John Renaud

John William (Bill) Renaud of Lakewood, Colorado died September 25, 2014 from complications due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), surrounded by family. Bill was born December 8, 1925 in Morrison, Colorado to Theresa Marie Wilt and John Vincent Renaud. He was born into a large family and enjoyed a close relationship with his siblings and their families. He was proud to live his entire life in and around Lakewood, and loved being part of the area’s history, having farmed land with his family throughout his childhood. He knew every street and often told interesting facts about almost every building in Lakewood. He graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1944. He was a volunteer fireman for Bancroft Fire Department, and a member of Lion’s Club International. He was an accomplished woodworker who cherished building many of his grandchildren’s favorite toys. From high school, he went to work for the family company; Renaud Excavating, where he enjoyed working with his family and friends, and was a diligent and dedicated employee for over 40 years. He had a passion for his job and loved showing people the sites he worked. He dug a lot of holes! Bill was an energetic and feisty character who had an infectious laugh, a joke for every occasion, a nickname for everyone, and was quick to make friends. Above all, he loved his family. His joy at being with family showed in his eyes every time he saw one of his siblings, nieces or nephews, children, and especially his grandchildren. His dedication and care for his wife of 61 years, Esther, was clear to all that knew them, and never more poignant than when they held each other’s hands as he passed. He is survived by his wife Esther; children and their spouses, Jon, Dan, Chris and Kevin, and Tim and Wendy; grandchildren and their spouses, Candice, Kimberly and Connor, Andrew and Caroline, Sean and Geli, Cara and Will, Amanda and Trenton, and Ben; great-grandsons Colin and Declan; sister, Grace; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Stan, Harry, Mildred, Marian, Leona, Clarice, Harold and daughter Kimberly. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 17, 2014 at Lutheran Church of the Master, 14099 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood, Colorado 80228 at 10:00 am, with breakfast pot-luck reception to follow. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to: The COPD Foundation www.copdfoundation.org The American Lung Association www.lung.org Lions Club International www.lionsclubs.org