He was born September 25, 1930, in Fruita, Colorado, to Leo and Odela Karp. He graduated from Fruita Union High School in 1949. He led Boy Scouts and coached little league. Despite being diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teenager, he successfully provided and cared for his family. He taught his children and grandchildren lessons of integrity, humility, unconditional love, loyalty, and a strong work ethic. To his wife he was a gentle gentleman who had the capacity to love beyond forever. To his children he was a mountain of strength. His family was his pride and joy.
Preceded in death by Leo and Odela Karp, and brothers, William and Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; two sons, Rodney of Grand Junction, and Stuart of Castle Rock; two daughters, Shawn Bervig of Colorado Springs, and Maura Balbier of Grand Junction; one sister, Verna Rupp of Palisade; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
