Joseph Birrell

Joseph Denton Birrell passed away quietly on September 26th. He will be remembered for his laughter, his sense of wonder and desire to keep learning and exploring throughout his life.  He was a teacher, painter, gardener, chef, scientist, and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was born in Salt Lake City on December 23, 1928 to James Alexander Birrell and Nelma Elizabeth Holmes Birrell.  Joe, along with all 10 brothers, served our country in the military.  He enlisted in the Navy and fought in the Korean war. He attended the DU, Michigan State University, and completed his Masters degree at CU. He studied Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts before he made the transition to education.

He had a soft spot for animals and brought home more animals to his patient wife than his kids ever did.  He loved the Utah and Colorado mountains especially his beloved Longs Peak where he held the record for fastest ascent as well as joining the century club with over 100 climbs. He traveled to Kenya to climb Kilimanjaro with his daughter, Susan, and Arches National Park was a special place he shared with his oldest daughter Catherine.

He was introduced to Judith Ann Cary at the University of Denver where they found they would both be teaching at Rosedale elementary school.  They were married in 1965. They were blessed with a wonderful loving marriage and spent time traveling, caring for family and friends and enjoying all that Colorado had to offer.  Joe continued to teach for the Denver Public School system for the next 35 years, teaching at Rosedale, Washington Park and Gust Elementary school.

They had two daughters, his oldest daughter Catherine followed his love of teaching and his youngest daughter Susan followed his love of animals becoming a veterinarian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 13 of his siblings and daughter Catherine Ann Birrell McClellan.

He is survived by his wife Judy, his daughter Susan Stofft, son-in-law Jim Stofft, granddaughters Anna and Erin Stofft as well as brothers David, Lynn, and Larry Birrell.

A memorial service will be held at Horan & McConaty at 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard at 11 am on October 9th followed by internment at Ft Logan National Cemetery at 1pm.