John E. Atnip, formally of Colorado Springs, passed away in his home in Grand Junction on March 3, 2015 after a long struggle with lung disease. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, his five children, Jim Atnip, Jenny Redd, Janette Rickard, Judy Zezula, and Connie Pickron. John and Dee also enjoyed their family life with nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. John also leaves behind four sisters, Martille Daniels, Mildred Northington, Dorothy Sutherland, and Lynn Ogden, and one brother, David Atnip. He is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Elma Atnip, a brother, Eugene, and sisters, Doris and Lucy. He and Dee moved into a home they built in Penrose, CO, later moving to Florence, CO and then on to Grand Junction. John worked long hours at work so he could take care of his family, but always found time to take them on small vacations and celebrate the Holidays bringing them all together. Personally, John enjoyed car racing building his own stock and hill climb cars and quarter midgets for his grandchildren. He was also a founding charter member of the Colorado Hill Climb Association where he was the organization's first President in 1971. To say that he was a NASCAR enthusiast is almost an understatement. He loved his racing! He was also a member of the Colorado Cushman Club and refurbished several Cushman scooters to ride and admire. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Mortuary Chapel, 1830 East Fountain Blvd. in Colorado Springs, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery. John is a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be forever missed by all who dearly loved him. Arrangements are in the care of Evergreen Funeral Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.