Joseph Garrett Minke

Joseph Garrett "Gary" Minke, devoted husband, father, and lifelong adventurer, passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born in 1940 in Cumberland, Maryland, Gary grew up as the only son among four sisters, raised by a father who served as a game warden and a mother who nurtured a close-knit family. From an early age, his fascination with the natural world led him to study geology, a passion that became both his career and his calling.

While training for the Peace Corps, Gary met the love of his life, Joyce Catherine Collinge (Joy). Together they traveled to Bolivia, where they taught at a local college, got married and embraced a life of service and discovery. Gary and Joy went on to share 60 wonderful years of marriage, building a family and a lifetime of memories together.

After completing his Ph.D. in geology at the University of Missouri, Gary began a distinguished career with Amoco Oil as an exploration geologist. Gary's work carried him, as well as Joy and their four children, from Denver to Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Jakarta (where he was Chief Geologist) before returning to the United States. Gary continued to work on Amoco New Ventures from Houston, Texas and traveled to various places in Africa. He concluded his career in Littleton, Colorado and retired in 1997.

Gary and Joy spent the early part of retirement in their beloved log "cabin" in Jefferson, Colorado and became active members of the Indian Mountain and Fairplay communities. As a fierce advocate for water rights in South Park, Colorado, Gary combined his professional expertise with his personal passion for preserving the natural world. He was active with the South Park Historical Foundation and regularly organized the South Park Symposium, where he shared knowledge and worked to preserve the history and heritage of the region. He was also a loyal fan of the CU Buffaloes and a man who thrived on both competition and camaraderie.

Starting in 2001, Gary and Joy enjoyed active years in Punta Gorda, Florida where they especially loved playing tennis, engaging in social activities in Burnt Store Marina, and singing in the church choir. They continued their love of travel with adventures to Scotland and Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Panama, and New Zealand. They continued Joy's family tradition of spending weeks of summer at Miner Lake in the Chain O' Lakes of Waupaca, Wisconsin, creating treasured family memories. They later moved to Tucson, Arizona and then Bryan, Texas.

Above all, Gary was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joy; his children David Roger Minke, Jenifer Ann Minke-Girard, Peter Francis Minke, and Paul Garrett Minke; 13 cherished grandchildren; and his sister Dorothy.

Gary will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his warmth, adventurous spirit, love of singing and steadfast devotion to family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made on Gary's behalf to the South Park Historical Foundation or South Park City Museum in Fairplay, Colorado or to a charity of your choice.