A Celebration of Life

John Woodward Mink

December 23, 1956 – March 29, 2026

John Woodward Mink passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026, after a long struggle with lung infection. He was 69 years old.

Born on December 23, 1956, in Evanston, Illinois, to Marjorie Mills Mink and Loren James Mink, Jr., John liked to say he held the record for being the tallest baby ever born at Evanston Hospital. His mother-in-law, Polly Moore, a former nurse, would teasingly correct him: he wasn’t the tallest—he was the longest. Without missing a beat, John would reply that he was the tallest, since he could walk out and drive himself home. This story perfectly captured his quick wit and vivid imagination.

John entered grade school a year early and graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, at just 16 years old. As a boy, he was fascinated by the distinctive homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and often pointed out their uniqueness to his father. Encouraged to consider architecture—albeit with a warning about the financial prospects—John pursued his passion. At New Trier, he excelled in an architecture course, and his final project remained on display for years.

During John’s upbringing on Lake Michigan, numerous family excursions on their motorboat fostered a profound appreciation for sailing, ultimately leading to becoming an accomplished competitive sailor.
At 16, John set out on his own for a gap year in Park City, where he skied and won Nastar Ski races according to the news paper.

In 1974, John moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design in 1978. After completing his master’s degree in Environmental Design at Arizona State University in 1982, he returned to Boulder, drawn by the friendships and lifestyle he cherished. He remained a devoted fan of his beloved CU Buffs throughout his life.

John’s parents had relocated to Santa Barbara, California, after his high school graduation. As a “surprise” child born ten years after his older brother Tom, John shared a special bond with them and was deeply affected by their passing in 1990. While visiting Santa Barbara, he met his former wife, Lisa Stewart, a dietitian at his parents’ retirement community. They married in 1992 and had two children, Lexi and Taylor. The family enjoyed an idyllic life in Boulder, living at Lake of the Pines, where they spent time on the water with their dock and speedboat. After repeated forest fires, they relocated to the Boulder Country Club.

Professionally, John worked with architect John Knudsen before founding his own firm, Architectural Partnership in 1992. An accomplished residential architect, he earned numerous awards for his work across
Boulder, Denver, and Cherry Hills. His designs were frequently featured in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Luxe and many other magazines.

In 2011, John met his wife, interior designer Carol Moore, at a Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings hockey game. They married two years later in Vail, where they made their home for the past 12 years. Together, they traveled extensively—John introduced Carol to his favorite retreat in Puerto Vallarta, while Carol broadened his horizons with trips around Europe and together they discovered South Africa.

Through Carol’s family, John formed a close friendship with the Graham family of Des Moines, leading to a memorable collaboration designing a home in Grand Marais, Minnesota, on Lake Superior. Despite
a long-standing fear of flying—stemming from witnessing a plane crash in Boulder—John came to appreciate private air travel, delighting in its ease and the unique experiences it afforded.

In retirement, John discovered Facebook and quickly embraced it, sharing hundreds of images of beautiful architecture, inspiring destinations, and lighthearted political commentary. He also loved puzzles; in a poignant final moment, he completed his last puzzle just minutes before his passing.

Having checked off everything on his daily to-do list except the very first item—”Breathe”—he simply ran out of breath.

John is survived by his daughter Lexi (Dave) Somers, his son Taylor (Klarissa) Mink, his grand daughter Adalee Rae Mink, his brother Tom (Susan) Mink, the mother of his children Lisa Mink, and his beloved
wife Carol Moore Mink; and their cherished bernedoodle, Charlie.

A memorial service will be held at the Vail Chapel on Saturday May 2 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception.

A private Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m. in Boulder.

Contributions may be made in John’s name to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail CLICK HERE to donate.