Don Greenfield

In 1958 he graduated from Chicago Christian High School, where he met Joyce, the love of his life who would soon become his bride. Throughout high school, Don worked for his father’s trash business – the roots of what grew to be his life’s work. After graduating high school, he completed two years of college before joining the National Guard. On April 5, 1963, Don and Joyce married in Chicago where Don continued to work in the trash business. It wasn’t long after, that Don and Joyce decided to take a leap of faith and move to Colorado to start their own trash business.

Together, they made a home for themselves in Brighton, CO and started Brite’n Best Rubbish Service in 1966. Brighton was a small farm town back then, and Don seemed to know everyone, and everyone who knew him, loved him! He had that charismatic “X” factor that just drew people in. His gentle nature, his bright smile, and his ability to truly connect with people helped make his business a huge success!

Don and Joyce raised their three sons, Jim, Randy, and Jon, in Brighton. In fact, working for Brite’n Best was truly a family affair! The boys have so many stories to tell about what it was like growing up on the back of a trash truck! While Don was extremely proud of his family and his business, it was his unwavering love for and trust in the Lord that always came first. Everyone who knew Don, knew that his faith was the most important element in his life – a life he led intentionally to glorify his Lord and Savior.

When Don turned 50 years old, he decided it was time to sell Brite’n Best to Waste Management. He went to work for Waste Management initially in Brighton, but in 1996 he was offered a management position with the company up in Fort Collins. So, Don and Joyce took their second leap of faith and moved up to Fort Collins to start their next life adventure! Don worked for Waste Management for a total of eight years until he decided to follow his true passion – being an entrepreneur! In the summer of 1999, Don started his second trash business, Platte Valley Disposal. He chose to return to his Brighton roots with this second company. PVD was a family affair again! Don ran the operations; Joyce ran the office administration; and Randy led the sales and marketing efforts.

In his free time, Don loved golfing and boating. One of his favorite things to do was spend time at Grand Lake. He took meticulous care of his property and loved entertaining countless family and friends at their Grand Lake cabin. He also never missed an opportunity to cheer on his kids and grandkids at their various sporting events and dance performances. He loved his three daughters-in-law as if they were his own blood. He was a stead-fast, loving husband to Joyce for 62 years. He knew when to laugh, when to cry, when to talk, and when to listen. He was someone you could always count on!

Don led a very happy, fulfilling life. He positively impacted so many people and left an indelible mark on so many lives. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2021, Don suffered his first stroke. In May 2024 Don suffered his second stroke, this one much more severe. He was never able to recover from this second stroke. While the last year and a half was excruciatingly hard on him, he never lost his faith and trust in the Lord. He knew that God had a plan for him and that when it was time, he would meet his maker. That time came a month after turning 85 years old. Don passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025 at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins. In his final week, he was surrounded by the love of his family, who look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven one day.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce Greenfield; son, James Greenfield [Lisel]; son, Randall Greenfield [LindaSue]; son Jon Greenfield [Monica], eight grandchildren, Michael [Madison], Christopher [Sarah], Patrick [Mary Michael], Lauren (20), Matthew (22), Katelyn (21), Ryan (18), and Samuel (17); and one great-grandchild, Sullivan James (1). He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Greenfield; mother, Catherine Greenfield; stepmother, Lilian Greenfield; and sister, Marilyn Wiltjer.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Timberline Church in Fort Collins at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Please join Don's family for a reception to follow and a time of fellowship and remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mill City Church in Fort Collins, CO.

Treasured memories of Don and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.