Joseph Coors Jr.

Joseph Coors, Jr. of Golden, CO died after complications from a stroke. He was 74.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1942, Mr. Coors moved with his family to Golden in 1944. He graduated from Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH in 1960. In 1962, during his college career at the University of North Carolina, he married the love of his life, Gail Fambrough Coors. He then transferred to North Carolina State University where he received his B.S. degree in Applied Mathematics in 1964.

Mr. Coors held a variety of jobs, including a stock broker, a computer programmer and a systems analyst, before getting called in 1973 to his long career with what was then known as Coors Porcelain Company, later Coors Ceramics Company and now CoorsTek, Inc. He served in numerous roles in quality and various levels of management, both in Golden and in Hillsboro, Oregon, and became the company's President by 1985. In 1992, Mr. Coors held the office of Chairman of the Board and CEO of Coors Ceramics Company, as well as Co-President of ACX Technologies, Inc., its parent entity. He retired in 2000 at the age of 58, but remained active in other aspects of the Coors family businesses, including as a Manager of Keystone Holdings, LLC and 9th Street Capital, LLC.

Over the years, Mr. Coors served on the Board of Directors for several companies and non-profits, including Hecla Mining Co., Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the State of Colorado, Air Force Memorial Foundation, Colorado School of Mines, St. Anthony Hospital, Flight for Life Colorado, and Game Day Memories. He also ran for Congress in the 7th District of Colorado in 2012.

Much more than a successful business leader, Mr. Coors was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, an out-of-the box visionary, angel investor, generous philanthropist, major sports enthusiast, single-digit handicap golfer, helicopter pilot, boat captain, trusted friend and passionate Christ-follower. He and Gail attended Cherry Hills Community Church for over 25 years.

Joe and his wife Gail have been members at The Club at Rolling Hills since 1984, where Joe served as its President three times and led the efforts to complete a beautiful new club house. They also have memberships at Andalusia in La Quinta, CA and at the Prairie Club in Valentine, Nebraska.

Mr. Coors is survived by his wife Gail, their children J. Bradford "Brad" Coors and his wife Kathy of Parker, CO, Holland "Holly" M. Coors of Highlands Ranch, CO, Douglas "Doug" M. Coors and his wife Holly of Fort Collins, CO, and Darden Coors, of Golden, CO, and nine grandchildren; his brothers Jeffery H. Coors and his wife Lis of Golden, CO, Peter H. Coors and his wife Marilyn of Denver, CO, W. Grover Coors and his wife Sylvia of Golden, CO and John K. Coors and his wife Sharna of Evergreen, CO; his great uncle William K. Coors, of Golden, CO, and a great number of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Joseph Coors, Sr. and Holland Hanson Coors.

The family is planning a celebration of his life later this fall. In lieu of flowers or other sentiments, the family welcomes you to contribute to one of Joe's favorite charitable organizations:
Colorado School of Mines Foundation at P.O. Box 4005, Golden, CO 80402
The Club At Rolling Hills Foundation at 15707 West 26th Avenue, Golden, CO 80401
Game Day Memories, 3651 South Colorado Boulevard, Englewood, CO 80113