A light turned off on earth - and a new star sparkles in the sky" by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse Joseph R. Cruse died of natural causes on January 26, 2021 in Colorado at 90 years old. He died in the arms of his wife, Sharon. Joe was born in 1930 in Steamboat Springs, CO. He and Sharon were married in Denver and at various times he lived in Texas, Hawaii, California, Washington DC, Palm Springs, CA. the Black Hills of South Dakota and Las Vegas. Joe was an OB/GYN and loves to tell stories about how he was honored to assist mothers delivering babies into the world. That path led to serving in the United States Army and he was on staff at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. In that role, he and Betty Ford created the Betty Ford Treatment Center and Joe became the founding Medical Director. His work there has become a legacy that continues to help thousands to this day. When he met his soulmate - Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse, his path took a new direction. He moved to Sharon's company (Onsite Workshops ) and they continued their mission together in work and in love for the next forty years. He became the medical director of Onsite Workshops (currently in TN) and helped develop the Living Centered Program, the Couples Relationship Program, and Physician Training. He authored/co-authored many books including, Painful Affairs, Slogan Stories, I Don't Smoke, Pharmers Almanac, and Understanding Codependency. Joes other personal passion was "The International Doctors in AA" organization. Joe shared his wisdom over many years to help individuals facing addiction in all its forms. He helped found Turn Off Drug Ranch, Lost Heads Treatment Program etc. The coffee pot was always on and he was willing to listen and to share. Joe received many awards in the areas of medicine and addiction recovery throughout his life. He remained, in all of his careers, the same passionate and caring soul he was throughout his life. He followed his quest and his heart and changed thousands of lives for the better. No one met Joe that didn't end up loving him. Joe had many passions including music - both playing keyboard and singing duets. He counted as friends Johnny Cash, The Judds, Riders in the Sky and the Gaithers. He also liked Tap dancing and he was proud of his role as emcee of the Sun City Summerlin Tappers in Las Vegas. He loved to travel and went on a world cruise with his wife, Disney excursions with kids and grandkids, US road trips in "the white van" and countless holiday gatherings with family and friends. He carried a video camera around for 20 years to help capture all of these moments. He was active and liked to swim, golf, and he participated in exercise classes well into his 90's. He also loved the Miraval Wellness center - a place he returned to annually. He also enjoyed a good game of cribbage, board games and juggling. Joe loved to tinker both in the garage and on the computer - always learning new things throughout his life. Joe is survived by his soulmate Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse, his son Patrick Egan and his husband Phil Dismuke, daughter Sandy Egan, daughter Debbie Bydlon and her husband Andy. He also leaves his Grandchildren, Matt and Emilee Bydlon, Christopher and Jayleen Bydlon, Melanie McNiff, Ryan McNiff, Cheyenne Bydlon, Sierra Bydlon, Andrew Bydlon. Jr. and Great-granddaughter, Kira Lily Bydlon. Joes early family also included Lee Barnard, Jolene Weir, Don & Chris Cruse, Todd Cruse and multiple nieces and nephews and grandchildren. Joe also had his bonus family including Ted Klontz, Margie Zugich, Mel Pohl, Jerry Moe and Bill O'Donnell. He was blessed to get to know several wonderful caregivers including Margot Love, Fred Gluck, Lisa Wilson and Ellen Ross. Joe also was an adamant lover of animals and enjoyed spending time with over 25 dogs throughout his life. There will be a memorial and celebration of Joe's life later this year when the Covid threat has passed and we can all be together again. In the meantime, there is a CaringBridge page set up for Joe where you can read stories, view photos and share comments. It is at https://www.caring bridge.org/visit/joecruse Memorial donations can be made to The International Doctors in AA (https://www.idaa. org/) or The Humane Society (https://www. humanesociety.org/).

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Published by The Daily Camera on Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cruse

Sponsored by Greenwood & Myers Mortuary - Boulder.

2 Entries

Jana R Harley Oto

November 21, 2023

Dr. Cruse saved my life, literally. When, in 1979, I found I was pregnant, my joy soon turned to despair, when the most severe pain I'd ever experienced, took me into the (then) Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, for help. The doctor who checked on me, apparently about ready and eager to go off duty, informed the nurse I was only having "cramps" and recommended an analgesic. When the nurse saw that I could not step off the examination table to get dressed, she called the incoming doctor to re-evaluate me (bless her, as well). He determined I had experienced a tubal pregnancy and was hemorrhaging, the tube having ruptured. It was Doctor Cruse. They rushed me into surgery, where, the next day, his anethetist told me, they'd actually lost me for a couple of minutes but, due to Dr. Cruse's "excellent work", I lived. Sadly, my baby and my right fallopian tube did not survive. He encouraged, me, however, to proceed with reconstructive surgery, which would at least preserve my other tube and enable, though with more difficulty, my chances to get pregnant, again. I went through with this, with his expertise and attention. He was a sympathetic, caring and highly competent physician and a lovely man. Seeing that smile, once again, has brought it all back. He did so much good for so many. Bless his family and know that I will always be thankful.

Jeanie Griffin

March 24, 2021

I remember what a very kind man Joe was. He loved to tell stories and I loved to listen, I will always remember him

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