A Tribute to “Father John”

John A. Feist, known to many KOA radio listeners as “Father John”, served on the Golden Gate Fire Protection Board from May 2000 until his death in December 2003. His sudden death, coming only two weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer, stunned his many friends in the community. 

“Father John”, is the name he used while working with Tom Martino as a consumer advocate. True to the many tributes that appeared after his death, including a touching personal column posted by Tom Martino at the troubleshooter website and an extended obituary in the Denver Post published on Sunday, December 7, 2003, Feist generously served our community. As a member of the Golden Gate Fire Protection District Board he wrote numerous letters to grant agencies and foundations seeking funds for our District. He used his extensive business and professional connections to obtain donated services for the District. John was always willing to tackle any detail or problem, no matter how big or small, for the benefit of our District. 

Those of us who were privileged to know him miss him because he was a great guy. He brought an elegant style and tremendous sense of humor to even the routine tasks of managing the District. Many remember the classy touch he provided to our awards banquet when he personally purchased long-stem roses for all the ladies. In addition to his service to the Golden Gate District, John gave generously to many other causes including his consumer advocacy with Tom Martino (for which he donated his salary to charity), and to the Boy Scouts of America. He was truly a “larger than life” personality and a great friend to our District.

-Rick Saltus (GGFPD Board member 1998-2006)