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Joseph Michael Dwyer

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Joseph Michael Dwyer

Birth
Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, USA
Death
29 Dec 2005 (aged 60)
Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, USA
Burial
Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Joseph Micheal Dwyer
October 22, 1945 - December 29, 2005

Joseph Micheal Dwyer died Thursday, Dec. 29, surrounded by his family at his home in Leadville. He was born in Leadville on Oct. 22, 1945. His parents were the late John and Margaret (Stark) Dwyer. After graduating from Leadville High School in 1963, Dwyer went to CSU in Ft. Collins until he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country in the Vietnam conflict. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Dwyer returned to Leadville. On July 11, 1970, he married the former Mary Louise Champeau at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Park Hill. The marriage was officiated by Father Leo Smith.

Dwyer went to work for the Climax Molybdenum Mine, first as a data processor and then as a maintenance scheduler. He worked for Climax through its various shutdowns and reopenings until the mine closed for the last time. Dwyer also worked as a technician for the IRIS Company doing interactive conferences. This job took Dwyer all over the world and he enjoyed it very much. On occasion Dwyer's nephews were able to travel with him and these trips were especially fun. From 1993 to 1995, Dwyer owned and operated the restaurant "Mom's Place" in Leadville. He was employed at Parkville Water for over 15 years. His last position was as general manager.

When Parkville needed a larger place, Dwyer was the impetus that got them into their new building. He continued to work there until his health would no longer permit and in December Dwyer made his last trip to the water company where he was able to see the office they were holding for him. Dwyer was a collector of many things, especially coins, old mining paraphernalia and antique tools. He could fix anything and loved the many camping trips on the family's 1880 mining claim. Though he lived nowhere near the ocean, Dwyer loved sailing. His family describes him as a "land-locked sailor."

Dwyer was also a powerful skier and biker having ridden in the Ride the Rockies Bike Tour several times. He was devoted to his family and was never happier than when he was doing something with them. Dwyer was a past Exaulted Ruler of the Leadville B.P.O.E. #236 and was also a member of the local V.F.W. In July 2003, Joe Dwyer was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He fought bravely and tirelessly with constant chemotherapy and radiation. He made himself available for numerous experimental treatments and became a pioneer for research in helping to find a cure for his disease.

Through it all, Dwyer remained the kind, fun-loving and gentle man his family and friends will always remember.

Dwyer is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, one son, Matthew who died as an infant and his stepfather, Edward Hasty, who raised Dwyer from the age of 8.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou in Leadville, two children Correen (Michael) Martinez in Greeley and Michael Dwyer in Thornton. He is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Martinez; three sisters, Rose Marie (Don) Champeau in Gainsville, Ga., Margy (Virgil) Silver in Alameda, Calif. and Kathy (Jim) Achatz in Buena Vista; two brothers, Jack (Mary) Dwyer in Denver and Dennis (Sharon) Hasty in Leadville. Dwyer is also survived by nieces and nephews, Keith (Lisa) Champeau, Kieran (Lydia Ann) Champeau, Andrew (Cornel) Champeau, John (Patty) Dwyer, Ginny Dwyer and her son, Jordan, Tom (Kendra) Dwyer and son, Aidan, Stacey and Ted Achatz, Paul (Brandi) Hasty and their children Carolyn and Garrett and Shannon Hasty.

The Rosary was recited on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, Jan. 2 at 10a.m., both at Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville. Father Leo Smith officiated and Joan Dawson sang accompanied by Neil V. Reynolds. Dwyer was laid to rest in Elks Rest Cemetery with Military Honors by Ft. Carson Army Base and committal services by officers of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #236.

Pallbearers were Keith, Kieran and Andrew Champeau, and John, Tom and Jordan Dwyer. Following the interment, a reception was held at the Leadville Elks Lodge. Arrangement were handled by Bailey Funeral Home. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Dwyer's name to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1123 Chapala St., Suite 200, P.O. Box 91840, Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1840.
Joseph Micheal Dwyer
October 22, 1945 - December 29, 2005

Joseph Micheal Dwyer died Thursday, Dec. 29, surrounded by his family at his home in Leadville. He was born in Leadville on Oct. 22, 1945. His parents were the late John and Margaret (Stark) Dwyer. After graduating from Leadville High School in 1963, Dwyer went to CSU in Ft. Collins until he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country in the Vietnam conflict. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Dwyer returned to Leadville. On July 11, 1970, he married the former Mary Louise Champeau at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Park Hill. The marriage was officiated by Father Leo Smith.

Dwyer went to work for the Climax Molybdenum Mine, first as a data processor and then as a maintenance scheduler. He worked for Climax through its various shutdowns and reopenings until the mine closed for the last time. Dwyer also worked as a technician for the IRIS Company doing interactive conferences. This job took Dwyer all over the world and he enjoyed it very much. On occasion Dwyer's nephews were able to travel with him and these trips were especially fun. From 1993 to 1995, Dwyer owned and operated the restaurant "Mom's Place" in Leadville. He was employed at Parkville Water for over 15 years. His last position was as general manager.

When Parkville needed a larger place, Dwyer was the impetus that got them into their new building. He continued to work there until his health would no longer permit and in December Dwyer made his last trip to the water company where he was able to see the office they were holding for him. Dwyer was a collector of many things, especially coins, old mining paraphernalia and antique tools. He could fix anything and loved the many camping trips on the family's 1880 mining claim. Though he lived nowhere near the ocean, Dwyer loved sailing. His family describes him as a "land-locked sailor."

Dwyer was also a powerful skier and biker having ridden in the Ride the Rockies Bike Tour several times. He was devoted to his family and was never happier than when he was doing something with them. Dwyer was a past Exaulted Ruler of the Leadville B.P.O.E. #236 and was also a member of the local V.F.W. In July 2003, Joe Dwyer was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He fought bravely and tirelessly with constant chemotherapy and radiation. He made himself available for numerous experimental treatments and became a pioneer for research in helping to find a cure for his disease.

Through it all, Dwyer remained the kind, fun-loving and gentle man his family and friends will always remember.

Dwyer is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, one son, Matthew who died as an infant and his stepfather, Edward Hasty, who raised Dwyer from the age of 8.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou in Leadville, two children Correen (Michael) Martinez in Greeley and Michael Dwyer in Thornton. He is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Martinez; three sisters, Rose Marie (Don) Champeau in Gainsville, Ga., Margy (Virgil) Silver in Alameda, Calif. and Kathy (Jim) Achatz in Buena Vista; two brothers, Jack (Mary) Dwyer in Denver and Dennis (Sharon) Hasty in Leadville. Dwyer is also survived by nieces and nephews, Keith (Lisa) Champeau, Kieran (Lydia Ann) Champeau, Andrew (Cornel) Champeau, John (Patty) Dwyer, Ginny Dwyer and her son, Jordan, Tom (Kendra) Dwyer and son, Aidan, Stacey and Ted Achatz, Paul (Brandi) Hasty and their children Carolyn and Garrett and Shannon Hasty.

The Rosary was recited on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, Jan. 2 at 10a.m., both at Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville. Father Leo Smith officiated and Joan Dawson sang accompanied by Neil V. Reynolds. Dwyer was laid to rest in Elks Rest Cemetery with Military Honors by Ft. Carson Army Base and committal services by officers of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #236.

Pallbearers were Keith, Kieran and Andrew Champeau, and John, Tom and Jordan Dwyer. Following the interment, a reception was held at the Leadville Elks Lodge. Arrangement were handled by Bailey Funeral Home. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Dwyer's name to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1123 Chapala St., Suite 200, P.O. Box 91840, Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1840.

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