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Joseph Riddle Obituary
Born Oct. 10, 1942, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Warren F. and Avanell S. Burkett Riddle.
Mr. Riddle was a 1960 graduate of Bradford High School, a graduate of the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in 1966 and his Juris Doctorate degree in 1969. He had his law practice in Boulder until 1999, then became a mediator/arbitrator until 2009.
Joe was a skilled woodworker. He found his heart in the mountains, and enjoyed rock climbing. He became the 1,356th person to have climbed all 54 of Colorado's "14-ers" (fourteen thousand feet). He climbed Mount Rainier in 1987, and one year later he near-summited Denali in Alaska.
Surviving are three daughters, Erika, Kate and Jennifer, all in Colorado; four grandchildren; two sisters, Mary (Dick) Harrington of Franklinville, N.Y., and Sally (Brad) Mangel of Bradford; and one brother, Bob (Carol) Riddle of White, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ronald Riddle.
A celebration of his life will be held on Dec. 8 in Boulder, Colo.
Memorials if desired may be made to Colorado Mountain Club, 710 Tenth Street, Suite 200, Golden Colorado 80401; or the charity of the donor's choice.
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Riddle
Joseph La Camera
November 22, 2021
When I think of Joe, I always have a big smile on my face. He was just that way. He was an RA in Willard Hall when I was the head Resident. He was also my assistant for a year when I became a Program Coordinator for the Residence Halls. Joe was a very positive person with the ability to bring people together. Joe was really the best. I miss him, but I´m grateful for having him in my life.
Joe La Camera
L. Shea
January 15, 2013
I only met him once or twice under stressful circumstances over 40 years ago, but he made a comment that I will remember forever for his kindness. The comment comes unbidden to me when I least expect it and most appreciate it. You must miss him so much.
Anita SJ
January 2, 2013
I just happened on Joe's obituary as I was looking him up online to contact him about some legal advice and discovered that he had recently passed. I am shocked and dismayed! Joe was my attorney in the mid 80's; after moving away, I did not have contact, but thought, often, how fortunate I was to have had him as my lawyer; not only was he professionally astute, but he was kind and sensitive about the emotion involved in the circumstances and decisions that needed to be made. I trusted him implicitly and knew, without a doubt, that he had my best interest in mind and in his heart. Joe, you left your loved ones too soon, but I'm glad to read about all of the wonderful things you accomplished and experienced, including your children and grandchildren! I know they will miss you every day!
Pat Harrington
December 9, 2012
Erika, Kate & Jennifer...our heartfelt sympathy reaches out to you girls in this time of the loss of your dad & my uncle...stay strong, he will always be with us...God bless
Carrie Reichenberger
December 8, 2012
I didn't get to know Joe well. I met him once. What I do know is he shared a special, wonderful piece of him. He allowed Kate into my life. I love Joe for giving me a piece of him with Kate. RIP Joe
Alli Haltom
December 7, 2012
I know how much your dad meant to you girls and what a wonderful father he was. I'm so glad you were able to create so many amazing memories. Much love.
Joseph& Deanna La Camera
December 7, 2012
Dear Erika, Kate, and Jennifer,
Your Dad was my assistant in Willard hall during the 1960's and was a joy to work with at a time of great stress on campus. He could always bring people together and was my link to our students in the residence hall. We will all miss him. Even though Deanna and I will not be in town on Sat. Dec. 8, we will be with you in spirit and love. Joe & Deanna La Camera
December 4, 2012
I have known Joe since we were CU Law classmates-A great fun guy-John W Miller
Sherry Cook
December 1, 2012
As a classmate of Joe's and good friend for many, many years, I will miss him terribly. He was kind, funny, lovable, a great father. There are so many good memories; any time with Joe was a good time. Relieved of the shackles of earth, he is now free to soar, climb, ski, build his beautiful furniture.
Barb Schaefer
November 30, 2012
Erika, Kate and Jennifer - thinking of you and your families at the loss of your father and my Uncle. I always enjoyed getting together with Uncle Joe when he came back east. He always made me laugh - especially the time we met at Krispy Kreme. I asked him if he was going to have a doughnut and he replied - "never knew a doughnut that didn't like me". Always puts a smile on my face when I think of what he said. I will miss him.
Nancy Anderson
November 29, 2012
Erin, Nathan and I are so grateful for knowing Joe, he was a blessing in our lives and will live on forever in our hearts. Thank you, Joe, you will be missed, but I look up to the mountains will always see you.
Carolyn Hodges
November 29, 2012
Joe was a good man. No greater tribute than the life he led can be made. Rest well, my friend.
Karen Friedman
November 29, 2012
He made my life a better place. I am so sorry for you girls and grandkids. He adored you beyond belief. He will be missed.
Wendy Acheson ( earth balance)
November 28, 2012
Thinking of you all at your time of loss. He sounded like a great man, wonderful husband, father and grandfather!
Lily Moreno
November 28, 2012
Joe fue mi papá adoptivo en mi año de intercambio en Boulder en 1998, tuve la gran oportunidad de compartir con el y su familia emotivas celebraciones, momentos infinitamente felices. Fue un papá cariñoso, divertido, un hombre intrépido que estoy segura disfrutó su vida con gran intensidad. Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones. Vive libre, muere bien.
November 28, 2012
I was fortunate to have Joe first as a neighbor in Boulder, and then as my boss. He was a wonderful person to work for and valued family and even let me work my hours around caring for my young children. I know his daughters and grandchildren will miss him terribly. I remember the excitement he had when he first became a grandpa - he was so proud! Prayers for all of Joe's family.
Erin Perry, Prescott, AZ
Ann Potter
November 28, 2012
Joe was a wonderful, warm and kind person he will be missed and remembered with love.
Jasmine Anderson
November 28, 2012
I hope to have as full of life as he did. I was glad to have know him and remember thinking how cool it would be to have a dad like that. Much love to the Riddle family!
Kimberlie Ryan
November 28, 2012
I have seen the adoration of Joe in his daughter's eyes whenever she has spoken of him. My heartfelt condolences to all who knew Joe, and love to his family. You are in our hearts.
Sally Mangel
November 28, 2012
Joe was the best brother anyone could ask for. He is now free to do the things he loved to do. He was the greatest.
Sally
Donna Brokaw
November 28, 2012
I worked for Joe in the mid-70's; only briefly as I got pregnant. To say it was entertaining doesn't quite to it justice. What a hilarious, kind and thoughtful man. And he introduced me to Double Whoppers! Truly one of a kind - the world needs more like him.
November 28, 2012
Joe was a special breed of human with many tales and talents. He was important to many of my clients in his ability to sort through issues and talk plainly to them. He is missed.Mary
Jim Martin
November 28, 2012
Joe was a kind, humble and sensitive man. He was a true "gentle man". JO you will be missed by your friends and family. He showed many people how to really live.
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