Donald Eugene Pitts

Born in 1933, Don's early years were spent in Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; and McCook, Nebraska. A standout athlete from the start, he earned a place on his high school’s varsity football and basketball teams—years before most boys his age were even allowed to try out. That competitive spirit would define much of his life.

After high school, Don journeyed to Phoenix, Arizona, where he took on the hard labor of cotton picking—his first taste of the working man’s life. He later returned to Denver, where he married and started a family, raising three daughters with dedication and pride.

Don’s professional journey was as diverse as it was impressive. He worked at a meat packing plant, later at IBM, and ultimately found his long-term role with RTD (Regional Transportation District) in Denver, where he served for many years as a maintenance manager. He capped his career as a real estate agent, always energized by new challenges and people. At one point during his time at the oil refinery in Commerce City, he was recognized for quick thinking and bravery—stopping the flow of oil to a fire, likely saving lives and property in the process.

But it wasn’t just Don’s work ethic that stood out—it was his bold spirit. Don believed everything worth doing was worth doing big. His natural charisma meant he was often the center of attention, whether he planned to be or not. His social life was colorful and full of stories, particularly from the pool halls and bars around Denver, where he became a skilled pool player known as much for his sharp aim as for the occasional barroom brawl or dramatic escape that followed.

Don’s athletic passion never faded. He played basketball for years at the downtown Denver YMCA, picked up tennis later in life, played volleyball in the Senior Olympics, and never missed a chance to lift weights or flex his well-earned physique. He took joy in showing off his fitness—and people took joy in watching him do it.

In the late 1960s, Don met the great love of his life, Ruth, with whom he shared a remarkable 50+ year marriage. Ruth's work as a flight attendant gave the couple the chance to travel the world together. From Europe to Asia and everywhere in between, they created countless memories and lifelong friendships, and Don never tired of retelling the tales from their global adventures.

Don is survived by his wife Ruth, his daughters Lynn, Sheree and Stephanie. 5 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 7 great- great grandchildren and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends. He will be remembered for his humor, his strength, his charm, and his absolute refusal to live life halfway.

He was one of a kind—and he made sure everyone knew it.