Edward J Settle

Ed was born in Billings, Montana on January 11, 1945 to Edward H. and Elizabeth Cooney Settle. He spent his childhood on both the Settle Family Ranch and the Cooney Brothers Cattle Ranch where he learned the importance of a good education, a strong work ethic, and the value of family, extended family, and good friends.

In 1959, he and his family moved to Grand Junction, where his parents opened and operated The Royal Inn. Ed worked in the family business during the school year while attending school in Grand Junction.

From 1959-1965, he returned to Montana each summer to work on the Cooney Brothers Cattle Ranch. He operated a swather, took part in cattle round ups and drives, and assisted with all other ranching operation needs. He was especially close to his uncle, Bill Cooney, and his grandmother, Nana Settle.

Ed graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1964. He attended college at CSU, Mesa Junior College, and later the University of Colorado in Boulder earning a degree in Architectural Engineering. He worked for Sallada-Hanson, an architectural design firm in Denver, before returning to Grand Junction in 1972 to join NHPQ (Nelson, Haley, Patterson, and Quirk). Later he worked for Corn Construction as a heavy highway estimator. He worked for Elam Construction from 1990-1992. He then joined Grand Junction Pipe where he designed concrete structures for the company’s pre-cast business, permitted numerous gravel pits, and estimated crushing prices for paving work for many highway paving companies. On January 28, 2011, Ed was honored as a 2010 Colorado Construction Pioneer by the Colorado Contractors Association, Inc. for his contributions to the heavy highway and utility construction industry.

Ed will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Virginia Settle, and his sons, Jason and Joseph Settle. He was known as “a modest, humble, and quiet man” who always put others before himself. He loved “real cowboy” songs, country music, and 60’s music. He especially enjoyed family gatherings for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and graduations, etc. in Colorado and Montana, parties and road trips with The Committee and other friends, and trips to Mexico and the Virgin Islands where he and Virginia enjoyed snorkeling in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. He enjoyed cooking with Virginia, serving as “prep chef, dishwasher, and clean-up helper.” He was an avid sport’s fan who was especially loyal to the Colorado Buffaloes, Broncos, and Rockies. Ed was a good card player and enjoyed Bridge and Back Alley Bridge with friends and Poker with the guys. His reading interests included history and historical fiction.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by a sister Kathy (Del) Adolf and his brother, Bill (Angie) Settle. He is also survived by nieces Heather (Brian) Killian and Rebecca (Jason) Vroman of Grand Junction, Brooke Butler of Boulder, Carla Martinez of Spokane Washington, and Michaela Martinez of Palisade; nephews Chris Adolf (Marissa Wood) of Denver, Evan (Jessica) Adolf, Willie Settle (Sarah McBride), Josh and Dan Butler of Collbran, and Allen Martinez of Gallup, New Mexico; great nieces Kalynn Settle of Fruita, Katie, Maddie, and Abby Vroman of Grand Junction; great nephews Ethan Killian of Fruita, and Jake and Luke Vroman of Grand Junction, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on September 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to CMU Foundation, Engineering Program, 1400 N. 12th St., Grand Junction, 81501, or St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 3888 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction, 81506.

Eddie,

From Virginia: Go in peace, my love.

From Jason and Joseph: See you later, Dad.

From Kathy, Bill, and Extended Family: May you be in Heaven a 1/2 an hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.

From loyal Friends and Caring Acquaintances: “Adios,” amigo. ‘Til we meet again.

You will be greatly missed in our lives. Peace.