Edward Joseph Raff

Edward Joseph Raff, age 67, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away July 4, 2022 at Hope West Hospice after a lengthy battle with chronic kidney failure directly caused by a rare autoimmune disorder. His wife and children were by his side throughout his last days. He was never alone. Edward's family remains in awe of his continued positivity, exuberance for life, his fight, and determination that he continually showed.

Edward was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on September 9, 1954 to Ronald E. Bender and Rosie "Josephine" (Brown) Bender. After Ronald and Rosie’s relationship ended, she married Calvin David Raff on November 8, 1957. Subsequently, Calvin officially adopted Edward on January 7, 1959, and from the moment Calvin came into his life they became bonded as father and son. Throughout the years, Edward and his father became very close and this relationship was viewed by Edward as one of the greatest blessings he ever received.

Edward attended Grand Junction High School, and In 1974, he made the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Las Vegas, NV. It was in 1976, while on leave, that he was introduced to his future wife, Diana Mason by a mutual friend. After a 2 year courtship they were married on October 14, 1978. That same year, he received an honorable discharge from the Air Force, started work with Clifton Water, and began as a volunteer firefighter with the Clifton Fire Department where he remained until 1986.

In 1981, Edward was hired at Cameo Power Plant, and, after passing his certification exam in 1992, was promoted to control operator and remained at the plant for 35 years, until he fully retired in 2016.

Edward and Diana’s first child, a daughter, Jennifer Kayleen, was born September 14, 1980 followed by a son, David Alan, on October 23, 1982.

In early 1997, Edward and Diana made the decision to open their home to a 4 month old baby boy. A foster son, Damian, joined the Raff family in February 1997 with his older brother, Jeremy, following 1 year later. While both boys returned home 3 years after entering the foster system they have remained very close to the Raff family since.

Edward was truly an exceptional man. He was respected, loved, and admired by absolutely everyone who was blessed to know him and be a part of his life. He truly carried the weight so his family would never want for anything and, above all else, family is what mattered most to him. The love he held in his heart for his family and friends knew no limits. The love he gave was unconditional and non-judgemental.

Before Edward became too ill to ride in 2016, long distance road trips on his Harley Davidson was one of his great passions. He was able to ride all over the United States and Canada, covering well over 100,000 miles of ride time. He loved attending Ignacio each year that he could and even made it to Sturgis numerous times.

Edward was preceded in death by his biological father, Ronald E. Bender, his father, Calvin D. Raff, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Edward is survived by his wife of 43 years, Diana Raff of Grand Junction, CO; daughter, Jennifer Miracle (Malcom Jones) of Moab, UT; son, David (Julia) Raff of Grand Junction, CO; foster son, Jeremy Johann of Grand Junction, CO; foster son, Damian Johann of Grand Junction, CO; 6 grandchildren, Dominic (19), Emma (11), Sean (8), Amya (8), and twin boys, Edward and Luke (5); his mother, Rosie “Josephine” Raff; brothers, Alan Raff of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Earl Raff of Grand Junction, CO; and sisters, Cynthia (Fred) Moore of Grand Junction, CO, Linda (Mike) Coulson of Grand Junction, CO, and Foster sister, Melody Smith of Grand Junction, CO who Calvin and Rosie eventually adopted.

A Celebration of life will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Martin Mortuary followed by a Military Honors Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked all donations be made to Hope West Hospice at ttps://www.hopewestco.org/ and click on the "donate" tab.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Raff family.