Francis Fitzpatrick

Francis Fitzpatrick, 78, was born on June 6, 1936, in Kingman, Kan., to Thomas and Emma (nee Murphy) Fitzpatrick. He grew up in Syracuse, Kan., and was graduated from Syracuse High School in 1954. He died on April 6, 2015 at Vibra Healthcare in Thornton, Colo. After moving to Colorado in the 1960's, Francis married Mary Okerson on Feb. 14, 1966, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Thornton, Colo. He lived in Westminster, Colo., from 1966 until he died. As a young man, he was a custom harvester in Kansas and Colorado. For more than 40 years, he was a truck driver for the company most recently known as Air Liquide. He delivered liquid nitrogen, oxygen and other industrial gasses to hospitals, businesses and government facilities in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and several other states. He loved to drive, taking his family on vacations in South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas and Colorado. Francis enjoyed square dancing, fishing, camping, reading, socializing with friends and cheering on his ""adopted"" grandchildren at their sports games. He was a huge Broncos fan and attended several games at Mile High Stadium. Francis suffered from pneumonia and COPD. His family wants to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff who treated him - especially those at National Jewish Health and Vibra Healthcare - for their care and support. Francis is survived by his wife; his daughters, Victoria (Marc) Camron and Teresa (Marlin) Wegner, all of Westminster; his brother, Bill (Sherryl) Fitzpatrick of Wichita, Kan.; and many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Delores Tuxhorn and Teresa Fitzpatrick A rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, with a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, both at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 7595 Federal Blvd., Westminster. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Jewish Health, P.O. Box 17169 Denver, CO, 80217-0169 Cards may be sent to the Fitzpatrick Family, 7484 Alcott St., Westminster, CO, 80030.