Craig Eugene Meier

I am deeply thankful for the 45 years we shared together, 42 of them as husband and wife. Together, we built a beautiful life in the Rocky Mountains — the place where I grew up and where Craig always longed to be. I’m so grateful he was able to live the life he dreamed of, surrounded by the mountains he loved so much. It was there that we raised our two beautiful daughters, Bianca and Monica, who blessed us with five precious grandchildren: Genevieve, Charlize, Vaughn, Kayson, and River.

Over the years, we shared so many wonderful adventures together. Hawaii was always one of our favorite places to visit, early on. We traveled to New York to watch the girls perform in an off-Broadway show, explored the rich history and amazing seafood of Boston, and enjoyed cruises from California to Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, and through Alaska’s Inside Passage.

One especially meaningful trip was traveling to Germany with family. I had spent much of my childhood there, and since Craig’s roots were German, it meant so much that he was finally able to experience it for himself. When people asked him about Germany, he would always smile and say, “You can’t find a bad meal or a bad beer there!”

Our early years together were filled with skiing, snowshoeing, and backpacking through the mountains. Later, fly fishing became Craig’s true passion. We fished some of the most beautiful waters in Wyoming and Montana, and eventually made our bucket-list trip to Katmai, Alaska. For three unforgettable days, we were surrounded by brown bears while catching the biggest trout we could imagine. We often reflected on how surreal and magical that experience was. The photo I’ve chosen for his memorial was taken during that special trip to Katmai.

In the final months, we spent a great deal of time reminiscing about these moments and adventures. I am so thankful for the memories we created and for the beautiful life we shared together.

Craig was a proud Colorado native who grew up in North Denver. He attended Brown Elementary, Lake Junior High, and North High School before graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a member of the SAE fraternity and formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life. Those dear friends stood beside us through the very end.

Craig then went on to attend the Southern California College of Optometry. After graduation, he returned home to Colorado to begin what became a long, respected, and successful career in optometry. In 2019, the Colorado Optometric Association honored him with a 45-Year Award of Excellence for his dedication and service to the profession in the state of Colorado. He continued practicing until 2023, when he officially retired and entrusted his practice to a wonderful young doctor whom he greatly respected and appreciated for carrying on his legacy.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Ryan and Esther Meier, and by his brother, Chuck Meier.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbie Meier; daughters Bianca Ryan, mother of Genevieve, Charlize, and Vaughn; and Monica Meier, mother of Kayson and River; as well as his sister, Kay.

Craig lived a full and meaningful life, rich with love, friendship, family, adventure, and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Craig’s service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Crown Hill

7777 W. 29th Ave.

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Viewing: 11:00 AM

Service: 12:00 PM

The service will be followed by a graveside service and a full reception.

In lieu of flowers, Craig would like donations made to:

The Little Old Dog Sanctuary

https://www.littleolddogsanctuary.com/take-action