Joel Adrian Moritz was born in North Dakota to Harvey and Hazel Moritz. He attended college and law school at the University of North Dakota. After earning his law degree in 1979 he moved to Colorado to begin practicing law where he practiced for 43 years, building multiple businesses during that time. 

He was an intentionally present and supportive father always attending his daughter’s musical performances and being a Boy Scout troop leader for both of his sons, often planning and participating in trips like snow-cave camping and multi-day canoe excursions. 

His favorite place to be at was his home in Fraser, Colorado which he had built to frame the perfect view of the continental divide.

He was a skilled and avid skier, primarily on the Winter Park and Mary Jane Mountains where he skied and socialized with Up The Creek Ski Club, and was a ski guide in the SkiMeisters ski club. In the warmer weather, he was an active hiker and biker on Grand County’s trails. 

His grandchildren knew him as “Grandpa Mountain” and regularly enjoyed visits from him where he would read them books and play. He is survived by his brother Robert, sisters Priscilla and Rachel, and his three children Amanda, Joel Jr, and Michael.