Dr. Joel B. Gonzales

When the spotlight goes cold, and the curtains come down

The chairs are all stacked, and there's no one around

And nobody's paying, we'll still be playing

I don't wanna be a one man band

I don't wanna be a rolling stone alone. – Old Dominion

Dr. Joel B. Gonzales passed away suddenly and all too soon at age 58 on Friday, October 25, 2024 in Jefferson County, Colorado. An exceptional surgeon, loyal friend, skilled athlete, and dedicated family man, he led a full and joyous life rich with meaning and connection. 

Born August 23, 1966 in Washington, DC, Joel grew up in Northern Virginia, surrounded by a large and adoring Filipino family. He loved spending time with his sister Maria and brother Ruben as well as his many cousins who were as close as siblings. Joel’s adventurous, fun-loving spirit was immediately evident. 

Joel attended the University of Virginia for his undergraduate studies. After finishing his pre-med courses, he majored in art history, sparking his lifelong love of the French impressionists. In Charlottesville, Joel continued to widen his circle of close and lifelong friends and also met his first wife and the mother of his four children. For medical school, Joel enrolled at George Washington University, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical honor society. 

He next completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania, and a year of medical research as well, so that he could spend more time at home when his eldest daughter Anna was born. Rock-climbing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle were just some of the characteristically athletic thrills Joel pursued while living in Philadelphia.  

Joel next relocated to Richmond, where he conducted a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy and successfully passed his medical boards. Following his fellowship at Orthopedic Research of Virginia, Joel’s surgical skills, sterling work ethic, and charming, gregarious personality resulted in a permanent role. 

Humble and compassionate, Joel dedicated himself to helping others and continuing to grow as a surgeon and businessman. In 2001, he joined Orthopedic Associates in Denver, Colorado. He later became a partner in the practice, and cared for the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. He enabled thousands of people to continue enjoying athletic lives. Joel was an exceptional surgeon, and even outside of the operating room, his patients were grateful for his cheerful, helpful explanations and felt he always had time to listen to their questions. With patience, kindness, and good humor, he cared for more than simply his patients’ joints and bodies but for them as people, too.

More than a brilliant surgeon, Joel was a deeply loyal friend who served as the connector of a broad group. His sense of humor was legendary, and the pleasure he took in repeating jokes and teasing his friends and family lit up their lives as he shared his infectious laugh and irrepressible “electric chicken” energy. He lived a full life as he pursued his passions: road cycling, mountain biking, skiing, golfing, playing roller and ice hockey, boating, and fishing for halibut and salmon. 

In 2016, Joel’s life became even fuller when he and Kimberley’s relationship unexpectedly transitioned from friendship to more. Joel took pride in partnering with Kimberley to raise their large combined family. They wed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Joel pursued his love of travel and relaxation near and far, as he shared the places he loved with Kimberley and others closest to him. His family and friends remember joyfully his affection for floating with them in pools and oceans, monitoring Kimberley’s sun exposure, and playing the card game Hearts on these vacations. Joel’s enthusiasm for good food was always on full display when he vacationed. Most recently, Joel and Kimberley enjoyed cycling vacations in Croatia and Spain and long weekends in Mexico, Aspen, and Eagle County with their closest friends and family. Joel never wanted to experience things only for himself but always hoped to connect others and ignite their passions and joys, too. 

Joel is survived by his four children Anna, Sophie, Julia, and Alex Gonzales, his wife Kimberley Dempster, his three step-children Rowan, Holden, and Margot Neilio, his sister Maria Gonzales and brother-in-law Jim Stepka, his brother Ruben Gonzales and nephew Layne Sipos, his daughter-in-law Anna LaSala-Goettler, his parents Drs. Purita and Manuel Gonzales, and countless extended family members, friends, colleagues, and patients who will miss him dearly and whose lives he made immeasurably better.  

In memory of Joel, please consider making a donation to Lucky to Ride: https://givebutter.com/Joel_Gonzales

A celebration of Joel’s life will be held at a date and location to be determined. Please continue to visit this site for updated information.