Earl Barrett Elkins

A Life of Service, Adventure, and Endless Laughter 

Earl Barrett Elkins, a man of great humor, unwavering dedication, and a love for life’s simple joys, passed away on January 4, 2025 at the age of 72 after a brief battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Known for his quick wit, endless puns, and knack for a good dad joke, Earl brightened every room he entered.

Born on April 22, 1952 in Hartford, CT Earl lived a life filled with love, service, and adventure. For over 35 years, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Coventry, CT, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. Earl was a steadfast presence in his community, always ready to lend a hand and make a difference.

In his professional life, Earl was a construction supervisor who took pride in “keeping everyone on the level.” His hard work and integrity earned him respect from all who worked alongside him.

Earl’s passions extended far beyond his work. He enjoyed photographing birds and amazing scenery, capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. He could often be found driving 4-wheel-drive trails to discover scenic views, visiting the buffalo and birds at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, walking the paths around Lake Arbor in Arvada, or embarking on new adventures with a camera in hand and a smile on his face.

Earl’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his children: son, Ken and daughter-in-law Steff, daughter, Sadie and daughter-in-law Lynn, and daughter, Isis; his grandchildren, Ayla, Zia, and Zaiden; brothers, Karl and sister-in-law Margie, and brother, Scott, who will carry forward his legacy of love, humor, and a spirit of adventure. Whether he was sharing a heartfelt conversation or a perfectly timed pun that left everyone rolling their eyes, Earl had a unique way of making everyone feel valued and cherished. He was the kind of man who could turn a simple moment into a cherished memory with just a clever quip or a groan-worthy punchline.

His humor was his superpower, and he used it generously, leaving a legacy of smiles and laughter.

Earl’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11th at 11am at Horan & McConaty (7577 W 80th Ave Arvada, CO 80003), where friends and family will gather to honor his memory, share stories, and, fittingly, tell a few dad jokes in his honor, and pay tribute to a man who gave so much to so many. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a laugh, tell a joke, or donate to the Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges in Earl’s memory. As Earl would say, “Why did the cow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.” May we all strive to be as outstanding as Earl was.