Joseph Micheal Dwyer passed away at 4:55 MST, December 29, 2005, while surrounded by his family.
In July 2003, Joe Dwyer was diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Joe fought bravely and tirelessly with constant chemotherapy and radiation. He made himself available for numerous experimental treatments and became a pioneer for research in helping to find a cure for his disease. Through it all Joe remained the kind, fun-loving and gentle man his family and friends will always remember.
He was born in Leadville, Colorado on October 22, 1945. His parents were the late John and Margaret (Stark) Dwyer.
After graduating from Leadville High School in 1963, Joe went to C.S.U. in Fort Collins until he was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country in the Viet Nam conflict. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, Joe returned to Leadville.
On July 11, 1970 he married the former Mary Louise Champeau at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Park Hill. The marriage was officiated by Father Leo Smith.
Joe went to work for the Climax Molybdenum Mine, first as a data processor and then as a mainenance scheduler. He worked for Climax through it's various shutdowns and reopenings until the mine closed for the last time. Joe also worked as a technician for the IRIS Company doing interactive conferences. This job took Joe all over the world and he enjoyed it very much. On occasion Joe's nephews were able to travel with him and these trips were especially fun.
From 1993 to 1995, Joe owned and operated the restaurant "Mom's Place" in Leadville.
He was currently employed at Parkville Water for over 15 years. His last position was as general manager. When Parkville needed a larger place, Joe was the impetus that got them into their new building. He continued to work there until his health would no longer permit and in December of 2005 Joe made his last trip to the Water Company where he was able to see the office they were holding for him.
Joe was a collector of many things, especially coins, old mining paraphernalia and antique tools. He could fix anything and loved the many camping trips on the family's 1880s mining claim.
Thoughh he lived nowhere near the ocean, Joe loved sailing. His family describes him as a "Land-Locked Sailor." Joe was also a powerful skier and biker having ridden in the Ride the Rockies Bike Tour several times. He was devoted to his family and was never happier than when he was doing something with them.
Joe Dwyer was a Past Exaulted Ruler of the Leadville B.P.O.E. #236 and was also a member of the local V.F.W.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, 1 son, Matthew who died as an infant and his step-father, Edward Hasty, who raised Joe from the age of 8. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, in Leadville, 2 children Correen (Michael) Martinez, in Greeley and Michael Dwyer, in Thornton, grandchildren, Christopher & Matthew Martinez, 3 sisters, Rose Marie (Don) Champeau, in Gainsville, GA, Margy (Virgil) Silver, in Alameda, CA and Kathy (Jim) Achatz, in Buena Vista, 2 brothers, Jack (Mary) Dwyer, in Denver and Dennis (Sharon) Hasty, in Leadville. Joe is also survived by nieces and nephews, Keith (Lisa) Champeau, Kieran (Lydia Ann) Champeau, Andrew (Cornel) Champeau, John (Patty) Dwyer, Ginny Dwyer and her son, Jordan, Tom (Kendra) Dwyer and son, Aidan, Stacey and Ted Achatz, Paul (Brandi) Hasty and their children Carolyn and Garrett and Shannon Hasty.
A viewing will be held Sunday, Junuary 1 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Bailey Funeral Home
A rosary is planned for Sunday, January 1 at 7:00pm at Annunciation Catholic Church
The funeral will be Monday, January 2 at 10:00am at Annunciation Catholic Church
Burial will follow at the Elks Rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Leadville, Colorado.
A reception will be held at the Elks Lodge #236 in Leadville, Colorado, following.
Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Joe's name to
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
1609 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
http://www.marf.org/
Your tributes may be viewed at MARF's Tribute Page
The PO Box address listed in the paper is also valid.
We thank you for your tremendous support, and greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.