Today, October 20, 2018 I awoke and read an email from my Dad saying my Uncle, Joe Labaree, had passed in the early hours of the morning, Oct. 19, 2018. His son, my cousin, Robert, is across from him in the red and white shirt (fifth picture). Our memories of Uncle Joe are far reaching, and I have known him all my life, more so since we all lived close to one another in Colorado. He has been a strong support in my life and a positive role model for me in many ways. He taught middle school for many, many years and inspired and challenged his students to grow and better themselves. He had kind words for me, and was so generous to me and my family members. My Mom, Zora, is his younger sister and will be feeling a great loss from now forward. My Aunt Jean, his older sister passed in the Spring of 2005, and was also an important person in our lives. Their family was one of great strength in the community, and always pursued intellectual growth through many avenues. My Uncle challenged me to reach higher and deeper into whatever I was concentrating on at the time. His Aunt, Mary (second picture in the middle), had no children of her own, and bequeathed to him much of her estate when she passed, which he generously shared with the entire family. I would venture to say that he paid for a large part of my degree at CU, Boulder from that. I thank him for all that monetary support he offered freely, to help me through my university years to become a teacher. I am grateful for his inspiration toward a career that has been quite fulfilling to me, Aunt Jean taught for many years as well. I have so many memories of fancy, happy times at restaurants with our family members, sharing meals and conversing with one another, catching up. My Uncle Joe always impressed me by staying current. I remember telling him about a concert I went to, Bella Fleck and The Fleck Tones, and he knew of them, it amazed me! He and my Aunt Marty had the most impressive garden and landscaping around their home (wherever they lived). We loved the bunnies in the yard in Lafayette, even though they were a nuisance to your yard. Our front yard has many lilies and irises from their starters, and I cherish all the plants and flowers he shared with us. I thank him for all the yummy dinners he cooked for us, and the desserts too. He always had a non-chocolate alternative for me (I am allergic to chocolate), he was so thoughtful. He has been a big influence on my daughter, and has come to many of her productions with the Curtain Playhouse. I have so many memories, and more photos at home, these are the ones I have with me currently. I love the one on the second row, left side. Back row: Uncle Doc, Aunt Jean (Joe's sister), Cousin Robert (Joe's son), Aunt Marty (Joe's wife), Mom, (Zora Jane, Joe's sister), and Uncle Joe. Middle row: Aunt Zora, Aunt Mary and my Grandma, Marguerite Labaree. Front row: Cousin Marilyn, Uncle Wendell, and my Sister, Christina. It is an oldie, but a goodie! For all of us, he will be greatly and truly missed. I am grateful for the moments we did share, and will carry him in my heart always. We love you, Uncle Joe. Love, Mona Sue
I always knew Uncle Joe as a really happy person and very generous as well! It is very hard to hear that one of our family members passed on but, we will cherish all of our memories of him, and keep him in our hearts. I am so grateful to have known him, he was a wonderful person. Even though I am only 13 and I haven´t known him for as many years as the rest of the family, I am so glad to have had time with him. I will always remember his house in Lafayette where he had a beautiful garden, he would always bake something sweet every time we came to visit. Before we left on our trip we went and had lunch with him, I am so thankful that we got to have that time with him. He will forever be remembered in my heart and as he journeys to heaven, I will celebrate his life by remembrance. I thank Uncle Joe for coming to a lot of my shows and always complementing me on the work I did, I also thank him for taking us out to lunch, talking with Mom and giving her guidance throughout her career and life. Love always, Angelina
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