Donald M Hailpern

Donald Melvin Hailpern, age 90 years young, went on his final journey early Monday morning December 3. Suffering from a short illness, he waited in the hospital bed until his 2 Granddaughters from Western Canada arrived to bid him a loving and soothing and tender farewell before he left for a better place. Born June 21, 1928 in Denver, Colorado to Henry and Molly Hailpern, he resided his whole life there in the city. Growing up with his siblings: 2 brothers, Bernie and Paul and his 2 sisters, Maxine and Marietta.

Dad was very proud of his time spent in the United States Marine Corps where he served as Private First Class and spent time in China during the war. He was honorably discharged in October of 1946. After leaving the service Don married Lois and together they started a family and had myself, Sharon ( 1951) and David (1954). As a refrigerator repair man during this time he left that job and pursued becoming a police officer. I think this was his most challenging yet gratifying, accomplishment and the one he cherished belongs to the Denver Police Department. He started in 1952 and had enjoyed the Motorcycle patrol, Highway Patrol and walking HIS beat. His demeanor and his attitude demanded constant respect and his mannerism and compassion made him a very well known helpful fair Police Officer to have protecting the streets in downtown Denver. Some of the stories he could tell would fit nicely in the movie sector of todays TV shows " Law and Order." Retiring in 1977 he now has a place of honor in the Denver Police museum as cherished the title as the Last ever Beat Officer of the City. Don loved to travel and would pack up annually to venture on a trip up to British Columbia Canada, sometimes going all the way to the East coast of the United States and Canada and then going across or taking a scenic route up the northern coast to his British Columbia destination. There was not much of Canada and the United states he hadn't seen. He has always wanted to return to China to see if what he remembered during the war was changed and how much it had modernized. He spoke of it often but because he didn't want to fly, there were no " Slow boats to China " that he wanted to spend much time on. Hunting and fishing and playing Poker with his buddies was a favorite past time of his. He enjoyed visiting friends and neighbors quite often. Being very much a family man, he spent a lot of time with his brothers, sisters, their spouses and families. Dad being who he was, was a " Ladies Man" and having the special charisma he had, was always popular with the opposite sex. Stories preceded him up until the end. Donald is survived by his Brother Paul and Sister Marietta. His Daughter Sharon Gardner (Art Schlender), His Son David Hailpern . 2 Granddaughters Tera_Lea Coutu and Connie Carson, and 3 Grandchildren Brandon and Chelsea Randal and Grant Carson. Grayson Randal is his one and only Great Grandson. Numerous Nieces and Nephews and grand and great grand Nieces and Nephews. Don was predeceased by wife Joyce and wife Shirley, Father and Mother Henry and Molly Hailpern, Brother Berny and sister Maxine Weems. Donald had a long and remarkable adventurous life. He touched many throughout his time . He is even to this day remembered by my childhood school friends as the Dad that brought the monkeys to school for everyone to see and play with during my elementary years some 45 years ago. The memories I have of Dad could fill books.... Be at Peace Dad . Love you and will Miss you more then you know.]