GRAND JUNCTION, CO — Dan Mulvey of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2012, surrounded by loving family and friends. He valiantly fought a long and difficult battle against cancer, and his spirit was never quenched.

Dan was born in Lockport, New York to Edward and Anna Honey (Sheehan) Mulvey. He was the youngest of four children. He was raised in Lockport as part of a large, extended family whom he cherished. He attended DeSales Catholic High School, graduating in 1967. Dan made close friends during his years growing up and going to the Catholic schools in Lockport. Some of those friendships endured through his entire life. The adventures they had together were the subject of many a great story told by Dan, who was a true Irish storyteller.

Dan graduated from the University of Dayton in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in business. He tried his hand in the business world for a short time, until he heard the call of the Great American West. He and several of his longtime friends packed up their belongings and left New York for the prospects of a life in Colorado. They traveled, took various jobs, lived in the mountains and his love of the outdoors was born. He settled in Grand Junction in 1976 and began his long career at the Grand Junction Regional Center, where he eventually became the Director of Program Services. Dan led with compassion and wisdom, and he cared deeply about those he worked for and with. After his retirement from the Regional Center, he worked at Sportsmen's Warehouse and enjoyed many hours swapping fishing tales with his buddies.

It was also in Grand Junction where Dan began his family, with three sons, Max, Sean and Seamus. They brought him much joy and he found great pleasure in watching them develop into the men they are today. Dan loved many things - motorcycles, camping, fishing, music, classic cars and the Buffalo Bills, but most of all, Dan loved his family and friends. He was loyal, devoted and exceptionally kind.

Dan is survived by his wife, Pam Gardner; his sons, Max (Jen) Mulvey, Sean (Jess) Mulvey and Seamus (Sarah) Mulvey; his step-daughter, Stacy Sandoval; and step-son, Adam (Michelle) Killian. His spirit lives on in his thirteen treasured grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dennis Patrick Kane; sister-in-law, Joan Theresa (Spoth) Mulvey; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Mulvey Kane; two brothers, William Edward Mulvey and Robert James Mulvey; and a nephew, Kevin Patrick Kane.

He will be remembered and loved by the many whose lives he touched. A celebration service will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 4 PM at St. Johns Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport, New York. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Diabetic Association/Juvenile Diabetic Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. The family would like to thank all those whose love and support brought comfort and strength.

Visit www.lockportjournal.com/obituaries for online guest register.