Joel Andrew Bair

Born July 13th 1975, Joel Andrew Bair, the most down-to-earth person you could ever hope to meet, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021 in Loveland, Colorado surrounded by close family; his wife Joceline; his children, Autumn and Dorian; his surrogate brother, Joel Faltermeier; his cousin, Craig Green and Craig’s fiancé Megan Cox.

 

Joel would not have enjoyed a run of the mill farewell from his loved ones. He would have preferred ‘smell you later’ -  ‘after a while crocodile’ or something equally as ridiculous and silly because a final goodbye isn’t typically associated with silly, fun or funny and Joel was so entirely silly, fun and funny. 

 

With an intellect matched only by his humor and humility, Joel was a brilliant man who was far too humble to acknowledge his own greatness.  He had a fundamental and abiding respect for all people. He believed in lifting others up. He believed in hard work and family first. He believed in strength of character and kindness, he believed in having courage and he, himself, was tremendously courageous. 

 

Truly to say this man was brave is an understatement. He endured rigorous, aggressive treatment in his battle against cancer; he fought so hard and somehow kept the most beautiful sense of humor throughout the process. His humor is one of the things that will be most missed. 

 

Often seen posing hilariously in either the foreground or the background (aka photo bombing ) of a photo, Joel kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in anything and everything, even the mundane.

 

Though Joel lived more than 2,000 miles away from most of his extended family, distance never kept him from showing up for his family. He was at every wedding, funeral, and special occasion always making sure that he, Joceline, Autumn and Dorian stopped by every family household to visit. He made sure it was clear that everyone had a standing invitation to visit and stay with his family in Colorado.

 

Joel was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hiking, camping, touring around in the family RV, boating, fishing and he most especially loved hunting. With a keen mind for fairness, he often joked that he was perfectly willing to allow the animals to have weapons as well.

 

Joel loved to cook and he was good at it! He was, in fact, such a talented chef that he often initiated cook offs and cooking contests with family and friends. Citing his self proclaimed refined pallet as a qualifier, Joel would appoint himself contest judge and incredibly enough he would often win these competitions.

 

Of all his many accomplishments the one for which Joel was most proud was his role as father to Autumn and Dorian. Joel really dug deep and gave all of himself to his children. He went places with his kids both real and imaginary. He took them on many journeys spanning all across the country -exploring and learning with them, still he never underestimated the importance of embarking on everyday adventures in their home or their own backyard. He played in the dirt, he took them camping, fishing and hunting. He built lego empires, he wrestled, played games and danced; he wielded swords and he wore tiaras. To his children Joel was a hero. To Joel ,Autumn and Dorian, were his heroes. 

 

Joceline was also Joel’s hero and his partner in “crime”. Throughout his illness she was always by his side fighting to get him the care he needed, championing him every day. To Joceline, Joel was a knight in shining armor and will be that forever, through life and death. In each other they found their forever early, Joceline being only 16 when they met. To know Joel and Joceline as a couple was to know the deep abiding love and commitment that they had for one another. Always finding a divine order and purpose in the chaos of life, they operated with perfect synchronicity. Through hardships and complicated life issues they worked together always. 

 

“Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.” - Princess Bride

 

Joel spent his last few days on earth fighting for more time. He knew that every moment counted and he made every moment count - so full of life to the very end. The pain of his loss is overwhelming, but there is some solace in knowing that he is no longer in pain. Joel will be remembered, always, for his laugh, his contagious smile, his warmth, his energy, his love for life and his love for family and friends. He made a difference and will live on through all those who dearly loved him, most especially his wife, Joceline, and his beloved children Autumn and Dorian.

 

Joel is survived by his wife, Joceline M.Bair; his children, Autumn- aged 11 and Dorian - aged 7; his parents John and Helen Bair; an older brother and family; many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins (and their families) as well as his best friend and surrogate brother Joel Faltermeier.

 

He was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents and a maternal uncle.

 

Joel will be honored in a celebration of life ceremony. The date of the ceremony will be decided in the near future. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please support his family, if so inclined, with donations to a family support fund. https://jocelinembair.wixsite.com/joelbair