Photo courtesy of Monarch Society
Denver, Colorado
May 7, 1918 – Dec 24, 2023
Joseph William Fountain, 105, passed away December 24, 2023. He was born May 7th, 1918 in Steamboat Springs Colorado where his parents William James Fountain and Florence Francis Fountain (nee Krempel) homesteaded. Joe was preceded in death by his sisters June, Dorothy and Florence.
Joe’s family moved to the Grand Junction area when he was five, and he graduated from Fruita High School in 1936. He earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural and structural engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1941. After graduation he worked as an engineer for 45 years, retiring from Stearns-Rogers.
As a young man, Joe picked strawberries, loaded peaches and helped his with father’s concrete company. He enjoyed recounting stories about the time he joined a fledging Shakespearian company which folded after its first performance in Cisco, Utah. Later in life, he maintained a beautiful garden that his grandchildren loved playing in. He had especially fond memories of fishing Muddy Creek and camping on Grand Mesa.
He met his future wife, Berniece Beahm, during the summer of his college junior year. They were married for 75 years. After retirement, Joe and Berniece were enthusiastic members of a square dancing club and won awards for their western attire. They regularly went to the theatre and enjoyed attending concerts and operas. They also traveled extensively, spending time in Europe, East Asia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica.
Joe is survived by his son Roger Fountain, his daughter Barbara Lorah, his grandchildren, Rita Fountain, Paul Lorah and David Lorah, and four great grandchildren, Peter Lorah, Isabelle Lorah, Alex Lorah and Matt Lorah.
A private family service will be held at a later time at Wellshire Presbyterian Church where he will be inurned.
Read MoreI got to know Joe and Bernice for almost 3 years as Bernice’s caregiver in their home, I loved hearing about all their travels and Joe showed me how to make so many things homemade, the way he and Bernice liked them. Both very sweet people and I often think of them and my time with them. My deepest sympathetic feelings to your family, and prayers.
Christen Hernandez
March 29, 2024 | Aurora, CO | Friend
We were blessed to know and dance with Joe and Berniece at The Outpost for many wonderful years. They were graceful dancers, gentle, friendly and kind individuals. In the years following his loss of Berniece he still came to the Grand Squares to visit and see friends. Joe had a sense of humor that was so enjoyable when it slyly showed up. Oh that our world today had more Joes. Thanks for the joy and friendship we shared.
Butch & Wanda Pritchett
January 21, 2024 | Lakewood, CO | Friend
We knew Joe and Berniece from square dancing. They were beautiful round dancers and inspired us to take round dance lessons. He was such a kind, self-effacing man. We always enjoyed talking with him and he was so encouraging to us in our endeavors. We will miss you Joe. Todd and Melody Albright Grand Squares/The Outpost Square Dance Club
Todd and Melody Albright
January 12, 2024
My condolences to the family. I always admired Uncle Bud. When I was in Denver and visited Bud and Bernice, learned that Uncle Bud had been involved with a project at Grand Coulee Dam. His story was facinating. Peace be with you.
Rick Rieber
January 06, 2024 | Boise, ID | Family
We became acquainted with Joe in September 2023. But we got to know him through visits at breakfast and lunch at Clermont Suites.
He was a very special & impressive gentleman. He will be missed.
LYNN & JIM Archibald
Lynn Archibald
January 03, 2024 | Denver, CO | Neighbor
Joe was the next door neighbor of my dad at Clermont Park (Nursing Home). I loved talking with him in the dining hall. I just overheard the nurses today commenting that he was always a gentleman. We will miss you Joe.
Ryan Archibald
January 02, 2024 | Denver, CO
Great Grandpa with Isabelle and Peter
Isabelle Lorah
January 02, 2024 | Grandchild
Peter, Joe, Isabelle, and Dave
Isabelle Lorah
January 02, 2024 | Grandchild
Missing you ❤
Isabelle Lorah
January 02, 2024 | Grandchild
