Joseph Harry Barraclough

Joe went the way of all flesh to meet his maker on March 18, 2021. He was born to Joseph H. and Violet H. (Reeves) Barraclough in Buckshutem, NJ, the oldest of four children born to that union.

After the death of his father in 1941, his mother chose to keep the family together, respectfully refusing offers of relatives to take some of the children. Making many sacrifices, working outside the home, and maintaining a household, she lovingly raised her children with help from relatives. She married Paul Hoffman in 1947. A daughter Paula was born to this union in 1948.

Joe graduated from Millville Memorial High School in 1952 and enlisted in the Air Force later that year. After honorable discharge in 1956, he moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and married Beverly A. Wilder in 1957. Together they had four children.

He was employed in the printing industry for forty years in Fort Collins and Loveland.

Joe taught Sunday School for over fifteen years, was a scout leader for six years, and coached little league baseball.

He married Laurene M. Nicholl in 1985, a union lasting until her death in 2017.

After retirement, he and Laurene moved to the Glen Haven area and were active members of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Estes Park, where Joe served on the Vestry and the churchyard committee and was active in the worship service.

Along with his love of the Broncos and Rockies, he loved golf and was a member of the Lake Estes Men’s Golf Association, serving as president for several years, until moving to Loveland in 2011.

Joe loved to garden and raised many vegetables while living in the Glen Haven area. He was especially proud of his tomatoes.

For several years he was part of a group from the Estes area that collected clothing, sports equipment, school supplies, and other items and transported them to schools and communities on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

In Loveland, he developed interstitial lung disease and with the aid of oxygen was able to live a happy, semi-productive life. He and Laurene were active members of All Saints Episcopal Church.

Joe is survived by children Paula Wacker (Bill) of Yukon, OK, Matthew (Jo) of Cottage Grove, OR, and Michelle Barraclough of Greeley; grandchildren Amanda Rivers (Tyrae), Brian Barraclough (Drea), Connor Barraclough all of Littleton, CO and Christian Wacker (Mo) of Parsons, KS; great-grandchildren Opal and Holland Barraclough, Jordan Rivers and Brooke and Miles Wacker; sisters Barbara Owens, Pat Bradway (Walt) of Port Norris, NJ, and Paula Throckmorton (Jack) of Mexia, TX.

He was preceded in death by parents, step-father Paul Hoffman, wife Laurene, son Mark, son-in-law Pete McDonnell, brother-in-law Leon Owens, sister-in-law Sarah Barraclough, and brother Harry Barraclough.

Joe was grateful to his God that he allowed him to live long enough to understand that his job on this earth was only to love.

A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Hospice of Loveland, or a charity of your choice.