There are certain people who make the world a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little lighter. Joe was one of those people. Words don’t seem adequate in describing the impact he had though I’ll try.

Joe was optimistic, thoughtful, clever, and dedicated. He could learn and do anything that he put his mind to. He loved to cook and he was phenomenal at it; he was constantly watching videos to find a new recipe or technique (our family was spoiled every year when the Rymski brothers cooked Thanksgiving dinner). Joe loved his vehicles (plural, of course) and he loved his rides with Peak to Peak. He was happiest outside, particularly at the beach, and he loved the warmth of summer and its long days.

Joe was an extrovert (though he didn’t realize it until last year) and he loved to be with his friends and family. He also loved being a dog dad and was completely wrapped around the paws of his girls. Joe loved his career at CSU- it was a source of great pride and his team in Web were his chosen family. He loved watching standup and would cry when he laughed too hard. He was meticulous and a project was never complete until the level had been brought out to ensure it was exact.

Joe – you were funny (it is literally now memorialized that you were right and I was wrong).

Joe was also not perfect, though none of us are. Every project needed to account for the Rymski factor, which added anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days of additional time. He snored. He refused to wake up until he had hit the snooze button 10 times. He detested being cold yet insisted on wearing shorts, even while shoveling snow. He wore a watch and yet always was caught off guard by how late it was. He swore, loudly and in public. He had absolutely no self-control when it came to Sour Skittles or SweeTARTS.

Joe cared for everyone else with his entire heart so much that he put himself last when he deserved to put himself first. While COVID brought some of us peace, it brought Joe many demons.

Without him, the world has become a little darker, a little harder, and lot heavier.

In lieu of flowers, consider doing any of the following:
• Reach out to friend you haven’t talked to and meet them for coffee.
• Go for a walk, especially with a dog.
• Find a new recipe and cook a fabulous meal.
• Watch some standup and laugh until you cry.
• Do a project around the house or on your car.
• Help someone you know (or someone you don’t).
• Eat a pack of Sour Skittles or SweeTARTS.

If you do all of these and it’s still not enough, consider a donation to an animal rescue of your choice or give cash donations to the TLC Fund at Countryside Animal Hospital in Joe’s name. The Countryside TLC Fund supports families who struggle to afford veterinary care.

Address: Countryside Animal Hospital, 3820 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80525

With hearts that knew his love and which are broken now with his loss,
Megan, Dan, Mageen, Darius, Ahlanna, Gracie, Sadie, Indigo, Doug, Louise, Darrell, Debbie, and Anthony.