Darrell had a number of health issues over the last 18 months and had been in hospitals/rehabs since April 15, 2020. He had regained much strength and was scheduled to go home on July 14th. He took a very unexpected and very sudden turn for the worse in the late afternoon of the 10th and peacefully passed away that evening.
Oldest of 3 children, Darrell was Born in Denver to parents Verle and Lola Burtis. Growing up he lived in Wheat Ridge, Co where he graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1953 and eventually moved to the mountains outside of Morrison, CO. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation, serving 2 years in Reserves and spending 2 years in active duty in Japan.
Darrell then began his career as an electrician in February 1958, working not only in Colorado but also in Arizona and New Mexico. He worked on both bores of the Eisenhower Tunnel as well as on the construction of Denver International Airport and many projects in between. Darrell eventually retired in October, 1997 from Ludvik Electric.
His hobbies included, hunting, fishing, auto racing, reading and traveling. He was an SCCA member for many years, a member of the Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club and a 62 year member of IBEW# 68.
After marrying his current wife, Jody (Bailey), they bought a motorhome and traveled extensively through all 50 states. Their travels also took them through Canada, Mexico, Panama, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and points in between. He loved traveling and his favorite ventures included the Rose Bowl Parade, attending an Indy 500 race, touring the 1000 Islands area and Hawaii and Alaska. They wintered in AZ for the last 14 years where they had a house in Casa Grande and had been looking forward to continuing their travels as soon as he was physically able.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Shirley; granddaughter, Crystal Burtis; brother in law, Wes Morris & grandson Jeremy Wilkins.
He is survived by his loving wife and constant companion of 38 years, Jody; 4 children: Teri Massey, Rick (Colene) Burtis, Robert (Megan) Burtis and Tanya (Shar) Ewing; 9 grandchildren: Trisha (Jeff) VanWestenberg, Bradley (Jennifer) Burtis, Darrell Dominique Burtis, Amanda Massey, Suzi Price, Dustin Wilkins, Heather (Jordan) McGraw, Brittany Ewing and Walter Johnston; 8 great grandchildren: Justin Colvin VanWestenberg, Dayton and Treigh Gage, Athena Wilkins, Joe and Steve Burtis, Lavada and Marymae McMurray and 1 great great granddaughter, Koraline Alaniz, he is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Morris and brother Duane Burtis; his faithful canine companion, Precious and several nieces and nephews and scores of friends.
A very special friend of Darrell and Jody's described him so perfectly this week. To quote him: "As the old saying goes, we have lost one of a kind. His quiet demeanor and gentle humour made for a remarkably solid guy....the likes of which we will not see again".
A celebration of Darrell's life will be held on July 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mountain High Chapel, 8444 U.S.Hwy 285, Morrison, Co 80465. Due to Covid issues, masks will be mandatory and if you wish to attend, please contact one of the family members to RSVP. Reception will follow at same location.
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