Doyle Albee at Metzger has written a moving tribute to his mentor and our friend Joe Fuentes, who is in a tough, tough battle with cancer. Chances are that you know – and love – Joe. He is a Denver media and public relations institution, having worked at the Rocky Mountain News, Coors, StorageTek and Xcel Energy, among others, over the course of his career. Joe was part of my communications team at StorageTek, and I was lucky to have him. I had never seen someone who so effectively combined charm and tenacity (and occasionally sheer stubbornness) to accomplish almost anything he put his mind to.

I had lunch with Joe shortly before his diagnosis, and he talked proudly about his kids and grandkids, about weddings and births, and vacations he loved taking with his wife Chris. He may be a great public relations practitioner, but he is an even better family man. Life can be cruel, and that someone as good and caring as Joe has cancer is proof of that.

You can send Joe a card at 10605 Osceola Loop, Westminster, CO 80031.