Donald Francis Gilder

Donald “Fritz” Francis Gilder, born November 28, 1941, in Creede, Colorado, to Oren Francis and Gladys Mae (King) Gilder, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on November 8, 2025.

Don spent much of his childhood in Colorado’s San Luis Valley and Leadville, where he learned the value of hard work by watching his father provide for the family through farming and mining. Following in his father’s footsteps, Don later worked in the mines in Montrose and Ouray Counties.

He graduated from Montrose County High School in Montrose, Colorado, in 1959, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Western State College in Gunnison in 1965. Don’s strong work ethic and determination—along with the encouragement of his Grandma Gilder—helped him work his way through college. In 1974, he earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Don began his teaching career in Ovid, Colorado, before moving to Brighton, where he helped develop a hands-on homebuilding program. He also coached track and basketball during those early years. Don eventually settled at Central High School, where he became a beloved History and Shop teacher. He was also known as the “Golden Voice” of the Warrior Classic Wrestling Tournament. Don retired in 1995 but continued to teach in his own way, sharing knowledge, wisdom, and humor with everyone he met.

A talented craftsman, Don was known for his industrial arts skills and mechanical know-how. When faced with a problem, he believed there wasn’t much that couldn’t be fixed with a little ingenuity—and a bit of duct tape.

After retiring, Don enjoyed being a member of the Ute Trails Car Club on the Western Slope, attending numerous car shows with his 1931 Ford Model A Phaeton. He also loved competing in tractor pulls with his 1948 John Deere Model H. Don’s love of the outdoors was evident in his many camping, hunting, and fishing trips with friends and family.

Many cherished memories were made during the years of his daughters’ childhoods. The family spent countless days boating and waterskiing and enjoyed vacations that took them from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the beaches of Hawaii. Don made the holidays especially joyful, with traditions like taking a day trip to Glade Park to cut down the family Christmas tree, complete with homemade chili and hot cocoa. A proud and dedicated father, Don spent countless weekends traveling to support his daughters in their sporting adventures.

Once his children were grown, he took great joy in sharing his hobbies and adventures with his grandchildren, creating countless cherished memories. Don was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Ever the teacher, he found a lesson in every moment and shared it with those around him, a true example of “once a teacher, always a teacher.”

Don was also a gifted storyteller, bringing every memory and moment to life for anyone willing to listen. His stories, laughter, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his loving family, whose memories of him and the lessons he shared will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his daughters Donna and Darla (Kevin), grandchildren Kristofer (Lesley) and Kristen (Matthew), great-grandchildren; Benjamin, Kaine, Scarlett, and Riley and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. As well as his beloved, Buddy the Cat.

Preceded in death by his parents; Oren and Gladys, siblings; Elise, Gerald, and Doris.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held in the spring 2026. All who had the pleasure of knowing him, family, friends, and former students, are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering his life and legacy.