Kenneth Gene Stacey

Kenneth Gene (Stace) Stacey, of Fort Collins, passed peacefully in the caring hands of Pathways Hospice, on May 22, 2022, after a brief battle with lung cancer.

He was born June 24, 1944, in Sterling, Colorado to Rose and Harold Stacey (both deceased), the youngest of five children. Siblings Vernon Behrend, Rosemary Behrend Morgan Hosier, Alberta Behrend Fitts Jappert and Henry Behrend preceded him in death.

The family moved from Sterling to Lyons, Colorado, then to Commerce City, Colorado, and then to Fort Collins, where Stace attended Lincoln Junior High and Fort Collins High School, graduating in 1963. He worked at Continental Manufacturing in Loveland shortly after graduation, and then worked with his father as a hod carrier, where they did plaster work at CSU. In 1966 he was hired by the City of Fort Collins Light and Power Department as an Apprentice Lineman, working his way up to a Lineman, and then to Line Crew Chief. He retired in 1996 due to a disability.

Stace met Hilary Jeanne Stevens in 1968, and the couple married on May 9, 1970. They would celebrate 52 years of marriage before he succumbed to his illness. The couple had no children.

Throughout his journey, Stace enjoyed woodworking in his shop, riding his Harley, listening to music of many genres, and watching sports of all kinds, particularly Avalanche and Eagles hockey, having held season tickets to the Eagles games for several years. He and Hilary also loved road trips, visiting friends and family in California, Texas, Mexico, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. A salmon fishing trip the couple took to Vancouver, British Columbia, was a particularly memorable one for him.

Stace's passion, however, was caring for creatures of many kinds, including three exotic birds through one chapter of his life. Throughout his 77 years, he was rarely not accompanied by at least one very well-cared for, much loved dog.

Those who knew him well – long-time school friends, work friends, new-found friends, and family – will miss among other things, his gentle and generous spirit, his easy laughter, and his GREAT tacos!

Ken Stacey is survived by wife, Hilary, and their beloved, loyal Schnauzer, Josie.

Hilary would like to thank everyone at Station 5, Poudre Valley Hospital, Pathways Hospice, and Goes Funeral Home who provided kindness, understanding, and comfort during this devastating time.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Commemorations may be made to The Larimer County Humane Society or Pathways Hospice in c/o Goes Funeral Home.