Joe Benton Riddle

Joe Benton Riddle, 83 of Boulder, CO passed away February 4 in Northglenn. Joe was born November 2, 1933 to Ray and Lilian Riddle and had one sibling - his late brother Bob. Joe graduated from Boulder High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Colorado in 1959. He received a Masters in Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado in 1972. Devoted husband and father of six is survived by his loving wife Kay; children Steve (Kitty), Jeff (Lauren), Barry (Suzette), Joy (Mike Lontine), Chuck (Trish), Marty (Abbey); 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and one of his great joys was leading raft trips for groups of friends and family. These trips were an opportunity to share his appreciation for nature and the conservation of its beauty. He enjoyed gardening and had a knack for landscape design. He was a sportsman and loved golf, tennis and racquetball. He enjoyed Broncos football and was a season ticket holder for CU Buffaloes football and the Colorado Rockies. Baseball was a passion and he shared this with his family and community as a player, coach and umpire. One of his greatest, most selfless legacies was as the family photographer. His dedication behind the camera will survive for generations and he took great care framing shots of special events. He burned miles of 8mm film and was always behind the camera - so much so, that finding pictures of him was no small task. Joe was a talented artist and did amazing work with caricatures and wood carvings. He created the ""Leisure Duck"" logo and used it as an effective marketing campaign encouraging people to get involved in recreation programs and get outdoors. Colorado Parks and Recreation Association affiliations: • Past President, 1972 - Treasurer, 1968 and Secretary, 1969 • Danford Memorial Scholarship recipient for graduate Study, 1968 • Distinguished Fellow Award, 1977 A gentle, compassionate man that loved to laugh. He will be missed beyond measure. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 4 - 4:OO PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel. 9998 Grant St., Thornton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer's Research or local Hospice Care Please share memories & condolences with Joe's family by visiting the guestbook below.