Donald William Lewis

An extremely kind man, Donald “Papi” William Lewis, 68, passed away on December 22, 2025 at 8:02pm at St. Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, Colorado. Cause of passing was Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma, a battle he fought for over 12 years. He was comfortable and moved on very peacefully. He now rests in peace, pain free, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Papi” as all his loved ones knew him, was born on February 2nd, 1957 in Denver, Colorado to parents Phillip Allen Lewis and Sarah Louise Lewis. The younger brother of Paul Lewis. As a baby boomer, he grew up in North Denver in a beautiful house off Lowell Boulevard during the “golden age” of America. In 1975, he graduated from Denver North High School, GO VIKINGS, with a bushy head of hair and the coolest car in town. He and his father Phil shared an incredible love for the Denver Broncos, including seeing the Broncos win the ‘77 AFC Championship against the Raiders.

In the early 1980s, Papi met Boston native Suzanne Marie Doherty in Denver and it wasn’t long until they were married. Suzanne gave birth to two boys, Robert William Lewis in 1985 and David Martin Lewis in 1987, and since day one, he was the absolute kindest, most caring father imaginable. Papi ultimately took over as a single dad full time doing it all by himself. The adventures and memories these three boys share could fill many, many books. As far as dad’s went, there were simply no better.

In 2002, Papi met an incredible angel, Susan Ann Lewis, and they were happily married in March of 2003. She joined the three musketeers and greatly impacted and improved their lives. The newly formed Lewis family had many stories and memories together, and were very happy. Papi supported Rob as he took on the world in chasing his dream as a radio DJ, winning many awards. Papi was beyond proud. He was thrilled when David graduated from the U. of Memphis with his Master’s, even helping David move to and from Memphis in a purple Saturn. Was also incredibly proud of Dave’s Ground breaking Laugh Room Literacy project. He was truly both of his son’s biggest fan.

2013 brought the toughest news the family had ever received. Learning he had stage 4 melanoma was terrifying, but Papi didn’t back down. He beat his cancer in 2013, 2015, and several more times over the next decade. These amazing triumphs came with a big surprise as Rob and his wife, Alisha Lewis, brought Rylee Michael Lewis into the world on August 27th, 2016. That made Papi a grandpa to three!

Papi could not have been happier as he loved being a grandpa, and he loved his grandkids to the moon and back. Destini, Hailey, and Rylee had a bond with Papi, especially as younger kiddos, that will live on forever.

After the original diagnosis in 2013, there were many incredible memories made with his family and friends. Vacations, sporting events, golf, road trips and so much more. Papi NEVER missed a single birthday party for his family. He was simply always there for them, always.

Sadly, in 2025, the melanoma returned with a vengeance, but Papi kept fighting until the very end. Referring to himself as a “trailblazer,” he kept a positive attitude and never backed down, even during heavy turbulence.

On December 22nd, 2025, at 8:02pm, God and his angels decided it was Papi’s time to join the Kingdom of Heaven, along with many other great Lewis’. It was the same day his father passed in 1993, and his wife Susan believes his dad’s angel came and saved him. His ashes shall rest in peace at Ft. Logan, Colorado, an honor Susan earned while serving in the Marines.

Papi is survived by his wife Susan Lewis, his two sons Rob and David, and three grandchildren, Destini, Hailey, and Rylee, and his brother, Paul. Along with them are many loved ones whose lives he touched, making them an honorary Lewis for life.

Donald William Lewis was a beautiful, sweet, incredible man. He had the kindest, most caring soul and anyone who knew him only knew of his kindness. His entire family will continue to make him proud until it is time to reunite in Heaven. God bless this man and every single life he touched in his 68 wonderful years. WE LOVE YOU DAD!!! And, GO BRONCOS!!