November 28, 1942 ~ July 1, 2026
Joseph Elwood Livingston, 83, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully July 1, 2026. Born in Craig, Colorado, to Elwood M. and Delora A. Livingston, Joe lived a vibrant life marked by love for his family, dedication to education and a passion for the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Julie Walpole (Mitch) and Kim Livingston (Calvin); four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Joe graduated from Moffat County High School in Craig in 1960 and married the love of his life, Barbara, in 1963. A lifelong learner, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, a master’s degree from Colorado State University and completed doctoral work in audiology at the University of Denver.
Joe led a truly dynamic and entrepreneurial career. Over the years, he served as a kindergarten and middle school teacher, a university professor at UNC, a leader in developing and managing the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf, a small-business consultant at Colorado Mountain College and the founder of Papa Joe’s Natural Cereals.
Above all, Joe cherished his time working the land at Big Beaver Ranch in Meeker, Colorado — a ranch above Lake Avery purchased by his father in 1941 to run sheep and which remains in the Livingston family today.
Deeply connected to nature, Joe found joy in horseback riding, driving teams of Belgian horses, sailing, hiking, biking, bird-watching and caring for animals both wild and tame.
People in Meeker will remember Joe for his involvement in the Meeker Sheepdog Classic, providing sheep camps, people movers and chuck wagons for the events. He had tremendous fun creating the White River Talk About and other events at the ranch.
A celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter at Colorado National Monument.
Please join us to share your favorite stories and honor Joe in one of his favorite places.
