John Park Zipperian passed away in the early morning hours of November 8, 2018 with his loving wife of 63 years, Sherry, holding his hand.
John was the youngest of 3 children, born June 17, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana to John Henry and Marjoria Park Zipperian. The family spent some time in Butte before moving to Townsend when he was 12, where he attended and graduated from high school. John very much enjoyed playing drums and could often be found entertaining on weekends with his band at Toston and the Deep Creek Bar.
During this time he met the love of his life, Sherrill Anne Cartwright and surprised her with an engagement ring just hours before she was to deliver the valedictorian address at her high school graduation. Already nervous about the speech, Sherry was now doubly anxious and cannot remember much of the speech or ceremony. Her father told her that it was only “puppy love” and they would both get “over it.” 63 plus years later and they still aren’t “over it.”
John had many occupations in his lifetime – ranch hand, underground miner, farmer & rancher, tire shop co-owner and always kept busy doing odd jobs for extra money while raising his young family. Farming was probably his biggest passion but he always seemed to enjoy whatever he was doing at any particular point in his life. He especially enjoyed his years at the tire shop in Townsend, which gave him the opportunity to work with a couple of his sons and grandsons.
Upon retirement, John & Sherry moved full time to the family ranch at Clancy, remodeling the original ranch house into their beautiful retirement home. They spent many winters in Yuma, AZ, making countless new friends from all over the U.S. and Canada. While they haven’t been able to snowbird for a few years, many of these people still come visit them in Clancy during the summer.
John possessed a great sense of humor throughout his lifetime but it really shined in his later years, especially when interacting with members of the medical community. Doctors and nurses could often be heard laughing and joking with him whether he was in ICU or just at a regular appointment. People who got to meet him absolutely enjoyed his amiable personality.
He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many positions over the years. His faith was of utmost importance and guided him through many tough obstacles. Facing a host of medical issues later in life, his deep belief in God allowed him to accept each new challenge with grace and a dignity not often witnessed. Most recently he was a member of the Boulder Branch where he made many friends and relationships that he valued tremendously. He always looked forward to Sundays.
John is survived by his wife Sherry of Clancy; sons Mark (Julie) of Toston, Dan (Chris) of Townsend, Gary (Cindee) of Clancy; sisters Coralie Graveley of Yuma, AZ, and Marlene Kaiser of Orem, UT; and an abundance of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John is also survived by Bill Greany (Beth) of Phoenix, AZ whom he considered a fifth son.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Kenneth Zipperian, mother Marje Zipperian, father John H. Zipperian, grandson Philip Zipperian and infant grandson Claude Duncan Zipperian.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 501 N Jackson St., in Boulder. Graveside services were at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of John. Memorials honoring John are suggested to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation at 1-800-879-0850 or visit their website www.yellowstonefoundation.org. or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
