John E Maze 1942-2023
John Maze, a loving husband, a caring father, and a doting grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family on June 1st 2023, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 81. John was born to Orville and Emily Maze on March 25, 1942, in Glendive, Montana. He spent his early years in Circle, Montana. As a teenager, his family moved often to pursue road construction projects in many different locations throughout Montana and Wyoming.
John made a significant decision to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1961 and was most proud of becoming a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He served his country until 1964 and soon after was employed as a police officer and later as a heavy equipment operator. During this time, John obtained his pilot’s license; he even flew to San Francisco to bring his future wife back to Montana. On July 4th 1969, he married Bonnie Vejtasa in Billings, Montana. They left shortly after their wedding to move to southern California.
While living in Sunset Beach, John started a water truck company that serviced construction development sites in Orange County. Opting for change, in 1972, they traveled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in their camper truck with their German Shepherd, Garth.
Following this adventure, they moved back to Montana where John continued work in road construction. Ultimately, John and Bonnie’s travels led them to reside in Red Lodge, Montana, from 1973 to 1991. Throughout these years, his occupations included equipment operator, union representative for the Operating Engineers, and maintenance operator for the Montana Highway Department. In 1975 John and Bonnie’s son, Matthew, was born in Billings and their daughter, Melinda, was born in Red Lodge in 1978. The birth of their children was a huge milestone and kept John and Bonnie involved with Silver Run Ski Team events and multiple school activities. In Red Lodge, John was also an energetic community member participating with BPOE, American Legion, Red Lodge rodeo, and St. Agnes church council.
A major transition took place for the family in 1991 when they relocated from Red Lodge to Helena, Montana, where John and Bonnie continued to live until 2008. While in Helena, John worked as a union representative for AFSCME and, when he retired, he was employed by the City of Helena public works. He could often be found on his boat, usually with his cousin Mike, cruising one of the numerous lakes around Helena – typically Hauser Lake. He enjoyed taking his family and friends on rides and got a particular thrill dumping them from their skis or float tube.
Upon their children graduating college and starting families of their own, John and Bonnie decided it was time to explore once again. This time they built a home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. In order to escape yardwork and snow, John wanted to move to a place “so hot that chickens didn’t have feathers.” Instead, he spent his time watering rocks, spraying for weeds, and chasing bougainvillea leaves. John loved soaking in the Arizona desert sun in the afternoons.
One of his greatest joys was visiting his son and daughter and their families to share in their activities. Each year he would meticulously pack his truck and make at least one road trip back to Montana, and his kids would visit in Arizona whenever they could. John cherished his family of friends – those, such as the Vejtasa brothers, who were in his life and created so many memories. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, riding snowmobiles and horses in the Beartooth Mountains, volunteering with the American Legion, watching NASCAR, working on his vehicles, and sharing all these good times with his family and close friends. Not being Italian never deterred him from learning to make red wine, pork sausage, and bagna cauda. No matter the occasion you could always find John telling an entertaining story, pouring a strong drink, and then overcooking a steak.
He is preceded in death by his father Orville and mother Emily and all four siblings Orville “Bid”, Mary, Collette, and Valerian “Val”. John is survived by his immediate family: wife Bonnie, son Matt Maze, daughter Melinda Talarico (Jimmy) and grandchildren Aidan Maze, Braden Talarico, and Naya Talarico. He is also survived by cousin Mike Cuta and niece Teresa Fischer who were a continuous presence in his life.
The family plans on a military service for John in the summer of 2024. Dates are pending but information will be provided. In the meantime, to remember John, go out of your way to help someone, drive the Beartooth Highway, wash and detail your truck before a rainstorm, and when 3:00 PM rolls around, sip on an Especial margarita on the rocks.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Marty Vejtasa says
That is a great obit. He not only was my brother in law; he was more like a big brother also. We had so many good time I won’t begin to pick one to tell. Just know we had lots of fun and did get into a little trouble every once in a while but WTH are brothers to do. He was my friend and will be missed by many.
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Sending prayers to the family during this most difficult time
Sonia Boyd. says
John and Bonnie have been my best friends forever. It’s hard to believe that John is gone I loved him so much he was a best friend. We lived in the same condo association in Helena where we became very good friends. We were like sisters and brother we cared about each other so much and Matt and Melinda were most darling children . John and Bonnie were very good parents I admire them and their children. Then we both ended up in Lake Havasu city imagine that it’s been so wonderful being close to them and enjoying each other and those good margaritas. I love you Bonnie we will forever be best friends . God is with you Bonnie he is in control. I love you so much honey Sonia.
Mike Cuta says
Well, John. I found our 30 days sticker from the last boat we bought. I was going to surprise you by taping it up in the back window of your truck when you weren’t looking. I didn’t get the chance though. There were a lot of good times in that boat. One that sticks out was when you, Pete, and I put on ski vests and floated around out in the middle of Hauser Lake drinking margaritas. The only thing that kept us halfway sober was the fact that whoever finished theirs first had to swim to wherever the boat had drifted to, make a new batch for everybody, and bring the boat back.
I remember when you had the graphics of the pair of dice put on the back of the boat with five dots on each one of the dice showing. You asked me what I thought about it. I thought it was very cool. Yes, that boat was a 10, just like its captain!!
Love and miss you, Cuz.
Thomas Boyd says
Where do you start when remembering a man like John Maze? For me, it’s easy…John truly exemplified what friendship is. John would do anything for you, at anytime and anywhere. Now that was definitely a good thing because John knew how to do just about everything! I first met John in Helena along in 1998. John and Bonnie were best friends and neighbors with (now) my wife Sonia. In short order John and I became great friends and shared so many wonderful times, first in Helena and later in Lake Havasu City, AZ. John was like the big brother I never had, but always wanted (and needed!). It didn’t matter if it was talking about firearms, actually going shooting, talking politics, fixing or improving on something or drinking one his GREAT Margarita’s, it was always the best fun ever. John Maze is a man who will be remembered by so many and forgotten by none.
With much sadness at your passing, we say goodbye, but only for a while until we meet again in a much better place. It is with far greater joy for having known you that we celebrate your amazing life. Job well done and a life well lived…may you rest in peace dear friend.
Nick Kosorok says
To the family of John. I was saddened at the news of his passing. It’s been a long time since I’ve run across any
of the Maze family and almost as long since I worked with him at the State of Montana. After all those years I still
have fond memories. He was with me the day a rock slide on the Beartooth Pass nearly buried me at Knox Point.
We spent 10 hrs reopening the road that day. What ticked John off the most is that it happened on a Friday! It was 3 months later I retired early so to speak. So,may the humor and kindness carry you passed these troubled times.
Take care, Nick Kosorok
David Joanne Rokosky says
David and I are so saddened by this loss. We both have so many memories of John, spanning decades. For me, those memories began early in my long-term friendship with Bonnie. Beginning in college, or perhaps even in high school, I remember Bonnie talking excitedly of the dashing and handsome paratrooper who was returning from the service. When Bonnie and I moved to San Francisco, I remember John first coming to visit and later flying a small plane there to retrieve his bride-to-be. Then ensued visits interspersed over many years, in various locations. While David and I lived briefly in Billings, John invited David to hunt with him, and I remember us carefully preparing venison for the freezer under John’s tutelage. Subsequently there were visits to Colstrip, Red Lodge, Helena, and Lake Havasu, as well as Bonnie and John’s visit to see us in Seattle. John was always welcoming and gracious, margaritas and all!
John’s devotion to his family and pride in his children was always very clear. We know that he will be deeply missed by so many. Our hope is that cherished memories provide some comfort during this difficult time.
With our love, Joanne and David Rokosky
Dick and Mary Johnson says
We would like to send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Dick and I will always remember our cocktail hour in LHC. John made great margaritas!!! May John rest in peace.
Joe Carter says
Bonnie, Matt and Melinda so sad and sorry to hear of John’s passing. Having the honors of working with John during the late 90’s, with the City of Helena Street dept. we had some very good times. John and I worked the night shift for several winters. some nights we were busy but, a lot of nights we had to go find the snow storm. We would drive to Wolf Creek, and then to the top of MacDonald Pass, Boulder Hill and Winston looking for the storm. Some nights we would drink coffee at Country Kitchen for hours. We always had to be careful of our sneaky Supervisor. We still managed to get our job done before the sun rises. John was like a big brother to me. I saw John out at the VA just this last spring. I heard his voice as he was talking to a nurse, and I thought, uh that sounds like John Maze. Sure enough, it was. Now I see his obituary, so sad. Rest In Peace my good friend!