Donald Eugene Renton

Born On February 24, 1932 in Greenwich, Connecticut to Robert H. Renton and Mary Irene (Sproch) Renton, Don spent many of his happiest hours outdoors fishing, hunting, hiking and exploring the woods and forest. In 1951, following in his brother’s and father’s footsteps, Don joined the US Navy, serving during the Korean War and embracing the opportunity to see the world. While attending the University of Connecticut after his service and wanting to escape the cold winters, Don impetuously drove south with a friend to Mexico City, not realizing at the time that it would become his new home. Don graduated from Mexico City College in 1958 with a degree in journalism. While at MCC, he met Alice Murray, and they married on December 22, 1960. In 1962, Don and Alice were introduced to Montessori education and soon made it their life's work, teaching, directing and helping to establish Montessori schools in Mexico. Don and Alice relocated with their family to Boulder, Colorado in 1977, where Don became a cross-cultural trainer and continued his passion for the outdoors in the beautiful Colorado mountains.

Don, A Wise Elder: Lighting the first fire, with a single match in the cabin in the snow in the high Rockies; Walking the land, eyes and heart open, mountain forest, white sand beach, desert mesa, Wild Basin, the Baja, Akumal, Fisherman's Wharf, Hawaii;Husband, father, grandfather, traveler, storyteller, teacher: how to sharpen a knife, scratch a dog, build a pillow fort, catch a fish, hone a work ethic, respect a people; the sun is always out, rules were made to be broken,everything always works out one way or another; Zen, Montessori, Bossanova, ice cream; New England Yankee, tried and true, reborn in Mexico, where people live closer to death, and therefore enjoy life more fully when they play; Old Talking Crow, taken wing.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice Murray Renton, children Brian (Lizbeth Mendoza), Pia (Scott Griffith), and Kevin (Nadia Mora Lara) and grandchildren Marisa, Julian, Maia, Rio, Vincent and Sarah. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later time this year.