John W. Bettridge

John Bettridge, 93, passed away peacefully the morning of July 5th at Holy Heights Care Center in Denver, Co. John was the grandson of Irish immigrants and the son of Albert J. Bettridge and Martha S. Bettridge (Winn). John grow-up in the area of Denver that is now known as Cherry Creek North. He attended the Denver Public School system. In June of 1943 John was called to service his country and was drafted into the U.S. Army. His military service began with his induction at Fort Logan Military Fort in Denver. He was trained for the Artillery and Infantry and saw active duty in Germany. He served in WWII until he was honorably discharged in June of 1946 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his service in WWII, John returned to Denver where he completed his High School education earning his GED through Denver Opportunity School. He then went on to do post secondary work through Capital Radio Engineering Institute in Washington D.C. After Engineering School, John again returned to Denver working for the Denver Traffic Engineering department, until he was called back into service for the Korean War in September of 1950. During his second stint of military duty, John trained troops for oversea deployment. Returning from the Korean War, John took a position with Honeywell Corp. and resided in Billings Montana, where he managed the local office. While living in Billings, John met Joyce Shoop. They were married in September of 1955 and, shortly thereafter, moved to Denver where they raised their three children: John, Char, and Mark. At this time John W. also started his own commercial heating and cooling business, Bettco. Bettco was instrumental in developing and installing the heating and cooling systems for the University of Colorado Medical Center, several of the Denver Public Schools, and many local greenhouses. After retiring, John continued to be active throughout his life enjoying and playing music, painting, and researching his genealogy. His innate curiosity and inquisitive mind lead him to research and share many subjects. He was quick witted, warm hearted and always had a joke. He adored his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. John is survived by his three children and their families: son John A. Bettridge and wife Beth, his grandson John T. and his wife Kelsey, his granddaughter Sarah and great grandchildren Iris, Derrick, and Jaxson; daughter Charlotte Bettridge; son Mark Bettridge and wife Christine, his granddaughter Katie and his great grandson Connor, his granddaughter Emily and husband Matt and great grandchildren Mason, Logan, and Evelyn. With heartfelt gratitude, the family wishes to thank all of those who helped care for and enrich John’s life during his final days. Memorial Services for John will be held in private at a later date. Please share memories and condolences with the family below.