‘Voices & Thoughts’ Archives
Obituary: James Laffoon
James J. Laffoon, of Berthoud and recently of Loveland, died August 20, 2014 at McKee Medical Center in Loveland. He was 89-years-old. Jim was born November 6, 1924 in Woodrow, Colorado to Ross Morton Laffoon and Bessie Canatsey Laffoon. He grew up on a farm on the eastern plains of Colorado and later moved to Aurora where he graduated from William Smith High School. Jim served in the US Army, from 1943 until 1946, and played euphonium in the Army band. The first time he met Joyce Bleil at a ... Full Story
Obituary: George Becker Botterill
George Becker Botterill of Loveland, Colorado passed away suddenly at home on August 7, 2014. George was born October 26, 1947 in Denver, Colorado to John Robert Botterill and Helen Josephine (Becker) Botterill. He lived in Denver until 1961 when the family moved to Berthoud, Colorado. After graduating from Berthoud High School in 1965, George entered the U.S. Army and served his country in the Vietnam War. He was an avid sportsman, highly respected heavy equipment operator, loving ... Full Story
Obituary: Darrell Baumer
Darrell “Beaner” Baumer, 83, of Berthoud died July 31, 2014 at the Aspen House in Loveland. He was born August 28, 1930 in Stetsonville, Wisconsin to George and Ella Baumer. In August of 1956 he married Janice Mae Thurston in Hancock, Wisconsin. Darrell and Jan moved to Berthoud in 1982 where Darrell worked for the Berthoud National Bank. He had been in banking from 1956 to 1995. Darrell enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hunting, fishing and remote control airplanes. Darrell is survived ... Full Story
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
To the Editor, Republicans in Congress pledge to deal with comprehensive immigration policy just as soon as our borders are secure -- in other words, when pigs fly. Our borders never will be secure enough to satisfy the Republicans, because that's impossible. No matter how many fences we build, troops we deploy, or children we deport, our nation's borders never will be impenetrable. Our borders are huge; they abut Mexico and Canada and curve in and out of thousands of inlets along the ... Full Story
Obituary: Debbie Lynn Siems
Debbie Lynn Siems, 48, of Berthoud, Colo., formerly of Fremont Nebraska, died Friday, June 20, 2014, at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s hospital in Denver after a long battle with cancer. Debbie Siems was born Oct. 12, 1965, in Fremont to Dennis and Janice (Swan) Mittelstaedt. She graduated from Fremont Senior High School, then attended Omaha College of Health Careers where she got her degree in dental assisting. She also worked at Hero Sandwich Shop and Oilgear in Fremont, then later at ... Full Story
Drafted by the National Security State
Posted by William Astore at 8:03am, June 12, 2014. Click on picture for more images of Willie and Joe On the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Brian Williams led off NBC Nightly News this way: “On our broadcast tonight, the salute to the warriors who stormed the beaches here in Normandy...” It’s such a commonplace of our American world, that word “warriors” for those in the U.S. military or, as is said time and again, our “wounded warriors” for those hurt in ... Full Story
Obituary: Judith Ann Lehn
Judith Ann Lehn was warmly welcomed into the Universe on April 17, 2014. She transitioned peacefully, with her best friend, Leslie, by her side, along with her devoted husband, Don, and her goddaughter, Analee, as well as many others with her in divine spirit, including her beloved sister, Nancy. Judy's effervescent, loving; quick-witted personality naturally drew everyone to her. Judy cared deeply for all she met. In fact, Judy embodied the ancient meaning behind the word "Namaste" by honoring ... Full Story
Obituary: Betty Helen Bashor
Betty Helen (Ferry) Bashor, 91, of Berthoud, passed away at the Lemay Long Term Care Center in Fort Collins on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Betty was born in Spokane, Washington on June 4, 1922 to Mildred (Cramer) Ferry and Frank V. Ferry. Betty was married to E. Eugene “Gene” Bashor for 68 years. They made their home farming in the Berthoud/Johnstown area until 1977 when they retired to Berthoud. Gene preceded her in death in July of 2010. Betty was very active in the First Presbyterian Church ... Full Story
Obituary: Judith Ann Pearce
Judith Ann “Judy” Pearce of Windsor, Colorado passed away unexpectedly April 15, 2014 at the age 75. Judy was born to Pete and Maxine Baller on June 14, 1938 in Longmont, Colorado. Her ancestors were early pioneers to Longmont and her great grandfather, Amos Millice joined the Chicago Colony helping to form Longmont and was part of the survey crew helping to lay out the town. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandparents and other relatives. Judy is survived by her ... Full Story
Obituary: David “Wayne” Harris
David “Wayne” Harris, 78, of Berthoud passed away on May 11, 2014 in Berthoud, CO. Wayne was born on November 15, 1935 in Fincastle, Virginia to Russell and Naomi (Rucker) Harris. He grew up in Fincastle and graduated from Fincastle High School. On July 28, 1969, Wayne married Kaye Short in Goodland, Kansas. Wayne spent time as a truck driver before working as a Pipeline Superintendent in the late 1970’s for the Dale Bruntz Construction Co. and the Kelran Construction Co. for over 20 ... Full Story
