Our beloved patriarch, Joe Beebe, passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2021. Joe would like you to know he had a great life full of simple pleasures, grand adventures and so much love. His work here on earth is now complete. No longer in pain, in body or mind, he is off enjoying his well-earned reunion and rest with family and friends who have patiently awaited his arrival for many years. His memory will truly be our eternal blessing.
Joe was born on April5, 1938, in Newark, NJ, to Gertrude and Frank. In what he always described as his best decision, he married MaryEllen on June 25, 1966.
One of their grandest adventures was relocating to Colorado in 1977. They traveled cross country with 3 kids, a dog, and a fierce determination to build a home with the Colorado Rockies as their backyard and playground. Joe was an engineer and an auto mechanic but was most passionate about the environment. He dedicated the majority of his career to research in vehicle emissions and clean air. He converted his home to solar, commuted by bicycle for 32 years to his job at Colorado State University and was committed to recycling and re-using. He believed strongly that each act of giving or doing, no matter how small, made an impact.
His love of travel and meeting new people from around the world was vast. He summited Mt. Kilimanjaro for his 70th birthday, watched the sunrise over Mt Everest, drank a Jameson’s after glacier hiking in Patagonia, and worked collaboratively with fellow environmentalists in England for many years. While lucky enough to have visited six continents, Joe was always happiest exploring his home state. He saw most of Colorado from the seat of his bike or in his hiking boots, cycling in 15 Ride the Rockies bicycle tours and climbing several of Colorado’s fourteeners. He loved to learn, offered the best advice and was quick to laugh. He was always up for anything, especially if it involved wings and a game (Go Rockies, Go Rapids, Go Broncos, Go Rams, Go Buffs), a picnic and swim at Lake Loveland, watching his grandson triple-jump and even indulging in the occasional pedicure. Joe lived life most determinedly on his terms.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife MaryEllen, his son-in-law Jason, and his parents. An original “girl dad,” he is survived by his three daughters Deborah Beebe, Judy Lenz (Jason) and Susan Sharp (Rick); his adored grandson Kyle Lenz; his two brothers Dennis Beebe (Christine) and Jim Beebe (Pam), and so many family and friends too numerous to mention.
Due to the ongoing pandemic there will be no public memorial at this time. Instead, we humbly ask that you celebrate Joe’s life by doing something that feeds your soul or is in service to others: take a swim, a bike ride or a hike; hoist a pint (or two); donate blood; get vaccinated; sing a song; spend time with those you love and those who love you back. Take a moment to be kind, lend a hand, say hello, enjoy the sun, create and savor an idyllic day. Remember we are all in this together. Laugh often. Love unconditionally.
Dad, we’re going to keep it going. Until we meet again.
