October 5, 1948 – February 5, 2021
Jeffrey Alan Gould, 72, passed away quietly in the comfort of his home with his adoring wife at his side after a brief illness and valiant fight for life on February 5, 2021. He loved his family deeply and lived life with passion. He will be forever missed by his wife Sandy and daughter Katherine.
Jeff was born October 5,1948 to Grier and Ella (Stringer) Gould in Syracuse, New York where he enjoyed playing in the nearby woods with his brothers. In 1959, his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where the family continued to enjoyed the outdoors camping and fishing. Jeff was always curious and enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. Jeff graduated from Del Norte High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University.
On October 12, 1990 Jeff married the love of his life, Sandy, at Logan Shoals overlooking Lake Tahoe where they began a wonderful 30-year journey together.
Jeff started his 33-year career in the electric industry as an electric engineer for Arizona Public Service Company, expanded his knowledge at Intermountain Rural Electric in Sedalia, Colorado, and went on to became the Electric Director for the City of Longmont, Colorado. He had a life-long enthusiasm for learning new concepts and was known for his creative thinking and seeing the big picture. He introduced the concept of telecommunications to the city and was honored at the dedication ceremony; one of the first municipal electric-telecom cities in the U.S. He had a flexible management style; he could be tough or compassionate as the situation required. He had a kindness, quick smile, and a sparkle in his eye that many will remember him for. Most of all, he enjoyed mentoring others; watching and encouraging them to grow to their potential. He was past chairman and board member for Platte River Power Association (PRPA) and Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities (CAMU); and board member of Williams Fork Mining Company. He retired from City of Mesa to enjoy travel and adventure with Sandy throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe to build their memories tree.
Retirement also included long leisurely walks, gardening, hiking, biking, snowshoe and cross-country skiing, canoeing, golfing, woodworking, and, of course, fishing which brought Jeff serenity over the years.
Jeff is survived by wife Sandy; daughters Katherine (Brian) Montoya and Kim (Kris) Oyler; grandchildren Mya and Elijah; brothers Tom (Linda) and Doug (Beverly) Gould; sisters-in-law Jeanette and Brenda Rutz. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law Jim and Bob Rutz; great-nephews Lucas Watts and Loren Rutz.
A special thank you to Dr. Mark Kropf and Christopher Keller for their dedication, compassion and encouragement during Jeff’s illness and over the years.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held in Colorado at a later date and will be posted on Bowman Funeral Parlor website.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Idaho Food Bank https://idahofoodbank.org/ or Boise Ronald McDonald House https://www.rmhcidaho.org/.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Jeff’s life at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7755 Greenstone Trail, Fort Collins, Colorado, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. He will be forever in our hearts.
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John & Charlotte Allum says
February 11, 2021 at 7:52 amWe were so sorry to hear that Jeff had passed away. We have many great memories of working with Jeff at PRPA and CAMU. He was a real asset to the electric industry in Colorado. Sandy, Katherine and Kim, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dot Lofton says
February 11, 2021 at 8:09 amDear Sandy,
We almost missed Jeff’s obituary in the Coloradoan. I am Ethel Giesler’s sister Dot Lofton from Fort Collins. Jim and I were surprised to learn Jeff left us at such a young age. We send love and hugs to you and the family.
Dot and Jim Lofton
Doug and Bev Gould says
February 16, 2021 at 1:54 pmJeff and I had a wonderful conversation shortly before his death. We told each other we loved one another and it was a very wonderful conversation. He is sorely missed and was greatly loved. Our hearts go out to Sandy, Katherine and the rest of the family.
RJH says
June 17, 2021 at 7:21 amJeff was my supervisor at the City of Mesa from 2004 until his retirement. His management style was one that I have yet to encounter since. I’m grateful for the privilege of learning from Jeff as I was beginning my career, and his influence is present in my life to this day. My condolences go out to his family.
jim says
April 24, 2022 at 6:40 pmI was on jeff’s staff at Longmont. We discussed a situation where a bear had climbed a pole and was in danger of electrocution. The utility cut the power to rescue the bear. He instructed us to not cut the power if something similar were to occur in Longmont, but I really never listened to him anyway.
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