Obituary: Kallas, Gust John

Age 80

Sun., May 27, 2012

KALLAS,
Gust John

Gust John Kallas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 in Veradale, Washington after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born on October 10, 1931 in Spokane, Washington to parents Grace and John Kalochristianikas (Kallas).

On December 26, 1955, he married the love of his life Kathleen “Kay” and they shared 56 years together.
Gust is survived by his wife Kay and five children: son Jim Kallas of Veradale, daughter Debby Kallas of La Quinta, CA, daughter Patty and Richard Caryl of Omak, son Tom Kallas of Wenatchee, and son Gust Kallas, Jr., of New York, NY.

He has four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren, Sara and Nick Pipkin and son Callen of Monitor, Crystal and Ian McLelland and son Dane of Spokane, Cami Caryl of Spokane, and Angela Caryl of Omak.

He has numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his sister Mary Stose of Veradale, and sister Francis Veit of Minneapolis, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother George Kallas, sister Evelyn Swanson, and sister Ana.
Gust graduated from EWU in 1955 with a BA degree in Education.

Gust was a teacher, coach, and athletic director in the Central Valley School District for 28 years.

He was the head Basketball coach at Greenacres Junior High School for 23 years where his teams won 13 championships (going undefeated four times) and had six second place finishes.

Gust retired from teaching in 1982.

He led the Freeman Scotties to the State B Basketball Tournament in 1987.

Gust was a horse racing enthusiast and owned several race horses.

Gust was a farmer and an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish.

He enjoyed spending his summers at Priest Lake with his family and friends.

He worked at the White Elephant in Spokane for more than 30 years.

In 1986, he helped his son Tom open a discount toy and sporting goods store in Wenatchee called “Hooked on Toys.”

Gust was a friend to all and will truly be missed.

The “Happy Greek” is smiling from heaven.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 304 S. Adams Road, Spokane Valley, Washington, 99216.

A Rosary will be held at 10:00 am preceding the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Arrangements entrusted to:

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