Obituary of Donald Colglazier

Tribute Don Colglazier, long time resident of Longmont, CO, died peacefully on May 30, 2022 of complications from COPD. Per his request he was cremated and laid to rest at Foothills Garden of Memory; there will be no formal funeral services. Don was born November 8, 1933 in Larned, Kansas to Kenneth and Alice (Jennings) Colglazier and later moved to Monument, Kansas to help maintain the family farm. He was the oldest of seven siblings who all shared in the chores while keeping their focus on the family. In high school Don met his future wife, Darlene Winterschiedt and they later married on September 25, 1952. To this union came 4 children; Diane, Terrell, Nancy and Duane. Don continued to help on the family farm until he attended college. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University and a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, both degrees are in mechanical engineering. Don joined IBM in Rochester, MN in 1965 and later transferred to the Boulder, CO location in 1974. During his IBM career Don acquired several personal IBM Invention Achievement Awards/Patents and in addition, was part of a work team that earned several patent awards in 1977 for their contributions to copier innovations. Don retired from IBM in 1990. After retirement, Don’s engineering skills were used to design model railroad kits for InterMountain Railway in Longmont; he also was commissioned to design miniature scale replica models of all eight of the racing sailboats that participated in the 2001–2002 round the world Volvo Ocean Race. He found a passion in restoring classic cars back to their original beauty. Don and Darlene were active members of the Rocky Mountain Hudson Club and they traveled frequently to national conventions, as well as regional car shows. He was most proud of his meticulous restoration of his 1942 and 1946 Hudson Commodores. Over the years, he was actively involved with Longmont Moose Lodge, St. Francis of Assisi Church, and volunteered with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Program. He received a Volunteer Excellence Award in 1999 for his commitment to the program. Don and Darlene were married almost 56 years until her passing in 2008. He was preceded in death by a son Terrell, and two brothers Ron and Phil. His family and friends will remember Don’s quick wit and his hilarious sense of humor. He is survived by his children Diane Wilson (David Solberg) of Mason City, IA, Nancy Wright (Donnie) of Longmont CO, Duane Colglazier of Florida: a brother, Tom of Wichita, three sisters, Barbara and Becky (Len) both of Wichita, KS, and Ann (Larry) of Joplin, MO. Grandchildren: Jennifer (Kevin) Hartnett and Dena (Troy) both of Iowa, James (Melissa) of Colorado Springs, CO, Chad of Dodge Center, MN, Tyler (Dessa) of Loveland, CO, step-grandson Matt Longstreth (Loveland); and 6 great grandchildren. Don would want to thank his community of family, close friends, neighbors, and nurses that he affectionately referred to as his ‘people’ who provided him support. Any remembrances/condolences may to be directed to 5021 Fox Hills Dr., Longmont CO 80504. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Donald Colglazier