Craig Becker

Craig R. Becker, 66, of Aurora passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Suzanne, at his side on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Following cremation, a Celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Horan and Mcconaty Funeral Home, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver.

Craig was born on October 25, 1948 in East Moline, Illinois to Marvin and Cleora ("Rusty") Becker. He was a 1966 graduate of United Township High School in East Moline and a 1970 graduate of Southern Illinois University. Craig was an accomplished athlete in school and he was proud to have achieved Eagle Scout honors in Boy Scouts. He was also honored to be a member of The Order of the Arrow Boy Scout Honor Society.

In 1976 Craig moved to Denver to work for Pitney Bowes. He left Pitney Bowes to open Warehouse Matrix Co. shipping advertising materials for Gates Rubber. Three years later he formed Equipment Wholesaler, a successful mailing equipment company. He and Suzanne ran this business until Craig retired from the office machine business to buy, fix and resell homes.

It was shortly after moving to Colorado that Craig met Suzanne, the love of his life and his life partner. They were married in 1980. They had 39 beautiful years together working side by side in their business as well as at home.

In 2005 Craig was diagnosed with prostate cancer. During his 10 year battle with the disease he created The New Denver Men's Club, an online support group and blog for prostate cancer survivors. He was untiring in his search for new advances in treatments for prostate cancer and he shared all of his research with his support group. He brought insight and most of all hope to his support group.

Craig was very proud and honored to have been chosen as one of only three non-medical participants for the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. He also participated as a speaker in the UCH program for Advanced Placement students interested in medical careers.

Spending quality time with Suzanne and his sweet dogs, Lily and Charlie, was one of Craig's favorite pasttimes. He also enjoyed target shooting, vegetable gardening, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and "hanging with his friends."

He was very generous with his time spending many hours counseling other cancer patients as well as helping neighbors and friends when needed. He loved being the "life of the party" and he enjoyed life to the fullest and beyond.

Survivors include his wife, Suzanne; his sister, Cheryl (Bud) Doxsee; his niece Lesa (Scott) Goodenough and her family; his nephew Brian (Heather) Gonzales and his family; and many good friends.

The family would like to thank The Denver Hospice for its special care of Craig and the wonderful support given to Suzanne.