Joseph Matthew Hanket

Joe was born August 13, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating high school, he joined the military and traveled the world. In August 1960, while visiting relatives in Addison, Illinois, he met Pat, the 'girl next door', and soon took her and her young sons on rides in his MGA convertible. While window shopping with Pat the next month, Pat suggested they stop in the jewelry store. Pat asked how much money he had in his wallet; when he said, “$130, she said, “That's enough,” and they quickly purchased wedding rings. They were married just two months later on November 5, 1960. How could Joe know that $113 for rings would buy him a lifetime of happiness with his wife and four children.

Joe spent much of his life serving his country and community, serving in the US Air Force, US Marines, and as a Boulder Police Officer and Auto Theft Detective. He also provided for his family by working as a carpenter, an auto mechanic, a pipefitter/welder, a plumber, and a realtor. Quite literally, he was a 'Joe of all trades'.

Joe led by example. He instilled valuable character traits in his children: Put others before self. Stand up for yourself. Be self-reliant. Always do the right thing.Take responsibility for everything you do. Admit it when you're wrong. Always return things in as good or better condition than when you borrowed them. Most importantly: You can be and achieve ANYTHING with focus and hard work.

He taught his kids many skills, and shared many good times. He shared his love of music and dance, especially the Jitterbug and Polka; taught how to rebuild a car from top to bottom; demonstrated the art of driving a stick-shift; whisked them away on 4-wheel-drive or motorcycle outings; inculcated a love of nature through camping trips.

Joe is survived by his son, Dirk Hanket; his son and daughter-in-law, Glen and Sue Hanket; his daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Howard McCarthy; his daughter Kylie Matthews; his grandson and granddaughter-in-law Justin and Rachel McCarthy and his great-grandson Calvin; and his granddaughter Manda McCarthy. He is also survived by his brother- and sister-in-law, Fred and Kathy Rasco; his brother-and sister-in-law, Tom and Toni Perrett; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Pat Hanket; his siblings; and his parents, Joseph and Marie Hanket.

Special note from Joe's children: They say evidence of a life well-loved is when you come into the world crying while those around you are smiling, and you leave this world smiling while those around you are crying. Our dad truly had a well-loved life. We feel so blessed that he was our dad, and to have had two such amazing parents. Dad and Mom are together now, dancing up a storm in Heaven. Rest in Peace, Dad. You'll be in our hearts forever.