David Jorissen

David Jorissen, age 56, of Fort Collins, CO, passed away September 23, 2015, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born January 7, 1959, he spent his entire childhood in Chanhassen, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert (Red) and Vernice Jorissen; by In-laws, Thomas and Marcia Wilbor, and infant son, Wesley. He is survived by wife, Wendy Wilbor; son, Michael Jorissen (Priscilla); daughter, Barbara (Jordan) Jiron; grandchildren, Valentino "Tino" and Cesia Jorissen; siblings, Judy (Glen) Siegle, Barbara (John) Bender, Tim Jorissen (Mary Kurvers), Mary Lou Jorissen (Hoby Thompson), Jackie Jorissen (David Small), Bob Jorissen (Laurie Rudman); many nephews and nieces being especially close to Becci Siegle; brother-in-law, Tom (Linda) Wilbor, and several cousins, in particular Paula (Jack) Atkins and Sybil Williams.

After high school, David attended several colleges, including a year of independent study at the University of London. While there, he traveled to many areas of Europe and he told stories of his adventures that would make your sides ache with laughter. He didn't complete his degree at that time and began his career as a caregiver, first for the elderly and ultimately for the physically disabled. David never "saw" the disabilities; he would always connect with the person. He would often become friends with the people he cared for and go above and beyond to help them have a normal existence, making sure they would get out of the house to attend family functions, go to a ballgame, or attend a concert – all on his own time because these people were his friends. However, David never lost his love of education and children, and while driving a school bus before and after classes, he eventually completed his degree in Secondary Education. Although he only taught a short time, he was able to share his passion for history, economics, American government and geography. With the move to Colorado, his final home, David was unable to secure a teaching position. He worked with Visiting Angels and Right at Home for a short time, but his last job was as a bus driver for Transfort with the city of Fort Collins. He loved spending time with his coworkers as well as light banter with his passengers. David was always one to engage people in conversation as he was a man who knew a lot about many different things. As a philosopher/bus driver, he projected the same respect and inclusiveness to all he encountered, from the affluent to the homeless; never judging, always interested and concerned.

David loved and was loved by his family and many friends. He made a great effort to keep in touch with those far away; notably, he shared many phone calls and a final visit from his 3rd grade friend, Mike "Mic" Martin. Although he was the youngest of seven, he was the connective tissue that held his siblings together. David loved their individuality: Judy – Master Librarian, very well-read in all areas making her an engaging conversationalist; Barb – nurse and caregiver to us all; Tim – historian, baseball enthusiast and willing to debate anything; Mary Lou – caregiver and devout Christian praying for us all; Jackie – wellness guru and lover of nature, teaching us all to leave a smaller carbon footprint; and Bob – twin spirit of David, spending most of his career in theatre and film before settling on legal videography as his retirement gig. Together, they thrived on debate, stories, and laughter often well into the night.

Both David and Wendy's family gathered in David's final days for a weeklong celebration of David's life. It was a living memorial to him with David participating in it all. There was a special visit from Michael's immediate family from Houston, and Jordan, Barb's husband, who came all the way from Afghanistan on special leave to be with him. Friends from Transfort were always there, with one in particular, Fred Groover, becoming part of our family. Neighbors and friends opened their homes to house all of the visitors and were generous with bringing food to feed the crowd and helping with the house and yard upkeep. There are too many people to mention, but you know who you are. A special thank you to Wendy's colleagues whose support allowed her to spend an extended time away from work during this very difficult but precious time. And thank you to the "goodness" of a stranger, Allen, who put a smile on David's face.

To those he met in his travels and those dear to him in his personal life, he was a cherished treasure. He was a beloved friend to many; a caring parent to Michael and Barbara who echo David in their personalities, especially in their humor (and love of Seinfeld, "It is really what life is all about"); a fun grandpa to Tino and Cessie; "Crazy Uncle David" to great niece and nephew, Simone and Colin; and loving husband to Wendy (although his "politically incorrect" humor frequently embarrassed her). He possessed an amazing intelligence and wit, was liberal yet tolerant of all viewpoints, and loved being a lifelong learner. Other than his academic interests, David was an avid reader (non-fiction only, thank you), loved watching all sports (he finally grudgingly admitted liking to watch golf), and enjoyed active leisure time: skiing (a favorite), basketball, hiking, bicycling, and gardening. He had eclectic musical taste, played a mean air guitar, and had a quick wit, never missing the opportunity to share a joke or funny story, often poking fun at himself.

His cancer took him from all of us much too soon, but he will not be forgotten. Our memories of David will always bring a smile and he will live forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or organization. Suggestions: Food Bank of Larimer County (or your local food bank), Larimer Humane Society, Pathways Hospice, American Cancer Society.

A Private Family Service will be held.