Edward Bruce Nemanic

Dr. Edward Bruce Nemanic, 85, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Dolores, Colorado. A devoted educator, craftsman, and outdoorsman, Ed lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, creative passion, and deep commitment to family and community. 

Born on July 30, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ed pursued a lifelong love of learning that led him from the University of Utah—where he earned his undergraduate degree—to Northwestern University, where he received his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics. His academic journey blossomed into a distinguished teaching career at the University of Indiana and later at Delta College in Michigan. Through decades of instruction and mentorship, Ed inspired countless students with his dedication to science and education. 

In 1996, Ed retired and relocated to Colorado with his wife Katherine Priano Nemanic. Retirement for Ed was not a slowing down but rather a redirection of his boundless energy into new passions. He built their dream home in Dolores—filling it with custom-made furniture crafted with the same precision and care he brought to every aspect of his life. Many of these pieces became cherished gifts for family members, each one a testament to his craftsmanship and love. 

Ed’s talents extended beyond woodworking. He was an avid outdoorsman whose greatest joy was fly fishing. As a river guide in Michigan, Montana, and Colorado, he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport with others. His custom-built bamboo fly rods and hand-crafted landing nets were both functional tools and works of art—beautiful expressions of his reverence for nature.

 His environmental consciousness found further expression through community service. When the new library was built in Dolores, Ed contributed several custom pieces including the entryway cabinet, children’s book cubes, the map table and a frame for the stained glass from the old library—lasting pieces that reflect both his artistry and civic spirit.

 Above all else, Ed was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his beloved wife Katherine; daughters Shelley Curtis (Ken Curtis), Lelah Kennedy (Matthew Kennedy), and Lainey Nemanic; grandchildren Alex Curtis, Meggie Curtis (Shelby Allen), Ariana Hunter, Cecilia Hunter, Josephina Kennedy, Bridger Beyhan, and Heidi Beyhan; bonus grandchildren Kira Hecksel (Max Hecksel), Kamron Kennedy (Amber Kennedy), Colin Kennedy (Stephanie Kennedy), and Ariana Finnell; as well as great-grandchildren Tori Kennedy, Brandon Kennedy, Maci Hecksel, Maya Hecksel, and Sadie Kennedy. 

Ed’s legacy lives on not only through the family who loved him deeply but also through the many lives he touched as an educator, craftsman, mentor, and friend. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him to live thoughtfully—with purpose, generosity, and respect for the natural world. 

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Trout Unlimited or to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.