H.A. Appleby

Hubert "H.A." Arthur Appleby, a radiant and joyful soul who touched the lives of all who knew him, departed this world on November 26, 2023, surrounded by the warmth of family and loved ones. Born on December 8, 1950, in Denver, CO, H.A. was a beacon of joy whose spirit continues to shine through the memories he leaves behind and the unforgettable sound of his booming laughter.

H.A. shared a journey of love and companionship with his beloved late wife, Karen Kay Phipps, whom he married on October 24, 1981. Together, they created a home filled with love and laughter, raising two wonderful children before Karen's passing in 2004. Family was at the center of H.A.'s world. Whether gathered for holidays, celebrations, camping trips to the lake, or lazy afternoons on the porch, his heart overflowed with love for those he held dear. He was deeply proud of his family, something that was so evident with every embrace we had with him. H.A. is survived by his children, Holly Appleby, Corey Appleby and wife Racheal, and Laci Brown, two grandchildren, Destini Brown and Dylan Hayner. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Sandy Terhark and husband Scott, nephew Lincoln Terhark and wife Marnie, niece Brandi Carmickle and husband Randy, 4 grandnieces, Summer Preston and husband Alex, Bree Terhark, Tawni Terhark and Bella Terhark, grandnephew Tucker Carmickle, great grandniece Atlas Preston, and a multitude of cousins, “adopted children and grandchildren”.

His deep love for life was contagious, his smile a radiant testament to the happiness he found in every moment. H.A.'s heart, pure gold, endeared him to all who crossed his path. His kindness, humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand defined the essence of his character. The great outdoors held a special place in H.A.'s heart; from mountainside adventures to ATV rides with his family, fishing excursions, boating trips, and spirited days at the shooting range with his newest firearm, he embraced the beauty of being outside. H.A. also appreciated the simple joy of moments at home, whether mowing his “back 40” on his riding lawn mower or enjoying a beer and chatting about life with friends and loved ones on the porch.

H.A. had a passion for collecting artifacts from the WWII era, each piece carefully sought after telling a story that added depth to his cherished collection. His hands were skilled in the art of creation, from bookcases to display cases; if he needed it, he would build it. A proud co-founder of Carpenters Service in 1975 alongside his lifelong friend Randy Adams, H.A. dedicated 42 years to building not only a successful business but also a lasting friendship. Randy came over every morning to enjoy coffee with H.A. while they discussed their agenda for the day- a daily ritual of friendship and coffee that continued every morning even after retirement in 2017. H.A. and Randy shared a lot of life together, between the business they built, a beautiful shared mountain home, and the joy of raising their families together.

H.A. is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Karen Appleby (Phipps), father Cecil Appleby, mother Wilma Appleby (Ingels), and brother Gary Appleby.

A visitation to celebrate H.A.'s life will be held on December 6 at 4 pm at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, located at 7577 W. 80th Ave, Arvada, Colorado 80003. The celebration of his remarkable life will take place in 2024, a fitting tribute to a man who made every moment count.