Bill Caraghar

William R. "Bill" Caraghar was born July 25, 1943 in Denver, Colorado to Marge and Terry Caraghar. Bill was a curious child known for taking things apart to find out how they worked. That curiosity served him well in life, but not in Catholic school Marge and Terry eventually decided he was better suited to public school. Bill briefly attended Western State College in Gunnison, but was too restless for college life. He returned to Denver and started working as a delivery driver for a bread company.

Bill met Linda Ligrani while delivering bread to the sandwich shop where she worked. They were married in May of 1967. Their daughter Ileta "Lauren" Caraghar was born in 1972. Bill was a loyal husband an attentive father. Bill embodied the vows, "in sickness and in health" as he cared for Linda during a long illness while continuing to work full-time.

Bill began employment with the City of Thornton in August of 1977, as a Filter Plant Operator at the Thornton Water Treatment Plant. He advanced several times and was ultimately promoted to Lead Plant Operator. He embraced modernization and became one of the first Instrument Technicians when the City migrated to an automated plant that used HMI and SCADA technology. Bill shared his knowledge and was a leader on several key projects related to these upgrades. He was known for his strong work ethic and received the nickname "Buffer" because he would polish the floors when there was nothing else to do.

In the over 35 years Bill worked for the City, he was cited numerous times for his contributions; he received both an Individual Distinguished Service Award and multiple Team Distinguished Service Awards. Bill "retired" in January of 2013, but continued to work for the City part-time until January of 2014. The people Bill worked with at the City of Thornton were part of his family. He developed many lasting friendships, which he maintained until the end of his life. Bill's colleagues have reached out to family and shared the loss of both his friendship and institutional knowledge.

To his family, Bill was a kind man who was always dependable. He was quiet in nature, but he had a mischievous streak and a devilish Irish grin. Bill was a devout Catholic who almost never missed a church service or holy day, but he was also open-minded and thoughtful. He enjoyed discussing the Church's history, the state of the Church in the modern world and tales of his time in Catholic School. He loved old TV shows such as Andy Griffith and the Beverly Hillbillies. He knew a wealth of trivia in varied subjects and often surprised his grandson and family when they played games after Sunday dinner. As an adult, Bill reconnected with his cousins in Denver and California, and that brought him great joy. They shared many laughs, particularly during Bill's recent 70th birthday celebration.

Though she moved to Alaska, Bill and his daughter Lauren stayed in close touch. He visited Alaska many times and they traveled just about everywhere the state's limited road system would take them. Bill provided a supportive environment for his daughter throughout her life. He was always willing to listen and offer wise counsel, but he rarely judged. They took a trip to Ireland in 2008, and the opportunity to share that experience with her father will always be one of the highlights of Lauren's life.

Bill's sister Rowena also lives in Alaska and joined in many of their adventures. Rowena and Bill lived in different states and even different countries most of their adult lives, but they stayed close.

Bill dearly loved his cat Duncan, even taking him on several trips to Alaska. Duncan had his own room in Lauren's house. He seemed to find the accommodations acceptable; however, he did not approve of the plane ride or the two other cats and a strange beast known as a dog inhabiting the same air space.

Bill worked with Eric Portner for eleven years and became part of the Portner family starting in 2004 when Eric and his wife Becky brought their young son Luke on a work trip to Toronto. He became Grandpa Bill to Luke. He attended soccer games, school concerts and did everything a grandfather should do. Luke shared Bill's interest in building things, not to mention classic cars. Bill became part of their lives and often spent holidays with them. Since the passing of his wife in 2012, Bill always had Sunday dinner with the Portners and joined them for a variety of activities. They were family in every way that matters. Bill was very proud of Luke and the great sorrow of his passing is that he will not be here to watch Luke grow up

Lauren, Rowena, Eric, Becky, Luke and many others will miss Bill dearly. There is a void that will never be filled. Bill lived a full life and the family takes comfort in the fact that he is now in a better place

A Rosary will be said at the Newcomer West Metro Chapel (901 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood) at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 18th. Funeral Mass will be at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church (7400 West 80th Avenue, Arvada) at 10:30 am on Friday, December 19th. Graveside service and burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery (7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge). The family is hosting a lunch reception following burial at Fanelli's Amici's (4300 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge). All are welcome to attend.