Donald Ray Don"" Hakonson

Donald Ray Hakonson was born August 15, (or August 12th – this was a unique and curious anomaly for the Hakonson family, but one that joyfully entitled Don to two birthday celebrations,) in 1931 in Longmont Colorado to Alta May and Albert Hakonson. He spent his early childhood in Longmont until the divorce of his parents after which he, his sister, and his mother moved to Gould Colorado where she met and married Ira “Pop” Powell. Don and his family later moved to Walden Colorado where he worked with his stepfather in the logging industry. Don had one older sister, Doris Cesko and an older half brother Richard Hakonson, and two younger half brothers, Bill and Tom Hakonson.

Don graduated from Jackson County High School in 1949 and then went to Colorado (Aggies) State University the following fall on scholarship. After graduating with honors from CSU, Don enlisted in the army and served as a second lieutenant in the 11th Airborne Division where he was a paratrooper. (Don was always very proud of his service and often talked about his time in the military.) After his discharge, Don returned to CSU where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Education Administration.

Don married Carla Malone and had two children Lisa and Mark Hakonson. Don lost his son Mark a few days after his birth. Carla and Don divorced, and remained friends until Don’s passing. Don met and married Karen Crowder from Walden Colorado. During their 47 years together they had three children; Scott Hakonson, Lynn Marquez Yarger (Robb) and Susan Hakonson and several grandchildren; Jason Stephenson, Tia Hakonson, Cody Hakonson (Libby), Karina Edmondson (Jordan) and Michael Marquez, and one great-grandchild; Brody Stephenson.

Don is remembered best as a teacher and coach who influenced the lives of many young people. This career covered schools in Walden, Sterling, Longmont and Niwot where he was recognized for his devotion to his students and the subjects he taught. Don was one of the original faculty members who opened Niwot High School from where he eventually retired in 1988. His favorite subjects were math, physics and psychology. Don was successful in coaching wrestling, track, football, and basketball. One of Don’s proudest coaching moments was when he led the 1981-1982 Niwot Girls Basketball team to take Second in State over the “bigger” schools.

Locally, Don devoted his summers to the City of Longmont youth softball programs. Don loved working with the area youth and helping them to develop a love for the sport. Don helped run the adult slow-pitch program for The City Longmont Recreation Department for over 25 years.

Don found his greatest enjoyment in being a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather! He was known to build amazing additions on his home, grow bountiful gardens, sing beautiful songs, work challenging crosswords with a pen, explore the possibilities of quantum physics, tease everyone, flirt with all women, argue with a fence post, and provide a beautiful home and comfortable lifestyle for his family. He was an outdoorsman, loving to fish and camp, instilling this passion into his children and grandchildren. Don loved to travel with his wife and children and created many fond memories and several boxes of pictures! In later years, Don’s greatest joy was to be surrounded by his family, have a family barbeque, and to watch Bronco’s football from his favorite recliner in the family living room.

Don Hakonson was an amazing man who will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.