Ralph Faris
1934- 2017

Ralph was a multi-talented man. His career path covered many aspects.

His early career was pumping gasoline and working as a licensed guide for elk and deer hunters in Wyoming. He had many stories about guiding Hollywood celebrities in their quest for tropy elk.

He then found sales and had a natural talent as a successful salesman, starting with New York Life Ins. Co, then Quaker Oats, Scotts Lawn Products, western boots, and finally as a big equipment and car salesman.

He came to Colorado in 1970 and went to work for an oil fracking company, then as a transportation supervisor contractor for Coors. When Coors started their in house transportation company and were no longer using contractors, he hit the road as a long haul truck driver. He covered almost the entire United States. His favorite run was hauling swinging meat to the eastern seaboard. To him it was an easier drive, although it was more miles than the western coast, it paid more and he got back home earlier because he never had a problem getting a load back to Denver.

His last endeavor was owning the Rockette Tavern in Wheat Ridge. He upgraded the interior of the establishment and the clientele was upgraded as a result. He ran a pretty tight ship and hired great bartenders who all admired him for his efforts. He hosted many special events for his patrons, even an Irish Wedding with the beautiful red headed bride in emerald green.

When the bar was sold, he retired and bought a mobile home in Seminole Reservoir in Wyoming. It was a great place to spend most of the summers, boating, fishing, 4 wheeling and drinking beer. We had great neighbors up there we played cards with, and swapped fishing tales.

All the children and grandchildren spent time with us at the lake, learning to water ski, and 4 wheeling off road.

Ralph joined the Elks in Worland Wyoming Elks Lodge in 1970, demitted to the Arvada Elks Lodge in 1974. He became an officer of the Arvada Elks in 1975, starting as Tiler and went through all chairs being elected Exalted Ruler in 1982. He became a Life Member on September 1, 1977.

Ralph's belief in Elkdom was extremely strong, he served as a Colorado State Elks chairman of Government Relations, and was successful in getting property tax reductions for all non-profit organizations. He was elected to State Trustee in 1987.

Ralph was chosen by the Elks Grand Exalted ruler to the position of District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Colorado Northwest District in 1990.

Ralph is survived by his widow Bobbie; son Scott (Carol) Faris, daugthers Tracy (Bob) Sullivan, Cheryl Rucker and Karin Massar.

Grandchildren, Kaja (Jeremy) Wagner, Julie Faris, Joanna Faris, Aaron (Erin) Hutchings, Nicole Atencio, Dana Massar, and Kari (Jeremy) Cook.

Great Grandchildren, Brad and Alyssa Cook, Connor and Tristan Hutchings.

We will meet him in Heaven. He will be waiting for us one by one.