Dr. John Dale Fuhr passed away at his home in Spearfish, SD on Feb. 1, 2017 after a battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 9, 1928 on a farm in Aledo, Ill.

John was a true "Renaissance man" who could fix anything, was able to lead people, projects, organizations and governmental bodies, and remained community and service minded throughout his life. He was bright, talented, humble and extremely hard working. Those fortunate to have known him personally will remember his keen wit, his tenacity, his kind heart, his positive attitude, his whistling and his playful sense of humor.

A partial list of his many achievements includes: Baseball player - Iowa State and Colorado State; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – CSU; Army Officer (Veterinary Corps); Aurora Rotary Club President; Rotary Club District Governor (Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming); State Representative- Colorado Legislature; Speaker of the House - Colorado Legislature; Colorado State Board of Agriculture (governing board of the Colorado State University system); President - Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education; Appointed by President Ford to his commission for economic opportunity; winner of the Gerald R. Ford Invitational Pro Am Golf Tournament (partnered with Tom Weiskopf -1982); Republican Nominee for Colorado Governor 1982; Honorary Lifetime member Colorado Cattleman's Association; Honorary Doctorate of Pharmacology degree; President - Aurora Chamber of Commerce; owner/operator Broadview and Aurora Veterinary Clinics (as well as multiple other business.) Other affiliations: CSU Alumni Association; Iowa State Former Athletes Association; Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society; founding member Valley Country Club, Country Club Village Treasurer (Spearfish); Aurora YMCA; Aurora March of Dimes; Aurora United Fund; Arapahoe County Fair Board; Spearfish Rotary Club Sergeant at Arms.

John spent his last 13 years in South Dakota living a full, active life, surrounded by close friends and family, and serving his community and the Lord. His favorite activities included golf, Rotary Club, Men's Coffee Club, working at Countryside Church and spending time with his family. He will be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years - Adrian "Andy" (Van Matre) Fuhr, his parents, his brother Bob Fuhr, and his sister Peggy (Fuhr) Watkins.

His legacy lives on through his sons: Kurt; Kris and his wife Lorrie (Steamboat Springs); Mark and his wife Christina (Spearfish); his 5 grandchildren - Aaron, Nick, Curtis (all of Houston), Lauren and Brendon (both of Spearfish); and his 5 great grandchildren. His loving companion Coco Villard also survives him.

A memorial service will be held on Sat. Feb. 18 at 10:30am at Countryside Church in Spearfish, SD. The service will be simulcast at www.teamcountryside.com (live service tab). Memorial donations can be made in John's name to Countryside Church, 625 Woodland Drive, 57783. Cards can be sent to 1155 Country Club Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783.