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John Youle Obituary
John moved to Denver in 1980 and fully embraced the environment. He skied the back country, kayaked and backpacked. In 1987 he married Maura Ellis, and thus began 35 years of fun, world travel, domestic road trips, laughs and love. "Mo" and "Juan" - together they sparkled.
John was a hard worker, usually eating lunch at his desk. He worked in Brazil and Indonesia and in 1997 he and his little family moved to Egypt to work for Apache Corp. where they lived and explored that side of the world for 5 years. While in Egypt John added numerous fields and exploration discoveries. "His innovative geologic ideas were first class." In 2002 Calgary, Canada became home for two years before he just couldn't continue "working for the man" so they moved to Longmont, CO where he started his own business with his long-time partner, mentor and friend Bill Moore. He loved working for himself and was able to use all of his talents: exploration, economics, land leasing, contracts and sales.
After moving for much of their married life, in 2014 John was recruited by Red Willow of the SUIT and he and Maura finally landed where they were meant to be. In 2018 he purchased Mr. Plant Interiorscapes (which Brigid runs) and after a 40-year career he retired in 2019. Instead of "Golden Years" John and Maura were calling this magical time their "Platinum Years" and fully appreciated the quality of the people in their lives, that both of their children live here, the activities available in this area, their good health, the ability to explore with their trailer, "Dale" and especially how much they loved each other.
John was a self-described "Geo-dork" loving everything about geology and earth science. He was a student of history, politics, current events. He loved to ski bumps, play tennis, mountain bike, swim, cook and beat you at any game. He was funny, creative, playful, exuberant, enthusiastic - and very kind. We will always love him.
He was a member of several geological societies: 4 Corners, Rocky Mountain and American.
John is survived by his wife, Maura; children: Brigid "Bridie" and Jack Tasman, and Bridie's fiancé', Kevin Sanchez, all of Durango; his sister Susan Millstein of Lawrence, KS; step-mother Carol Youle of Scales Mound, IL; m-i-l Jackie Ellis, b-i-l's Sean and Brendan Ellis; s-i-l Barb Ellis all of Casper, WY and several special nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle J".
Passed before him: his mother, Jeanne; father, Clint; sister Jessica; b-i-l David Millstein.
Donations in John's name may be made to any local Durango/La Plata County charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Youle
Dan Huffman and Janna Oetting
April 1, 2024
Maura, Dan and I just learned of this incredibly sad news. We are beyond sad. We have wonderful memories of you both, and in them, you are always together smiling and laughing. We were fortunate to share time with you, whether we were talking geology and trips or learning of leather selling or dirt floor sweeping of your rental in Kansas.
Sam
December 12, 2023
John was such a loving part of my life. And his sense of humor was almost always at hand. John was so dedicated to his friends and I will always feel his companionship
Theresa "T" Diaz
June 4, 2023
Dear Maura and family - I only now learned of your loss just the other day, 7 months later. I was so sorry to hear, and my heart goes out to you all. I have very fond memories of taking your yoga classes, Maura, and wanted to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Andrew Childs
December 19, 2022
Although I lost touch with John over the years, he (and his family) had a rare warmth, intellectual curiosity and joie de vivre. I have vivid memories of shared childhood adventures in Wayne generally, and in Galena specifically of wild rides in his father´s Model T. I think Johnny turned me on to Monty Python and to Led Zeppelin, but these are memories of over fifty years so not to be entirely trusted...
My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Eric and Micaela Newman
December 19, 2022
Dear Maura, Bridie and Jack - My heart and prayers are with you during this very sad time. John was such an incredible joy to be around. I loved every minute I got to spend with him shreading turns on the slopes or ripping down turns on the mountain bike. My last memory, and one the I´ll now always cherish is riding with him around Phil´s World just a couple of months ago. Selfishly, I am missing the great friend John has been and the great friendship I was looking forward to in Durango, but this is nothing compared to the loss of a wonderful Husband and Father he has been to you. Please know you are all in our prayers. May God´s Everlasting Love give you peace!
Mary Beth
December 18, 2022
I always looked forward on playing tennis with John when I had the chance. He brought his best game along with his fine sense of humor.
Off the court we would talk about where we traveled and where we want to explore next.
Sounds like he had a great sense of adventure .
I´ll b sending love to your family
Brian Boutte
December 18, 2022
I really enjoyed working with John in Egypt. Very funny and smart guy.
He is missed.
Brian Boutte
Matt Telfer
December 16, 2022
Maura and family - I was deeply saddened to hear about John. I always looked up to him as a geologist and a person. I enjoyed all the deep discussions we had about finding oil and sharing each others' experiences. He will be missed
Dave
December 15, 2022
Tres Amigos
Julie Daugherty
December 15, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Our time together in AZ last year was not long enough but in those few days we felt like we have always been friends and our hearts ache for this loss. May all of you feel loved during this difficult time and always remember the good times.
Vaughn & Julie Daugherty
Dave Allard
December 15, 2022
John was a true friend and a good man. We will all miss his kindness, love, quick wit and positive spirit.
Mary Minihan
December 12, 2022
Maura, we were so saddened and shocked to hear this about John. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Stay strong and hold on to the memories! Mary Minihan and Pete Schulte, Casper
Sam Allen
December 10, 2022
Sam Allen
December 10, 2022
John was a life long friend and much loved. He will always be near. Live Sam and Mary
Linda Mathson
December 9, 2022
So many great memories of John!! Beautifully written obit which captures his spirit and life perfectly. He will always be loved by us too!! May God's peace, love, grace and joy fill up your broken hearts. Hugs and much love,
Linda & Kevin Mathson
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