Enos Stephen Gokey Jr.

September 6, 1947 - February 27, 2013 Enos Stephen Gokey Jr. was born in Denver, Colorado on September 6, 1947 to parents Enos S. Gokey, Sr and Mary M. Gokey. Enos is a biblical name that had been handed down through his father, but family and friends called him Dean. His sister, Barbara, was born thirteen months later. The family settled in Thornton, Colorado when Dean was 6 years old. Dean was an outgoing child who made friends easily. He excelled in sports but struggled with school work. It wasn't until much later in life he learned he was dyslectic. Despite his challenges he graduated from Mapleton High School in 1966 and shortly thereafter he enlisted with the US Navy. He served on the aircraft carriers USS America and USS Enterprise as a flight mechanic during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1970. Dean met his wife, Pamela, while “cruising” Downtown Denver and they were married a year later on September 9, 1972. Their daughter Shellaine was born the following year on July 3, 1973. Dean worked in the construction industry most of his adult life. He was a master craftsman who could literally do anything when it came to residential building or remodeling. Due to his work ethics and outgoing personality, many of his customers became personal friends. Dean moved his family to Wheat Ridge, Colorado in January 1990. He loved Wheat Ridge and he wanted to be involved with the Community. He was appointed and served on the Planning Commission for several years. In 2001 he ran for and was elected to the Wheat Ridge City Council and he served two terms as a Council member. Unfortunately Dean was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer on February 1, 2008. In the following years he underwent a stem cell transplant and several different cancer treatments including clinical studies in an effort to keep the cancer at a manageable level. Each year became a little harder than the last and in 2012 his health slowly deteriorated which resulted in several hospital admissions. He eventually lost his hard fought battle with the disease on February 27, 2013. Dean left hi s footprint on so many things and touched so many people during his lifetime. He was a loving husband and father, honorable man and a good friend. Dean is survived by his wife Pam and his daughter Shellaine and his sister Barbara (Jim) Haskins and their children James, Robert, Mary Beth and Barbie Jean. He will be missed by all.