Burt Richard Bovee

Burt died peacefully in his bed at Exempla Colorado Lutheran Home in Arvada, Colorado. Burt is survived by wife Jane Bovee; children Caley, Keith, and Lynn; grandchildren Charley, Weston, Grant, David, and Jeffrey; grandchildren of Jane; Tyler, Hannah, Emma, and William. He is preceded by his first wife Peggy Bovee, sister Thelma Ralston Williams and survived by sisters Virginia (DeDe) Strawn Balster and Emma Jean (Emmie) Himes Meek.

Burt was born at home in Pueblo, Colorado. His school years were spent in Pueblo. Burt worked in a grocery store in high school to help pay the family bills and after as a telephone lineman. World War II found Burt in the South Pacific on a PT Torpedo boat working as a radioman. During his naval service, he contracted an infection sending him to the naval hospital where he wore a body cast for approximately two years.

Healed and with the war over, Burt took advantage of the GI Bill to attend Denver University where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation from DU, Burt married Peggy Prey Bovee, and they had three children; Caley, Keith and Lynn. They were happily married for 38 years until Peggy passed away in 1988.

Jobs Burt held mostly involved purchasing. A few companies he worked for included United Airlines, Firestone, and OK Rubber. His final job was working at Lutheran Credit Union.

Burt married his second wife, Jane Wright Bovee. Jane has three children: Ron, Mike, and Tony. Ron, Mike, and Tony's children affectionately called Burt "Grandpa." In March, 2013, Burt and Jane would have been married 24 years.

Eventually, Burt retired and began volunteering at Lutheran. Volunteer jobs included waiting tables at the Blue House, driving patients to and from their cars in a golf cart, and pushing people in wheelchairs. He also joined the Golden Lion's Club where he picked up used glasses to be refurbished and distributed to children in need. Even in his final years, Burt gave time to helping others. The last two and a half years of Burt's life were spent at Exempla Colorado Lutheran Home where he continued to be a happy soul.

Loving, good-natured, patient, and a good-sport. Burt was all of these. Humor and an infectious smile were gifts he gave right to the end. In Burt's own words, "You gotta take life as it comes." This is exactly what Burt did. His life has come and gone, but his spirit lives on through his children and those who knew him. R.I.P Burt R. Bovee. Yours is a life to celebrate, not to mourn.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 5, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 3950 Pierce St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80003. Memorial Donations for Burt R. Bovee can be sent to the following address: Colorado Lions Foundation, PO Box 192

Golden, CO 80402. In the memo line, write, “Burt Bovee: Used Eyeglass Program.” Donations are tax deductible.

Burt volunteered with the Golden Lion’s Club Used Eyeglass Program. He picked up used glasses from schools. Eyeglasses are refurbished and distributed to school children all over the United States and the world. In addition, the Lions Club assists school children with vision problems by providing exams and glasses.