Jake Peavey
It is with sadness in our hearts that we share news of the passing of Paul Christopher Peavey, 57, of Idaho Springs, Colorado.
Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1967 to Diane and Paul Chonich. Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit as an adolescent, Paul had paper routes in the Detroit area delivering both the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News. His hard work and outstanding performance earned him trips to places like Disney World. Paul’s drive and salesmanship would serve him well throughout his life.
As an adult, Paul worked in various positions in the food industry such as bartender and cook, eventually opening his own food stand called Top Dog. Many in the Evergreen, Colorado area will remember Paul’s friendly and smiling face serving Chicago-style gourmet hot dogs. Paul was also the founder of a painting company that served the Front Range. Several of the historical downtown Idaho Springs buildings were painted by Paul. Business owners entrusted him to do the intricate paintwork to make their buildings look new again, thus Paul’s business name, New Paint Co. He would often take his dogs with him to the job sites. He was rarely seen without one of his four-legged companions by his side.
In recent years, Paul found his calling as an award-winning dog breeder, which gave him an opportunity to share his passion and expertise of dogs with families all over the country and abroad. As the owner of Elite European Dobermans, Paul was a staple in the Idaho Springs community. Paul and his service dogs frequently donated their time to local rescues, senior homes, and rehab centers. His commitment to better the lives of those around him with his dogs is a testament to his legacy.
It was Paul’s faithful dog Barth, who led Paul to meet Sheryl, the mother of his three sons, Dylan, Jakob, and Isaak. Before the boys were born, Paul and Sheryl had many exciting adventures traveling and camping with Barth in the classic Volkswagen vans that Paul painstakingly restored and kept on the road.
Paul connected deeply with live music. He and Sheryl went to countless Grateful Dead, bluegrass, and reggae shows together. Paul not only attended live music shows, but he also loved to make music on his congas and bongos. For a short time, he even played in a band with several of his friends and performed locally. However, simply drumming as part of a circle was always the most therapeutic and his favorite way to play.
Paul thrived in the outdoors and could often be found enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado. He loved fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Paul was also a semi-professional snowboarder and spent hours on the slopes at winter ski areas in both Colorado and Maine. During the summer months, Paul enjoyed metal detecting with his best friend Bruce and was always eager to share his discoveries with others. An avid motorcyclist, Paul cherished the times he spent riding with his brother and father all over the country. His passion for the outdoors is reflected in the lives of his sons Jakob and Isaak, both of whom find a similar sense of peace in the activities they shared with their father.
A personable and exuberant soul, Paul was easily recognizable by his larger-than-life laugh and a unique ability to talk and connect with people from all walks of life. Paul strived to see the best in others and would effortlessly crack jokes with strangers as though he had known them for years. Paul’s outgoing nature and the way he was able to make others laugh is what he will be most remembered for.
We love you and will miss you, Paul.
Paul is predeceased by his first son, Dylan, and his mother, Dianne. He is survived by his daughter Sara, sons Jakob and Isaak, brother Nick, nephew Sam, father Paul, stepmother Patty, aunts Donna, Helen, and Renee, and uncles Milan, Marcus, and Brian.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Paul’s friends and loved ones in the Idaho Springs community for their support and advocacy.
Currently, Paul’s adult Dobermans are under the loving care of Clear Creek/Gilpin County Animal Shelter (Charlie’s Place). Those interested in making a donation in Paul’s honor are encouraged to visit the website listed below.
