Elvin C. DeGabain

Elvin DeGabain, 95, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 19, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness. A man of deep and abiding faith, Elvin was introduced to that walk during his teenage years by the woman who would become his wife of 74 years, Violet. He devoted his life to being a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend.

Elvin was born at home north of Wellington, Colorado on April 25, 1931, and spent most of his life in Northern Colorado. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing basketball, and he graduated from Wellington High School in 1949. Not long after, God intervened in Elvin’s life. While riding his scooter down the main street of their small town, he spotted a new girl in town named Violet and stopped to talk. When he asked her to go to "the show," she had a better idea: church. Their first date was a Sunday evening service, and from that moment, a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love was born. Elvin and Violet were married on August 17, 1950.

In 1959, the family relocated to Boulder, where their home became a gathering place of warmth and hospitality. Through their deep involvement in the church, they cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1984, Elvin and Violet built their dream home near the Poudre Canyon, where they continued to share their gifts through the ministry of fellowship. Elvin also served faithfully for many years as a deacon on the board of both Boulder First Assembly and Timberline churches.

His greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and mentoring presence to his five daughters, nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. His warmth extended far beyond family lines — the many friends Elvin and Violet made over the years were welcomed and loved as their own.

Elvin took great pleasure in hunting, fishing, cutting and baling hay, and spending time with the people he loved. Faith and worship were central to who he was, and the farm on Poudre Canyon Road held an especially dear place in his heart. He had long expressed to his daughters the wish to pass away at home, and in grace and mercy, God granted him exactly that.

Elvin is survived by his daughters Bonnie DeGabain, Sharon Strong (Bruce), Virginia Kalmer (Ralph), Dorene Beaver (Dave), and Linda Pasquin, along with eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violet; his parents, Mable and Edward DeGabain; and his siblings Floyd, Erna, Howard, and Shirley. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and fellowship that will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Viewing will begin at 2pm with the funeral service to follow at 3pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Timberline Church, South Auditorium 2908 S. Timberline Rd. A Private interment will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder, CO.