OBITUARIES

Shermack

Dowell, concluding a lengthy courtship that began at Helen’s fth birthday party. After completing dental school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the two moved to Ankara, Turkey, where Dick served in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Turkey, Dick and Helen traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Europe, sparking a love of travel, far-o places and international cuisine that they shared throughout their lives.

Once back stateside, the young family moved to Colorado, where Dick had nurtured his love of the outdoors as a camp counselor. He shared that passion with his three children, hunting and shing in Kansas and Colorado, camping in the Rockies, skiing at Crested Butte, riding horses at home in Evergreen, and playing golf just about anywhere.

roughout his 60 years in Evergreen, Dick was compelled to serve. Whether on the board of trustees for Kent Denver School, stepping in as a coach for baseball and soccer (despite a lack of experience in either!), or taking on volunteer leadership roles in Kiwanis, Mount Evans Hospice or the Colorado Dental Association, he saw each as an important opportunity to give back, as well as a great chance to be with old friends and make new ones.

Baba is survived by his children John Dowell (Becky), Ann Powell Ryan (Stephen), and Richard Cortland (Kristen); grandchildren Dale Elizabeth Powell, Noah Mason Ryan, Cecilia McIntosh Ryan, Charles Cole Powell and Carson Ann Powell; and greatgranddaughter Estella Rose Powell. A memorial and celebration of Dick’s life will take place at a later date.

Contributions to support senior care at e Rosemount, Dick’s home in Minnesota, may be made in his memory to Cassia Living, www.cassialife.org/giving. Please specify Greatest Need and e Rosemount in your contribution.

Becoming a sport o cial is easy and virtually free. Once you call a game or two, it gets in your blood. e smiles and the hard work of the young people will touch your heart. Your friendship, and the service with coaches and fellow o cials will also last a lifetime.

e Colorado High School Activities Association just launched a new #YouLookGoodinStripes campaign to recruit new o cials and the association will pay registration for the rst year. e link can be found onCHSAANow.com by clicking on the “Ofcials” tab at the top right of the page and following the “Sign-up” link.

K. Kevin Aten, Ed.D., is a Durango native and president of the Durango and Cortez Football O cials Association. Aten also assigns soccer o cials in Southwest Colorado. He can be reached atkkkevinaten@gmail.com.

NOTE: is guest column was previously published in the e Journal and e Durango Herald on Dec. 14, 2022.

Gail Shermack

February 4, 1950 - February 12, 2023

Gail Shermack, beloved sister of Susan Shermack and Anne S. Blair, predeceased by her parents, Joan H. Shermack and A. Paul Shermack. Fairmount Mortuary.

Groves

John Taylor Groves

May 13, 1923 – February 20, 2023

John Groves was born in Nebraska, but lived most of his life in Downers Grove, Illinois, a southwestern suburb of Chicago, until he and his wife Connie moved to Evergreen in the early nineties. John was only a few months from turning 100, a feat he almost achieved after a long life of moderation. He spent the year 1943 in the U.S. Army in the 1st U.S. Infantry Division, attended Northern Illinois University and married his hometown sweetheart on Nov. 21, 1945. He worked for the Illinois State Employment Service and volunteered for United Way for many years. In retirement, he and Connie enjoyed short trips with old friends, playing bridge and anything family related. e move to Evergreen allowed them to live closer to their sons Alan (Karen) and David (Carrie) and their four grandchildren: Trevor, Jessica, Daniel and Damon. ey were just as pleased to enjoy any chance to be with four great grandchildren: Oscar, Zya, Derek and Korvin. John was a quiet force in a noisy world. He will be missed. No service is planned.

NIEMEYER Louise (Corkran) Niemeyer

July 1, 1955 - February 17, 2023

Louise Corkran Niemeyer of Evergreen, Colorado answered her call to heaven on February 17, 2023. She left us far too early following a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). roughout the disease she maintained an incredibly positive attitude fueled by her reliance on Jesus Christ that was an inspiration to everyone around her.

Louise was the daughter of the late Dr. Herbert and Shirley Corkran. Dr. Corkran was a diplomat with the US State Department and later taught Political Science. Louise developed her love of learning and travel throughout her youth of diplomatic and professorial posts.

She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Denver and MA from Southern Methodist University. She was also a graduate of Denver Seminary. Louise lived many places throughout the US and abroad during Air Force assignments with her husband Joe. She taught as a college psychology professor during these assignments.

She had an insatiable curiosity satis ed by pursuit of lifelong study and exploration across the globe. She was an adventurous spirit and enjoyed backpacking in our beautiful state of Colorado and trekking in Africa and South America. Louise was also an avid SCUBA diver and relished the undersea world in Indonesia, Fiji, and throughout the Caribbean. She used her seminary training to do counseling and teaching Bible studies. She loved volunteering with and supporting Evergreen Christian Outreach

Louise is survived by her husband of nearly 45 years, Colonel Joseph Niemeyer, their son Brian Niemeyer, and her brother Robert Corkran. She is interred at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge along with three past generations of her family. A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks at Bergen Park Church. Her family asks that in lieu of owers, donations be made in her name to Evergreen Christian Outreach and the ALS Association.