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John Fike

1944 - 2020

BORN

1944

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street

Lawrence, Kansas

John Fike Obituary

John David Fike, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Lecompton, Kansas on Saturday November 21, 2020, surrounded by family after an extended battle with lung cancer. Cremation is planned and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

John was the only child of Laverta (Graham) and Charles Fike. John grew up in and around Lawrence, Kansas. In the 1970's, opportunities in the booming oil fields had John moving to Caspar, Wyoming. Soon, he was introduced to dirt track flat track motorcycle racing which he loved and remained dedicated to racing clear into his 60's. He often told captivating stories of his racing experiences and the people he raced with. His loyalty to British made motorcycles, specifically BSA motorcycles, was evident throughout his racing years. As focused as he was on what he could do to make himself better at the sport, it was evident the sport had given back to him, enriching his life in the friendships made and the help that was selflessly supplied whenever needed. When the oil fields slowed down, John made his way back to the midwest and began working for Honda Motorsports as a mechanic on motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, and small engines. He worked in Topeka from the 1980's to 1991. Then he worked at the Honda shop in south Hutchinson from 1991 to 1998. He made it back to Lawrence and successfully started and ran his own business, John's ATV & Cycle, which was open until his retirement in 2018.

Both parents preceded John in death, as well as John's significant other and partner of 33 years, Patricia Lawson, by just six months. Surviving family includes stepdaughter Lori Kampfer (Martin Lamar) of Leawood, Kansas, granddaughter Ashley Kampfer (Olivia Brien) of Overland Park, Kansas, an aunt Marjorie Rocker of Lawrence, Kansas, and several cousins.

In honoring John Fike, you may make a donation in his name to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice or charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Dec. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fike

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3 Entries

Gary Welsh

November 1, 2021

I met John when I was 15 years old and worked as a Grunt (move motorcycles here and there and pretend to sweep the floors) at KAT Suzuki and initially was afraid of Lawrence's version of James Dean. What I would learn that John was a very generous person in spirit and deed and provide would many moments of hilarity from his nothing less that wild and intrepid soul. RIP John!

Mike Meuffels

December 6, 2020

I grew up around John in the 70's and 80's. Enjoyed every minute.

Good man!

Chip Howat

December 2, 2020

John drove me to my first race in 1973. An enjoyable trip that I will always remember. Thanks, in part to him, his advice and, most of all, his good humor, I raced for years. We didn't cross paths much after that but I have always remembered with fond memories that trip on a cold December weekend.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

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Memorial Events
for John Fike

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

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