Denis Shelby Getman

Denis S. Getman, age 77, passed suddenly and peacefully in his sleep at home in Highlands Ranch, CO on February 23, 2019. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, the second son of Denise and Charles Getman. Denis grew up in Huntingdon Valley, PA where he attended Lower Moreland High School and developed close friendships with his entire class, including a group of six other young men that called themselves the `Royal Order.’ Denis was known as `The Squire.’ Those friendships endured throughout his lifetime. Following high school graduation, Denis attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he played football and was a member of the Beta Chi chapter of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He transferred to, and graduated from, East Stroudsburg State College in 1963. Denis joined the U.S. Navy as an aviator that same year. He served on the U.S.S. Kearsarge aircraft carrier, flying combat missions during the Vietnam War and received multiple commendations for his service. Upon release from active duty, he continued his service in the Naval Reserves. Throughout his time in the military, he developed many lifelong friendships. Denis became a pilot with United Airlines in 1969, where he achieved the position of Captain on the 777 aircraft. He especially enjoyed flying UAL’s European routes. After retirement, he became an active member of RUPA (Retired United Pilots Association).

Denis was a devoted husband, father and friend. Outgoing and caring, he never met a stranger. He was a Christian man, full of life, a lover of history and Westerns, a teller of great stories, a giver of bear hugs … he was well-loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2018; his daughter Kim and her husband Wayne; his brother Guy; multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Denis was predeceased by his son Craig; his mother Denise; his father Charles; his step-father Larry; his brother Chuck and his wife Peggy; his sister-in-law Ann; and his niece Laurie. At his request, there will be no funeral or services. Private interment will be held at a future date at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery in Centennial, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to your local Salvation Army organization. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Douglas County first response teams from South Metro Fire Rescue, the Sheriff’s Department, the Coroner’s Office, and the Victim Assistance Program.

Denis loved flying … he has now “Flown West.”