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BORN
1950
DIED
2016
Denver Collins Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Denver Collins
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
Dennis Wennerstrom
March 1, 2025
I went to Byers Junior High School with him in Denver Colorado. I had a Rocky Mountain News paper route, Denver took over my route when I quit.
Ruth Lapin
February 6, 2021
Just this morning I was going through and old box of "stuff" and found a great photo of Denver. May his memory be a blessing.
Randall Johnston
December 5, 2020
I remember Denver from my days at Mount Hermon. He was my "little brother" and he was gifted in many ways that are inexplicable. His talents were obvious.
One of my fondest memories was having lunch with him and his lovely sister Judith at the Northfield Inn.
Life is short and I'm certain that he lived it to the fullest.
Randall Johnston
February 6, 2020
Denver will always be missed.
Rollin Shaw
February 6, 2020
This time brings me back to the free spirit energy of Denver and how we have to cherish our Paths of Fulfillment as we move through darkness to the Light of Oneness. The end is just an illusion on the road of change.
Rollin Shaw
November 7, 2019
Sad to just find this. I was in school at Mt. Hermon for a short while with Denver who didn't stay there very long. His spirit was restless and that environment didn't match. So happy he made his mark in the world which misses him for sure. Many blessings and prayers for his family and friends. Just posting a song by his sister, Judy, about American politics led me to google his whereabouts.
Suzy Noel
September 30, 2019
Just found this. My heart is broken. You have no idea how many people you touched. Forever remembered.
Foster Maer
March 19, 2019
[Just saw obit] Denver & I were close buddies in grade school, we lived 3 blocks apart. Like Denver, I wandered off in life far from Denver, the city, and ended up on NYC's west side in 1980, where he spent a lot of time as well. Thought about contacting him, but never did.
A wonderful soul, he was always looking under the stone or around the corner in hopes of seeing something new and beautiful. Fifty years later, I now mourn his passing.
Sam Rath
February 7, 2018
Aargh! I was just thinking about Denver and wondering how to get in touch, and Google brings up this bad news.
I worked with Denver on commercials several times in the 90's and have to say that he was just a fantastic human being! Kind heart, always looking to help someone, great insights. It was a pleasure to have a light hearted soul around to anchor a large stressed-out group of crew members in a hurry to get things done! And, I still have a book he gave me, before I took a trip to New Orleans after a big project, that resinated with what was happening in my life. He is missed.
Reach out and stay in touch with people that have touched your life.
November 27, 2017
Mark Muchow and I lost touch with Denver once he moved to New York. Mark and Denver were very close friends and I know Mark missed seeing and talking to him. Mark also passed away in 2016 and they are now fly fishing in Heaven.
E Muchow Denver, Co
Ruth
February 10, 2017
I am so sorry to read about Denver. We worked together in the '80's and he was an absolute joy. My condolences to the whole family. Ruth
February 9, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. God will open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
August 8, 2016
Hey Bruce! Good to reconnect, be it following Denver's passing. You are correct, Orthopaedic surgeon, for 32 years at Umass, just down the road from MH, now in South Carolina ( Hilton Head ). I was giving a total hip and knee talk to a bunch of retirees.. at the end of the talk, this handsome black gentleman stands up with a rolled-up piece of fabric in his hands, unfurls it...the class of '69 MH banner ( Sapere Aude )--it was Walter Lowe!! Cheers! Kirk
G N
August 4, 2016
Denver was a really good guy. He helped a lot of people struggling with all kinds of personal issues. He knew how to listen and he knew how to refrain from judgement. He will be missed, yet he is worthy of the quiet peace that passing on seems to bring.
Glad I knew him, hope to be more like him. Thanks, Denver
Virginia Scholomiti
May 7, 2016
We were so saddened to hear about Denver. It has been years since we left Piermont, but we have such fond memories of Denver, Allison and little Joshua on Orchard Terrace. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.
Rick Newton
February 25, 2016
So sorry to hear about Denver. He and I were great buddies in high school and after. There was always that mischievous side to Denver (as anyone can see from his photo). I remember him telling me about the time on a family picnic in the mountains, the kids would play a game with their dad, holding his hand and running him thru the forest, seeing if they could trip him up. Denver laughed when he tricked his dad leading him right into a tree.
Denver, Allison, Joshua and Corrina were in Aspen once when Judy was playing at the Wheeler Opera House and they came to our house in Woody Creek for dinner and it was getting so late we asked them to stay the night. "Where will the kids sleep?" No problem, we'll build them "Bed Forts!!" Should have seen their eyes light up.
I'll miss you, miss your great smile and sense of humor and your great love for life. Virginia and I send all our love to all your family.
kirk johnson
February 19, 2016
To follow up on Bruce Plotkin's recollection above....I can confirm Denver's ride down the Connecticut on a chunk of ice. Being in student government, I was privy to some of the disciplinary discussions after such events. This was one of many of Denver's mischievous adventures!!
I'm sure that it
was because of Denver's presence that we were blessed with a memorable concert by Judy at our little New England school in the middle of nowhere.
Denver, may your joyousness continue on the other side.
John Fitzgerald
February 18, 2016
We were classmates at Mount Hermon and sat next to each other in Geometry class. We learned how to explore three dimensions so now you have added another. Thanks for sharing our time and space for a while.
February 18, 2016
I feel there are many East High Angles who are saddened by the
passing of Denver. Also all the cool people who lived in Marion St.
Deapest sympathy to the family.
Bruce Plotkin
February 18, 2016
All I knew about my classmate Denver was by rumor. But they were wonderful rumors. We were in the same class at a prep school back east. Suddenly, one winter day, he left school and never came back.
I heard he scampered out onto the ice on the nearby Connecticut River when an ice floe broke off with Denver floating down the Connecticut toward the town of Millers Falls. There's a reason for that name. Although he was rescued safely before reaching the falls, school officials were not pleased.
No idea if it's true, but it sounds, from the other posts, like the kind of mischief he'd have enjoyed. Any Mt. Hermon '69 grad care to confirm or debunk?
Brad Moses
February 15, 2016
Man oh man - I just can't believe you've passed away. So many memories that have come to me often over the years. From time to time I tried to locate you but never succeeded.
Denver and I became best buddies in about the 5th grade or so while we both attended Dora Moore elementary school in Denver, Colorado. We got in a fist fight after school one day. A typical elementary school fist fight - just a few punches with a small crowd gathered around - and then a long walk home together cementing a close friendship that lasted through most of our time at Byers junior high.
We spent many a day together going down alleys in our neighborhoods having a blast throwing rocks through the window in many a garage. Never got caught - we were good!
I remember coming home from school one afternoon with Denver and I found myself in the living room alone with his father. He had me read to him from one of his many books. He was a quiet man - he was blind - I was a bit nervous - but somehow he gave off this feeling of kindness. Seems like yesterday.
Once, with Denver and his Mom and Dad, we drove up from Denver to Boulder to visit his sister Judy. This was before she was famous. All I remember of that day is when she pulled out her guitar and sang for us. I was quite shy about it all but remember such a beautiful voice. I always felt a special connection to her from that one day throughout her stellar career.
I wish I had been successful tracking down Denver - as I am a songwriter, musician, recording artist. Such an enormously sweet feeling just thinking about that ...
All love to you Denver and to your entire family. Wishing you a beautiful beginning and a joyous ride!
Leland Anderson
February 14, 2016
Denver, you once invited me to visit your house on the north side of the river. I lived on the south side. It made no difference to you. We rode the ski bus together from Byers Junior High School. You were a happy, winsome, laughing, open-hearted kid, and I remember you after all these years as a guy who made me feel acceptable in those difficult adolescent years of life. That was a fine gift that I remember these many years later. I ended up with a career in law. You ended up with a career in film, artistry, creativity and imagination. It sounds like you have had a good life and left the world a better place. I want to thank you for sharing a smile and a few laughs with me those many years ago. One always remembers those who seem to accept you unconditionally. You were one of those people in my life, and more than fifty years later I still remember that gift. So thank you. You will always be "forever young" in my memory and "forever remembered."
Leland Anderson
February 14, 2016
I remember riding the ski bus from Byers Junior High School with Denver. I was from the south side of Cherry Creek. Denver lived on the north side. He was affable and free-spirited. We knew each other a short time, but these many years later I still remember him with fondness. He was a kid from the north side who didn't seem to care whether I lived on the north side or the south side. I just remember laughing a lot with him on those ski bus trips. I went into the Law. Denver went into artistry and film-making. I lost track of him over the years until his obituary appeared in the paper yesterday. I am saddened because this bright-light memory from my childhood is gone -- and I never had a chance to tell him he gave me joy and made me feel good about myself once upon a time. His life, it seems, was filled with creativity, imagination, and adventure. I am happy about that. His good and kindly nature remains alive in my memory. Prayers and peace to his family and close friends. Vaya con Dios Denver.
Suzie Johantgen
February 13, 2016
Sending condolences to the Collins family. What an accomplished man. All of the Collins children are outstanding people. I didn't know Denver personally, but remember seeing him run through his parents house when Peter Johantgen and I were at their home watching their talented father play the piano with George Shearing. The two men also went outside and were assisted riding bikes. May God comfort all the family in your loss
Kevin Donald
February 12, 2016
I shared some wonderful times with Denver when I was at South High School from 63 to 66. His particular charm was rooted in self confidence and an easy-going exuberance. He was part of a group of us that vacationed in Puerto Vallarta in '69. The long trainride back to Nogales was especially memorable because Denver did not have a ticket. His memory will continue to bring a smile to my face. Love you Denver! Kevin Donald
Caroline Schomp
February 12, 2016
I was in love with Denver for about 15 minutes in junior high school. He was full of joy and mischief and somehow always managed to wiggle out of trouble. Wish I'd known him as an adult. His smile in this photo is still very recognizable. Hope heaven is good to you, Denver.
W. Bart Berger
February 12, 2016
Among my fondest memories of youth are some (reasonably innocent) miscreant adventures with Denver (and Holly) and a batch of free-spirited boys. Although I am sorry that our paths never crossed again, I am happy that we traveled the short ones that we did. It was good stuff.
W. Bart Berger
February 12, 2016
Some of my fondest memories of youth included some (reasonably innocent) miscreant behavior with Denver (and Holly) and a batch of other free-spirited boys. I am sorry to have never seen our paths rejoin, but quite happy to have traveled the ones we did.
TINA T
February 12, 2016
PLEASE EXCEPT MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY.PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY ISAIAH 61:1-2 WHICH STATES IN PART:"GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".
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