ham radio friend of Dr. Fakan. While I haven't seen him in many years, I have fond memories of being at Dr. Fakan's home when I was a child. I remember being enchanted with the design of his house. He was always very nice to me. I wish I could've paid my respects to him and his family yesterday, but he knows I'm thinking of him now. I will have to make sure to visit the USS Cod soon as well, as it would be a fitting tribute to him.

My prayers to Dr. Fakan's family. He will not be forgotten.

Miranda Gammella (nee Snell)

Richard Pekelney - San Francisco, Ca - Friend, Colleague, Student

709w ago

Helene,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association, and the Board of Directors of the Historic Naval Ships Association please accept our condolences. John inspired our community and left a strong positive impact on all our ships and crews. He will be dearly missed.

I have mailed you today a flag that was flown in honor of John aboard USS PAMPANITO on 8 July 2012.

John was a colleague, friend, teacher, and mentor to me for almost 20 years. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I called John with a problem and either his thoughtful use of first principle physics, his kindness, or his call for patience found a solution. I loved John and will miss him.

Perhaps we can all go out flint knapping on the way to a sub-zero night in the woods without a tent…, or maybe just smile at the memory of how much fun this was for John. I do remember John turning down my offer of a bag of pine needles in favor of a bed when he stayed in my San Francisco apartment.

Dave Buchholz - Cleveland Heights, Oh - Head Shipkeeper Uss Cod

709w ago

You will be missed Dr. John.

Andrea Mcgillan [Nee Fakan] - New Zealand - Cousin

709w ago

From one side of the world to another, our thoughts & love are with you all.
On my one & only visit to America, you all made me feel so welcome & I will reflect on those wonderful days forever.
John was certainly an inspiration to our Family, both here in New Zealand & in Australia. I know Duane is deeply , deeply saddened by his passing. Such a shame our Mother Jean was never able to meet you all & I pass on her sympathy & love also from our Father Philip Fakan.
With Love & Sympathy from our Hearts, Andrea, Peter, Nina, Ty & Glen McGillan xxxxx

Capt. Guy Archambault.Usn (Ret) - Jamestown, , Ri - Friend

709w ago

It is with heavy heart that I kearned of John's death. He was a giant in HNSA and helped guide the Association through some difficult times. His advice and counsel during my HNSA presidency, 1997-1999, was of immeasurable value in guiding our organization. I will always treasure his friendship.
My deep sympathy to you and your family. COD has an impossible task in finding a replacement of his calibre,,,as will HNSA.

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall