Oct. 21, 1967 - Nov. 23, 2015
Anthony “Tony” Patrick Klenakis, Jr., 48, of Fallon, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 23, 2015. Tony was born in Reno, NV on October 21, 1967 to Tony and Norma Klenakis. Tony grew up in Fallon but spent many summers in Boise, Idaho where his dad owned a thoroughbred racing stable. This unique opportunity allowed Tony the opportunity to learn hard work, ethics and the ability to meet and befriend anybody. While in Boise he started his first business—making whips for the jockeys. He attended school in Fallon graduating from Churchill County High School in 1986 and went on to receive several degrees while attending Universal Technical Institute, University of Nevada at Las Vegas and Western Nevada Community College. Tony never met a stranger. Tony loved to meet and listen to people’s stories all of which he remembered. Tony was known for his quick smile, hearty laugh, generous spirit, and caring heart. He was a true and loyal friend, willing to lend a hand or ear to anybody who needed it. God gave Tony a giving and compassionate heart toward others. He did so many things for others, often without them knowing who their benefactor was—just the way he wanted it. He was often heard saying, “Pay a compliment and don’t expect a receipt.” People came to him with all manner of situations. Tony never saw a problem—he only saw opportunities to learn, grow and help. If he did not know the answer, he would dedicate countless hours to learn all he could on a subject and come back with a plausible answer or solution. He would store that information in his amazing memory and be able to help others in the future. He derived such joy in being able to use his vast talents and knowledge to help anybody with anything and never expect anything in return. Tony always had an eye for detail and never took shortcuts—a trait he had throughout life, so whether he was building a house, a piece of furniture, an engine or painting a vehicle—he did it with pride, dedication and love. As Tony grew up in the community, he participated in many groups and clubs such as Pop Warner football, little league wrestling, he participated in Rendezvous groups and various shooting clubs. He was active in Student Body and one of the founding members of the local SADD chapter and as Senior Class President organized the Senior trip to Hawaii. In high school he wrestled on the Varsity team for 3 years and played all 4 years of football—culminating his senior year as one of the co-captains on the ’85 football team—all of whom he considered brothers. Tony loved Fallon and was proud to represent it as he worked for the school district for many years in several different capacities. He started out as a teacher’s aide and worked in the vocational department working with a variety of students, and those with special needs being his pride as he taught them life and work skills that they could take anywhere and have pride in. As the years went on Tony transitioned into the maintenance department where he took great pride in caring for the physical buildings making sure that the children of our community always had a safe experience at school. He also owned/ran an earthmoving business and a locksmithing business for several years. His other great passion in life was serving on the Churchill Fallon Volunteer Fire Department. Although he wanted to join at 18, he bided his time until he was 21. He was nurtured and mentored by so many men of the “old guard” (on the department and in life). Throughout the years, he dedicated himself to become the best fireman he could. He went to training symposiums around North America to learn what he could and come back and share it with others and later was often invited to go and teach other fire departments and groups. In September 2001 he proudly represented Fallon and served his country by going to New York City and worked with men and women from around the world to do what they could to help at what became known as Ground Zero. He later said that it was “the worst and best experience of his life”—the loss of life and destruction were overwhelming; however, millions of people coming together to do what they could to help and ease the pain of others encouraged his heart. While Tony became sick soon after, he never lost his heart to help others. Tony loved music and movies and often could be heard singing or quoting a movie line—in character. Tony was a gifted writer and was invited to write for several fire industry magazines. Tony is preceded in death by grandparents, Clyde and Velda Sheley, Christos and Lucille Klenakis, Stewart Ward and nephew Antaeus Klenakis. Tony is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Kim, his parents, brother, Chris (Louise), grandmother, Mildred Ward, father and mother-in-law Ron and Nancy Ward, brother-in-law, Tim, nieces and nephews Briana, Madelynn, Kurtis, Nikos, Lucy, Bailey, Jonathan, Matthew, Mark and Elizabeth, great-nephew and niece Victor and Adalynn, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends. Per Tony’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Ronald McDonald House, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Churchill County Museum.
