Joseph Donald Germain Pelletier May 5, 1938 — Nov. 12, 2013
Joseph “Don” Pelletier, age 75, tragically passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, after an accident near his property in Paonia, Colo.
Joseph Donald Germain Pelletier was born on May 5, 1938, in Fort Kent, Maine, the 12th of 13 children. Following graduation from high school, Don joined the U.S. Air Force. He maintained his love for aircrafts and learned to fly in Aspen and have his pilot’s license. Don met his wife, Betty Boeing, in the summer of 1976 in Aspen. They moved to California for a number of years then returned to Paonia to live and work in 1990. Don was a skilled craftsman and carpenter of custom doors and cabinets. He loved the outdoors, water- and snow-skiing and shooting sports. Don was richly loved and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Boeing; daughter Josette and husband Bill Hynes, of Centennial, Colo.; son Danny and wife Diane Pelletier, of Orange County, Calif.; grandchildren Nora, Will, Vivi and Cyr Hynes; surviving siblings Romeo and wife Sandy Pelletier, of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; Fabiola Parent, of Buffalo, N.Y.; Gloria Forten, of Canada; nephew Jacques and his wife Donna Pelletier, of Orange County, Calif.; nephew Andre and his wife Libby Pelletier, of Grand Junction, Colo., along with many numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to First Colorado National Bank, Don Pelletier Fund, P.O. Box 100, Paonia, CO 81428.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors’ Delta Funeral Home (970-874-9870).
Conservationists urge the public to disinfect all river gear after use, including waders, paddle boards, and kayaks
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) such as zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snails, and invasive aquatic plants have already caused lasting damage to rivers and lakes across the state.
