Joe Coors, Jr. former CEO, Chairman and President of CoorsTek Dies at age 74

Joseph Coors, Jr.
Feb 5, 1942 - Sep 15, 2016

CoorsTek, the world’s leading engineered ceramics manufacturer, today announced that Joe Coors, Jr., its former CEO, Chairman and President has died at the age of 74.

Mr. Coors joined the company in 1973, then known as Coors Porcelain, and held various leadership positions until he retired as CEO and Chairman in 2000 after successfully taking the company public and changing its name to CoorsTek. He remained active in other aspects of the Coors family businesses after his retirement, including Keystone Holdings and 9th Street Capital.

Under his leadership the company underwent significant expansion of its operations, both in the United States and internationally, the market segments it served, and its advanced ceramic materials and technologies portfolio.  He was instrumental in shaping the company’s culture and ethos, mandating that the company should make a difference “in the lives of those we have touched” in authoring its first vision statement, a legacy that endures to this day.

“Joe invited me to join him in the leadership of CoorsTek in 1998 and was a great mentor before and after his decision to retire in 2000,” said John Coors, Chairman of CoorsTek.  “Joe was an adept business leader in so many ways, but is probably best remembered for his ability to build relationships, find creative solutions to problems, and infect others with his can-do-attitude.  He was a great inspiration and friend to me and scores of others.  I will miss him.”

Joe’s family is planning a celebration of his life later this fall.  In lieu of flowers or other sentiments, the family welcomes you to contribute to one of Joe’s favorite charitable organizations:

• Colorado School of Mines Foundation | PO Box 4005, Golden, CO 80402
• The Club At Rolling Hills Foundation | 15707 West 26th Avenue, Golden, CO 80401
• Game Day Memories | 3651 South Colorado Boulevard, Englewood, CO 80113