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BORN
1932
DIED
2020
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Daniel Luna Obituary
Father, tennis champion, educator, and politician died Wednesday October 21, 2020 at his home in Denver, Colorado. Dan, or as family called him, "Big Dan" was born in Pueblo, Colorado on July 20, 1932. To Sista Ortiz and Francisco Luna, who were both from "Old Mexico". The Ortiz family was ranch owners and Don Francisco was a Steel worker in the Pueblo Mill. Dan was one of six children; Carlota, Guadalupe, Francisco, Daniel, Marge, and Dr. (Faustino) Carlos Luna. After graduating from Pueblo Central High School in the 1950's, he married his high school sweet-heart Jessie Martinez. The eldest daughter of Alfonso. J. and Francis B. Martinez. Dan and Jessie had six children, five boys and a girl. Tennis played an important role in Dan's life trajectory. He loved the game and the community. In 1950 Dan became the first Latino male to win the State High School championship beating Garth Jones of Boulder 6-2, 6-0. He then went on to attend CU-Boulder to get a degree in Political Science. Dan received both a tennis and Debate scholarship to CU. After graduating from C.U. where he was the first Latino to sit on the University student council Dan became head Tennis pro at the Pueblo Country Club. Later in life he was appointed to the USTA diversity committee, on the Latino Task Force and founder with his children of Luna Tennis, Inc. Dan was inducted into both the Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame and the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame respectfully. His love for politics began with his teacher, Myra Ellen Jenkins who coaxed him onto the debate team. He later became a High School debate coach in Pueblo. Politics and education played an important role in his life. Dan was elected as the first Latino to the school board in Pueblo. He was involved in City planning and housing development for low-income people of color. In the early 70's Dan went on to work for Mayor McNichols and two Governors, Dick Lamm and Roy Romer. He retired from 15 distinguished years of service at the Community College of Denver, where he was a job specialist and chairmen of the Diversity committee. Dan enjoyed life; he loved reading books, poetry, watching tennis, talking politics, studying linguistics and seeing a good movie. He was very proud of his culture, his beautiful family and the Pueblo and Denver Latino communities. Dan was extremely intelligent, articulate, friendly, funny, humble and a gentle loving person. He is survived by his sisters; Carlota, Marge, and Dr. Chuck Luna. His children Daniel Jr., Bob, Mark, Richard, Erick and Susan M. Luna. In addition to their spouses/partners and 11 grand children; Nathaniel, Lucas, Jessica, Jasmine, Illiana, Simon, Ben (Dustin & Abby), Marina, and Kai Luna, (A wonderous Clan with a zest for life). Due to Covid, there will be a Zoom Memorial on Sunday, October 25th at 1pm, with a larger community celebration of life next Fall in 2021. Visit MonarchSociety.com to leave condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the City Park Racquet Club, Denver, CO for underprivileged youth.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Luna
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
James Simmons
February 12, 2021
James Simmons
February 12, 2021
James Simmons
February 12, 2021
James Simmons
February 12, 2021
Extraordinary "Role Model" and Mentor. Dan was the single best dressed & versed Teacher I ever had. My sincerest condolences to the Luna family & I will look forward to continuing to encounter "Big Dan" often as I stroll down Memory Lane. Most Sincerely, Jim Simmons ~ Green Valley, Arizona
Kathy Farley and family Farley
January 28, 2021
I valued our friendship and Jessie was my best friend. All your family took care if ours at Central Grade
Kathleen Farley
January 16, 2021
I have loved the Luna Family for many many years. I have never had a better friend than Jessie. Dan was such leader of people and so kind and compassionate. The psychological and mental game of tennis served him well. All of his children are creative as well as tennis players. You saved John, Mike, Kelly and Anne at Central grade. So sorry we have lost touch over the years but know you have been in our thoughts over the years. Rest In Peace my old friend Dan. Kathy Farley
Cindy Thrush
November 12, 2020
A great man who raised great children.
Stephany Brown
November 8, 2020
The Brown family of Denver sends our sincere condolences to the Luna family and hope that Dan and our late son and brother, Matt, are playing some tennis games in heaven!
Kathy Riley
October 29, 2020
As one of Dan's neighbors at Montview Manor, I'd like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Luna family. Although I didn't know Dan very well, I was always cheered when I met him on one of his daily walks in the neighborhood. One year I was lucky enough to sit next to him at a Thanksgiving dinner here at the manor and learn more about his extraordinary life. May he rest in peace. He will be missed here.
Patricia Robertson
October 27, 2020
Mark, Susan, and Luna family,
Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your dad. May God bless you and your family and be with you in this time of sorrow.
David and Patricia Robertson
October 25, 2020
Cecelia and I would like to extend our sympathy for your loss of your Dad, Grandpa and Leader of Civil Right in Housing and Education. We met Mr. Luna during the ‘70’ when his Leadership and peaceful way solved many community challenges. As young people at that time, we will be forever grateful for his dedication and kindness to the Chicano community and citizens of Colorado.
Former State Representative
Celina Benavidez &
Cecelia Garcia
Carla Mestas
October 25, 2020
Sending heartfelt condolences to the entire Luna familia. I am beyond grateful to C.F. Luna for all the "my brother, Dan" stories you have shared over the years. May all your hearts be filled with love and memories of such an incredible person and a wonderful life well-lived. Con paz, amor y fuertes abrazos a toda la familia Luna.
Susan Nakano
October 25, 2020
The Memorial for Daniel Luna was a great piece of art! I watched, listened and felt the loss of a wonderful man. His family will carry on the torch and Dan's spirit will live on. Thank you for being part of my life.
Joseph Munoz
October 25, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Susan and the “Luna boys”. I will always cherish the memories I have of my Uncle Dan and my Aunt Jessie. I am so proud to have had uncles like Uncle Lupe, Uncle Peaches, and Uncle Dan. They will always be heroes to me. Take care and God bless. With love, Joey Munoz
Polly Baca
October 25, 2020
Thank you for sharing the beautiful memorial of Dan's life. He was a dear friend who I admired for his commitment to helping others. I first met Dan in 1969 when he helped organize a meeting of Latino school board members in the southwestern states. He was key in suggesting how the Southwest Council of La Raza could pursue policies that would assist young Latinos in completing high school and succeeding in higher education. Many young people benefited from his leadership and mentorship. We are all better off because Dan Luna once lived among us.
~ With love and blessings, Polly Baca, Former State Senator
Danielle Hunt
October 25, 2020
I was always so happy to see my Uncle Dan at family gatherings growing up. He was always full of warmth and kindness. I especially loved his great sense of humor and his general ease to be around. I will miss him greatly, he was truly one-of-kind. My love to all of his kids and fellow family members.
Richard Duran
October 25, 2020
My most sincere condolences to the entire Luna familia. He taught us all.
Jennifer Kennedy-Croft
October 25, 2020
We are praying for the Luna family especially our dear friend Mark as he mourns the loss of his Dad. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Prayers and Love, The Kennedy-Crofts
John Crawford
October 25, 2020
Sending prayers and comforting thoughts to the Luna family. And especially to my friend and former colleague Richard and his family.
Remembering the many family stories Richard shared over our years working and collaborating together - many of which centered on his father’s life and successes.
Dr. John Crawford
Marge Sanchez
October 25, 2020
My Brother Dan,
I loved everything about you and I was always so proud of you. I will miss so much. You will be with Mom and Dad, Lupe and Peaches, give them a hug for me.
Rich and Francine Terzian
October 24, 2020
Dear Luna cousins, We are so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. May you cherish the memories of your Dad/Grandfather and may they bring comfort to you. Praying that the Lord will surround you with His love and peace! Much love to all!
Dick and Dottie Lamm
October 24, 2020
Dear family, friends, and colleagues of Dan Luna's;
We regret we cannot join you on this zoom memorial/celebration.
However we want to send both our sympathy to you and our appreciation for Dan and the amazing life he lived. He was such a thoughtful and perceptive addition to the Lamm administration, as we are sure he was in the other political roles in which he served.
But even more important was his role in building and cherishing his community, his mentorship to youth searching for excellence in tennis and in so many other achievements. We can't even imagine how many hundreds of lives he must have inspired in his various coaching and teaching roles!
We feel privileged to have know Dan and so many of his wonderful descendants. We mourn with all of you today, but we also rejoice in his giving heart and his incredible sense of humor. He will be sorely missed, but his spirit will linger and last for all those his life has touched.
Love, health and peace,
Former Governor Dick Lamm
Former First Lady Dottie Lamm
Tom Mee
October 24, 2020
Everyone at Hooked on Colfax just found out. We are all so heart broken. We all enjoyed him so much. We all knew his order and looked forward to conversations about tennis, the news, and his love for his family. Everyone in the area knew Dan, our little part of Denver will miss him so much.
Theresa Maes
October 24, 2020
I’m so very sorry for such a great loss. I have much respect for my Uncle Dan, who inspired many with so many aspects of his wonderful life’s journey. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Susana Anderson
October 23, 2020
Dan Luna is and will be in my memory a remarkable and gentle man. He was my neighbor here at Montview Manor for many years and he will be missed.
Mary Sawyer
October 23, 2020
My love goes out to the entire Luna family. What an exceptional man! Thank god he gave the world the gift of so many other wonderful Lunas!
Theodore Moore
October 23, 2020
Giving Honor to God, giving Him all the Praise for giving us Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that we may have a path to His kingdom and have eternal life. We are saddened to hear the news concerning your father Dan Luna, Sr.
We share some of the pain and grief that confront you today, but only your immediate family understands the pain you endure now and for a lifetime. We know the space ““Big Dan” shared in your heart and mind will never be fill, but through the sharing of your time with family and friends reminiscing the special moments and interaction you had will soften some of the pain.
As witness by family, friends and others, you will take this moment in your life to God and he will take you through these times. We know God will give you and the family the comfort you require. "Remember God will not give us more than we can bear", if He will take us to it, He will take us through it. God has a purpose for “Big Dan” beyond our knowledge and comprehension; he has passed into sleep, a journey for all mankind and a step closer to God.
I send you a passage that give me such strength in my time of need and found in 1st Thessalonians, 4 chapters, vs. 13-18.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
May God bless your family to overcome this sorrow and hold you in His arms and comfort your pain. I pray you and the family fine peace and always remember the joy “Big Dan” brought into your life and those around him.
On behalf of the Moore family and friends worldwide our deepest sympathy goes out to you.
“Big Dan’s” presents will truly be missed our community and hearts, but not forgotten.”
Sincerely,
Theodore (Ted) Moore
David Thomas
October 23, 2020
What a journey, Big Dan! You, Wil Martinez, Dan Martinez, John Rosales, your brother, Chuck your pals – many others I did not know. Gallant men, all of them!
We met in 1970. You opened your home and life to me. Generosity of spirit, a love of ideas, activism, and of course, tennis. I still have the racket you gave me. Poncho Gonzales, Poncho Segura and Daniel Luna, Sr. –
And laughter. You got a kick out of life. In the meetings after the meetings there was debriefing, Mexican food, and laughter. Always laughter. You saw and relished the theater of it.
My life was richer because of you. Thank you, that's what I want to say. You were a gentleman and a fighter. You combined the old ways with the new. And you saw the funniest and wisest part of every situation. It was my good luck and my honor to know you.
Much love, Big Dan, and God’s speed.
Richard Watson
October 23, 2020
Thanks for sharing your wisdom over the last forty years. You made me feel like part of the familia. I will always cherish the time you shared with me, and hope to connect somewhere beyond in the cosmic field that binds the universe.
Doreen Drobnick-Martinez
October 22, 2020
Thank-you Big Dan for sharing your light and inspirational spirit. God Speed. Sending love to the Luna Family
Doreen Dribnick-Martinez
October 22, 2020
I feel so fortunate to have shared some time with Big Dan. His enlightened being will be missed by all who knew him. Thank-you for sharing your stories and kind spirit. Love and light to the Luna family. You will always be kindred spirits and inspirations in my life .God Speed Big Dan
Paula Maes-Johnson
October 22, 2020
I Love you very much, my Godfather/Uncle. You will be greatly missed! My Deepest Condolences to the rest of the family!
Andy & Julie Cleary
October 22, 2020
Dan, you are the only tennis legend I have ever known and definitely one of the best human beings I have ever known. Being your double partner was a pleasure at Berkeley and you added so much to Asian Tennis even after you retired -- you and Susan came to all of our Annual Picnics and to watch one of many Lunas play. So beloved of everyone that you were the first one to be inducted into our Asian Tennis Hall of Fame. Thank you for gifting us with the whole, amazing Luna family - great athletes, artists and friends. I know they are your greatest achievement in a lifetime of great Dan Luna achievements. We will miss your warm incomparable spirit, big hugs and unforgettable smile. Wherever you have passed on to, they will be so lucky to have you. We love you Dan, Andy and Julie.
Mira Morton Luna
October 22, 2020
Lots of love to a man who was bigger than life in so many ways!
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