Obituary of Al Ray Jonez

Age 82, was born in Seattle, Washington on September 24, 1928, son of Algernon Sidney Jonez and R. Lee Barthoff who preceded him in death. Al suddenly passed away after being fed dinner on April 6, 2011 – a patient at Mountain Vista Homes, Wheat Ridge. The death certificate reads “aspiration Pneumonia”. He stoically dealt with Alzheimer’s dementia. He chose to donate his body for scientific research; yes, that’s our Al – always thinking of others. Al was a gentleman, and a man of high integrity in dealing with all his peers, agencies, and groups. Al received his B.S. Degree in Fish and Game Management from Oregon State University. He started out as a Fisheries Biologist with the Nevada Game and Fish Department, for 16 years, working on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River. He then moved to the Reno area and worked on the Pyramid, Walker, and Tahoe Lakes, as well as being a Game Warden. He became a Regional Supervisor in the Las Vegas area for the next 9 years. Al was one of the founders of the Desert Bighorn Council; it is now in its 53rd. year. Al came to the Bureau of Reclamation (now Power and Water Resources) in 1966 in Boulder City, working as Recreation and Wildlife Specialist. In 1970, Al was one of thirty environmental leaders throughout the Nation to complete a month-long “School for Environmental Management” sponsored by the Westinghouse Corporation. The participants represented major producers of electric power as well a Governmental agencies responsible for establishing the regulations and standards under which electric power was produced and delivered. The thrust was to solve or soften impacts made on our environment by electric generating facilities. World leaders were brought in as well as Members of Congress. In 1976, Al became the Director, Office of Environmental Affairs, in Washington DC until 1983. While working in the Commissioner’s Office in 1977, Al received the Department of Interior Meritorious Service Award. In 1983, he moved to the Denver Office to become the Colorado River Salinity Program Coordinator, working with other agencies. He retired in 1988 after 24 years of service with Reclamation. During this time, he managed to serve 25 years in the Armed Forces Reserve, retiring as Lt. Colonel. Al and Barbara took their 5th. wheel to Alaska twice, with their cat, looking forward to finding his family genealogy. His parents had two canneries in Alaska. Other relatives were gold miners there. Al’s mother was a nurse who had an adventurous spirit. She spent several weeks camping in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. His father was a bush pilot and had many exciting moments in the air. All was a Life Member of the National Association of Active and Retired Employees, and held chapter positions of Legislation, Programs and Photographer for 10 years. He also volunteered at the National level. Al coordinated RTD tours for Chapter seniors for several years. He was a member of the Colorado Senior Lobby for several years, and one year volunteered to help with planning Senior Days at the Capital, arranging for the local Colorado Area Agencies on Aging to be present. Al belonged to about 12 groups later in life. You could find him volunteering with “Night Walker,” obtaining and boxing clothing, household items, and furniture for needy Native Americans on Reservations. Lonny Graham wrote “Al’s life was a caring and sharing life. A lot of people were touched by him. He gave his all for the Indian people. Al was a blessing to our cause. You and Barb are people who our family will always remember. You will always have a place in our heart. We love you.” A senior lady needed help with her rental home. Al volunteered to help renovate it one summer. He volunteered with the Ghost Town Club helping renovate the jail and other dilapidated buildings in the town of Marble. Al could be found volunteering at the Chama, New Mexico rail yards, painting old boxcars and adding ID on each for the narrow gauge tours. Al and Barbara Whitmore married June 28, 1987 in the meadow at Foss Chapel, Indian Hills, Colorado. They found early on they were soul mates and enjoyed working together on all their various projects. Yes, Al is one of the Irreplaceables. Al loved to fish – ANY TIME, ANYWHERE! Al and his former wife, Dorothy Wilbert (who preceded him in death) adopted two baby girls, Judith Mary Jonez Miller and Suzanne Marie Jonez Martin, who survive him. Al is survived by his loving wife, Barbara: his sister Evelyn Peters; two sons, Robert Carl Jonez; Al Ray Jonez, Jr., and his two sons, Andrew and Jacob: Paul (Pam) Bartholf and a host of relatives and friends who will greatly miss our Gentle Giant. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to go to NARFE – Alzheimer’s Research, Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave. 17th. floor, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633. “When I am ashes in the wind, I shall still be with you, tucked away in that part of your heart that is for me, Thoughts of time we spent together may ghost across your mind when you least expect them. Out of the blue you may think of something that I told you or an experience that we shared. Most especially, remember always that I am and forever will be your friend who stands with you, who loves you dearly. Hawks will soar across your sky and carry my blessings to you. The steadfast moon will bring light to the dark and remind you of love and friendship given and received… When I am ashes in the wind, I shall still be with you, and take you with me tucked away in that part of my heart that is for you as my soul continues its journey. Carol Snow Seneca” The funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the morning at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Staging Area A. After the Service, a Celebration of Al’s life will be held by a reception at the Holiday Inn, S. Wadsworth Boulevard and W. Hampden Avenue.