Donald Masters

63, Denver, CO. died August 31, 2009, as a result of a motorcycle accident near Salmon, ID. Mr. Masters was born Feb. 9, 1946 in New York City, son of Donald and Mary Lee Masters. He graduated from Trinity Pawling prep school in New York in 1964, from Yale University, with honors, in 1972 and from the University of Pennsylvania law school in 1976. Donald served as a First Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1969, receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, as well as other medals. He practiced law at the firm of Rogers & Wells in New York City and at Holme Roberts & Owen in Denver. He was General Counsel of United Cable Television and a founder of United Global Communications. Masters was an entrepreneur, involved in a number of business ventures, including Access Television, The Recovery Network, and Hart Exploration. Mr. Masters was active in the recovery community and heavily involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Contemplative Outreach. He worked with Father Thomas Keating of St. Benedicts Monastery in Snowmass, CO to offer retreats in Centering Prayer for those in recovery and co-produced the video series, The Contemplative Dimensions of the 12-Steps, with Father Keating. His insights, wisdom and compassion blessed the lives of many, especially those who struggled with addiction. Donald loved the outdoors and touring the open road on his motorcycle. He died in a beautiful location doing what he loved. Donald is survived by his son Noah Masters, currently of London, England; step-son Justin Spicer, Denver, CO; step-daughter Ashley Turner Harrington (John), Golden, CO; granddaughter Ella Caroline Harrington, Golden, CO; former wife of 24 years, Caroline Turner, Denver, CO; sisters Lee Eichert (Joe), Orofino, ID, and Lynne Masters (David Grossman), Walla Walla, WA, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2:30 pm at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St., Denver. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, Dec. 2. Memorial gifts may be made to Contemplative Outreach of Colorado to the Donald Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund for 12-Step Outreach retreats.