John Muirhead III

John Muirhead III, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at his home in Severance, Colorado. 

John was born on December 13, 1939, in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He grew up in Arizona and Utah, experiences that shaped his love for the outdoors and hard work. He graduated from Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah, in 1957, and later earned a Bachelor of Engineering Science and Geological Engineering from Brigham Young University on August 21, 1969. 

John proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1957 to 1969. As a young man, John also faithfully served a 2½-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Brazil, an experience that deeply influenced his life and faith. 

On September 18, 1964, John married the love of his life, Barbara Berndt, in the Salt Lake Temple. They shared 61 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and adventure. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and John Muirhead Jr.; his sister Roberta Guzman; his daughter Tammy Holland; and his grandson Wyatt Tagg.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; his daughters Darlene (Jon) Nolting, Cindy (Barrett) Wells, Sharon Howerton, Susan (Wade) Tagg, Jeff Holland, and Natalie (Clint) Brown; his grandchildren Nicole and Jeremy Nolting, Samuel Wells, Madeline and Abigail Howerton, Tyson Tagg, Andrew and Avery Holland, Torrey (Juan) Meza, and Colton, Porter, and Griffin Brown; and his great-grandson Alexander Wells. He is also survived by his sister and brother, Alice Kerastas and Ernest Muirhead. 

John was a lifelong lover of animals—every family pet seemed to love him most. He cherished the outdoors and found joy in skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and living life as a cowboy. He was taught by his father to be a skilled carpenter and to use resources wisely, lessons he carried throughout his life. 

While attending BYU, John began his career as a general contractor in Provo, Utah. After graduating, he was recruited by the Climax Mine in Leadville, Colorado, where he applied his expertise in geological engineering. A few years later, he started his own construction business in Frisco, Colorado, where he was well known for his craftsmanship. If you have been to Frisco you have seen many of his projects. It was there that John and Barbara raised their six daughters and ran their business for many years. In 2016, they moved to Loveland, Colorado, where John continued building for several more years. 

John helped establish a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Frisco and hosted the first meetings in a motel he built and operated himself. 

John was most proud of his six daughters—each of whom worked alongside him as part of his construction crew. He taught all his daughters to ski and was their most dedicated coach. He was also their self-appointed expert in every subject imaginable, whether advice was requested or not. He loved the title of Grandpa the most and earned the title of Mr Awesome. 

John was kind beyond measure and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He worked hard and played hard. His smile could light up a room, and if that didn’t work, he would make funny faces until he got one. He loved to ask if you had ever seen someone bend steel—then grab his stomach with both hands and “bend” it, much to everyone’s amusement. 

John was very involved in Boy Scouts of America. Hundreds of boys learned how to love and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. He helped more than 30 boys become Eagle Scouts. He enjoyed spending time with the Youth. 

John was also the best storyteller. Whether around a campfire, at the dinner table, or on a job site, his stories were legendary—and never quite the same twice. They grew and evolved over time, shaped by his memory, imagination, and audience, and were always delivered with perfect timing and a twinkle in his eye. Listening to John tell a story was an experience, one that left everyone laughing, captivated, and eager for the next version.

Charming to the ladies and the envy of the men, John lived life fully. His trophy room reflected his passion for hunting, though he often passed up a “good-sized” trophy in search of the true king. He hunted alongside his best friends, sons-in-law, daughters, and grandsons, creating memories that will last generations.

John Muirhead III leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, faith, and family—a legacy that will continue through all who knew and loved him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in John’s honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10 am. Please join John’s family and friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 500 Hillspire Dr, Windsor, Colorado 80550.