Carl Andrew Lepisto
Marriages
Eileen
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3 D Obituary - May 4, 2014
Carl Andrew Lepisto passed
away peacefully Tuesday, April
22, at home in Grand Junction after
a brief illness with ALS.
Carl was born August 18, 1939, in
Sudbury, Ontario to Rev. Mathew
and Mary Lepisto. He grew up in
Albuquerque and graduated from
Highland High School. Graduating
in 1961 from Midland University
in Fremont, Nebraska, he then served in the Navy from 1962-1965.
While doing research work, he met his wife, Eileen, who moved to Albuquerque
where Carl attended the University of New Mexico School
of Medicine where he also took his internship. Children, Christopher
and Gretchen, were born during his time at University of Colorado
Medical Center Ophthalmology Residency Program from where he
graduated in 1974.
In 1975 he moved to Grand Junction where he practiced for 28 years.
Growing up with financial hardship, Carl had a strong work ethic. This
showed in his personal life as well as his profession. He had a passion
for medicine, loved his patients and the challenges of ophthalmology,
always attending seminars on the latest techniques of eye surgery.
Teaching medical residents was also important to him.
After retirement and wanting to continue his love of medicine, he and
Eileen moved to Saudi Arabia for a year and a half where Carl worked
at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, teaching ophthalmology
residents. Carl and Eileen then moved to Tasmania where he
continued his teaching at the Medical College of Tasmania.
Carl was active in the Mesa County and Colorado Medical Societies
with an interest in health care reform. He was president of the county
society and on the Colorado Medical Society Council on Ethical and
Judicial Affairs.
Interested in supporting his community, he served as secretary-treasurer
of the Hilltop Community Resources Board and on the Retirement
Services Board. Additionally he served at Denver’s Iliff School
of Theology as a trustee.
Carl was active in the Redlands United Methodist Church where he
sang bass in the choir. Enjoying architectural work, he co-chaired the
church building committee, designed his medical office and along with
his wife drafted their solar adobe home. He also was building a shop to
work on classic and antique cars. Loving the outdoors, he spent time at
the family mountain cabin and helped to construct Lake Lepisto.
Carl deeply loved his family and, unasked, would quickly bring out
his wallet family photos at any opportunity. He is survived by his wife,
Eileen; son, Christopher of Grand Junction; daughter, Gretchen (Paul)
Rierson of Highlands Ranch, and two grandchildren.
All are welcome to attend a service Friday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m. at
Redlands United Methodist Church, with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redlands United Methodist
Church at 527 Village Way, Hilltop Community Resources at
1331 Hermosa Ave. or a charity of your choice.
