Wilbur ""John"" Betz

Wilbur ""John"" Betz, 89, of Denver, Colorado, lost his long battle with Alzheimer's on December 26, 2016, at Sunrise Cherry Creek. John was born in Butler, Missouri, in 1927, the son of Levi and Birdie Mae Betz. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, his children, David and Krista, and his step-children, Nancy, Bill, and Kenny, and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Helen, daughter Lisa, brothers Merle and Ronald, sister-in-law Jean, and nephew Ron. John was the Director of Transportation for Coors Brewery for many years. John had a passion for education and teaching. He taught classes and conducted seminars on transportation logistics for many years at Emily Griffith School, Colorado University, and the University of Wisconsin. John was a member of the Denver Transportation Club and held several positions on the Board. He co-founded Operation Stimulus in 1982 with his good friend C.D. Brown, which still today is an annual educational event of the Denver Transportation Club. He received numerous awards for his dedication to transportation education. He served as an expert witness in several transportation legal matters and enjoyed many friendships in both the legal and transportation communities. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, reading, and cheering on the Broncos. John was a dedicated husband, father, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Service is Sat. Jan. 21 at 11AM, Cherry Creek Presbyterian, 10150 E Belleview Ave, Greenwood Village. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a gift be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203 (alz.org); or, The Denver Hospice Administration, 501 S. Cherry St., Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246 (denverhospice.org). Please share condolences by signing the guestbook at the link below.