May 17, 1947 – January 7, 2024

A stubborn, tender hearted Dutch boy was born on May 17, 1947 in Amsterdam, Holland to Jantje and Simon Kooring. He was the youngest and most spoiled of four boys born into the family. John immigrated to America when he was ten and knew no English. They arrived at Ellis Island and lived first in New York, then Hayward, California and finally to Utah. He admonished his grandchildren to be kind to immigrant children because of his experience of being treated so unkindly when he started school in the U.S. He became a citizen in 1973.
John served in the Navy and Army as a cannon crewman and then as a military police officer receiving numerous honors and awards. He served in Desert Storm and retired after thirty-nine years of service. He was also a skilled mechanic and used this talent in supporting his family.
He had two children during his first marriage – Michael and Scott. He married Susan Berrett on April 18, 1981 and became the step-father to Ty (Kim) Berrett; Troy (Melanie) Berrett and Jason (Ana) Berrett. He became a loving part of life to nine grandchildren. John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on February 25, 1984.
Together John and Sue lived in three homes in Salt Lake City; lived in Park City for twelve years and moved to Farmington in 2011. This property provided space for John to have a ‘He Shed” – his workshop – for many projects and a place to listen to his favorite music. His Cub tractor was in his shed and when in use he wore a ‘retro’ straw hat while caring for the orchard.
There are many people he called his friend. We’re grateful to all of you for years of adventures and love. John will have his best 4-legged friend Vern traveling with him and his grandson Ryan’s favorite hockey stick. He’ll now be able to walk with his dog and play hockey with his brother in the beauty of heaven.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Church – Pioneer Chapel at 272 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. Lunch and time to visit will follow at the church.
To honor John, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warriorrizenfoundation.org