Joseph "Joe" Merle Bugos

Joe was born on July 4, 1961 to Judy and Robert Bugos. From an early age, he possessed an adventurous spirit, a remarkable work ethic, and a drive to create, build, and live life on his own terms.

At 19 years old, Joe moved to Winter Park, Colorado, where he joined the Pro Mogul Ski Tour and built a life around the outdoors. He was an incredible skier and hockey player, and loved mountain biking, drawing, and being with his children. He was a natural entrepreneur, first starting Beaver Tree, a landscaping business in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and later founding SJ Trucking and Paving in Winter Park, Colorado.

Joe was endlessly creative. He was an author who wrote the children's book Harvey the Giant Green Tree Frog, and an inventor whose many ideas included his SoJoe hats. He was always thinking up something new.

Joe married Deanne Crabtree on September 30, 1989, and together they had two children, Carlie and Richard Bugos. Of all the things Joe accomplished in his life, nothing meant more to him than his children. He loved spending time with them, teaching them, making them laugh, sharing passions with them, and watching them grow. To Carlie and Richard, he was more than their father – he was their teacher, their adventure partner, and a larger-than-life presence whose influence will remain with them always.

Joe lived a life that was uniquely his own. He built businesses, raced down mountains, played hockey, wrote a book, invented things, created art, and raised two children who loved him deeply. His life cannot be measured simply by the years he was here, but the stories, lessons, laughter, adventures, and memories he left behind.

Although his family is heartbroken by his passing, they find comfort in their faith and in the promise that death is not the end. They trust that Joe has been welcomed into God’s loving arms, where there is peace, restoration, and no more pain.

Joe will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his enormous personality and adventurous spirit. His family will carry him with them in the mountains he loved, in fresh snow beneath their skis, in hockey rinks, in drawings and ideas scribbled onto paper, and in every story that begins with “Remember when Dad…” His story will continue through the people who loved him most.

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Joseph is survived by his beloved parents, Judith Ann Bugos and Robert Joseph Bugos; cherished children, Carlie Marie Bugos and Richard Anthony Bugos; and dear sister, Julie Lynn (Bugos) Denten.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Link: https://www.stjude.org/donate

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.