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Jay Niebur Obituary

Jay Niebur, 72, of Boulder, CO., took his last breath on earth, May 1, 2013. He was born March 5, 1941, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Amy (Duke) Niebur and Lt. Col. Clarence Niebur. Jay graduated from Wheeling High School in 1959 and attended the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1959 to 1962, earned a B.A. degree in Math and History from Northern Arizona University in 1964, an M.A degree in History from Arizona State University in 1966, and a Ph.D in Economic History from the University of Colorado in 1976. His dissertation was later published under the title: Arthur Redman Wilfley: Miner, Inventor, and Entrepreneur. Even though his Ph.D qualified him to teach at the college level, he was drawn to the students at Fairview High School in Boulder, CO., and taught there from 1972 to 1996. He was able to engage his inquisitive mind with many of the stimulating FHS students. While a history, anthropology and economics teacher, he helped establish the International Baccalaureate Program at FHS. Students in his economics classes bought and sold stocks on the New York Stock Exchange. Jay especially enjoyed the intimacy and challenge of students enrolled in independent study programs. In 1977, Jay, his wife, Ruth (Lamse), and their three children purchased property in east Boulder. They called it Colorado Sky Ranch and started boarding horses. The ranch afforded Jay another type of schooling as he learned how to irrigate; mow and bale hay; build structures; and provide a haven for his children as they grew into adults. Besides teaching and farming, Jay was a Boy Scout leader, a board member of the Baseline Lake Recreation Group, a board member of the Enterprise Irrigation Ditch Company, and an enthusiastic hiker, skier, swimmer, camper, and reader. During most of the summers from 1990 to the present, he helped his friend, Don Bunker, construct a cabin in northern Saskatchewon, Canada. Above all else, he deeply loved his wife Ruth, their three children and six grandchildren; Bryant and Martina (Reissberger) Niebur and their children, Corinna and Oliver of Vancouver, Washington; Sabra and Dave Olson and their children, Steven and Amber of Boulder; and Dewayne and JoAnn (Belak) Niebur and their children, Tara and Kinley, of Aspen. Jay is survived by his sister, Wilda Morrow, of Inwood, West Virginia, and a brother, Howard Duke Niebur of Rockville, Maryland. A memorial service will be held at the church where Jay was a 40 year member: Crestview Christian Reformed Church, 3665 Madison Ave., Boulder, at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013. Donations in his memory may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Long's Peak Council, 2215 23rd Ave., Greeley, CO., 80634.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Camera on May 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Niebur

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Lauren Mishlove

May 7, 2023

I really enjoyed Jay's understated sense of humor. There was a serious side to Jay, but there was also a fun side-almost kid like. I so appreciated how he and Ruthie treated me as part of the family during my third year of college. Jay was a very kind man!

June 12, 2013

Dear Ruth and kids,
I always remember Jay with a smile. When I taught with him in the late '70s, we didn't always agree, but I always respected him immensley. And, because of the family he and Ruth nurtured, I knew that Jay was so much more than I could see. The world misses him, but the world is also the better for his life.

Tom Parchman

Matt Wilkins

June 3, 2013

I am currently in Russia catching barn swallows and just learned of Jay's passing. I just wanted to say that I am so glad I happened upon Colorado Sky back in 2008 and have gotten the chance to know Ruth and Jay and their amazing family over the years. It was immediately obvious to me that you are all good people in a true sense of the word that we rarely use these days. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to you. Jay will surely be missed by a great number of people.

Kenneth Benson

May 28, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was my economics teacher in 1985. Thanks to him, I went on to major in economics, and am now the economics teacher at Niwot High School. He was a great teacher and great man. Please accept my sincere condolences.

May 26, 2013

All of our very best wishes to you and your family, Ruth, during this hard time.

With love
Becca, Matt, Rachel, Joey, Amanda, Brittany, Caroline, Matt and many other members of the barn swallow team.

Helen (Metzker) Hanks

May 25, 2013

Dear Ruth, We heard about Jay's death from Becky. We are so sorry. Send our love to Bryant & Sabra.

Lila Niebur Halbert

May 21, 2013

We will miss him. Certainly a member of our family that we love and cherish. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Sandra Weaver

May 20, 2013

My condolences to you Ruthie and my prayers are for you and the family
Sandy Weaver

Lisa & Jim Lee

May 20, 2013

Thoughts and prayers from Arizona for your family.

Marilyn Haas

May 17, 2013

Dear Ruth and family,
Our love and prayers are with you as you celebrate Jay's life. What an inspiring teacher to our son, David! Thank you for the support you helped him share with others through the years. Our love, Marilyn and Barry

Wendy Redal

May 14, 2013

This is a beautiful tribute. I did not know that my wonderful neighbor Jay was a man of so many varied interests and accomplishments! A rich and full life - if cut too short. We were blessed to know him - a person of such strength and character - and our hearts go out to Ruthie and the family. You have our deepest sympathy. We will miss Jay, too.

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