Donald George Reimer Sr.

Don Reimer, a long-time resident of Idaho Springs, was born in Brooklyn, NY to George and Lee Reimer. His father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and his mother was a devoted Navy wife. Don carried this devotion into all facets of his life.  

He graduated from Deer Park High School having received multiple honors for marksmanship (yes, shooting a rifle in high school). Don earned top honors as one of the first auto mechanic graduates from Wilson Technical Center, Long Island, NY. He loved cars and enjoyed racing his ’66 Ford Galaxy and ’58 Edsel, holding the Class Record at New York National Speedway, winning trophies at Islip Speedway and, later in life, at Bandimere Speedway in Colorado with his oldest son. On December 8, 1965, Don married Bonnie Lalia Paradise and they began their life’s adventure cultivating a legacy of integrity, ingenuity, limitless love and dedication.  

Don built relationships when working on cars, repairing appliances, building furniture, constructing homes, working alongside family and friends, this man rarely had an idle day in his life. After the construction company where he had been working shut down, Don enrolled in classes for water quality management. Crestfallen at not being able to secure employment in this field, he announced his official retirement during the pandemic and started moving towards actually doing so someday.  

Don was devoted to his wife and family. It was 1978 when they relocated to Idaho Springs. Vocal in his opinions on issues involving his community and country, Don served on the City Planning Commission for many years. He could be found assembling cooking booths in the morning hours of the 80’s “golden era” Gold Rush Days. He volunteered at the Slacker half-marathon in Georgetown for over 20 years. He logged countless hours on the original Carlson wood playground. He raised money for Adaptive Sports cycling with his youngest son in Crested Butte. 

Don’s sense of humor elevated the “Dad Joke” to new heights. He loved doing things with his wife and family, always up for an adventure: summer theatre, camping, cross-country sojourns, traveling, trips to the CTS (Crazy Thrift Store) to dig through bins and find trash-to-treasure. At 72, Don ran his first Spartan race with his three daughters and a granddaughter. He faithfully attended 5 decades of school concerts, performances, sporting events and races.      

Don is survived by his wife, Bonnie; five children: Don, Jr, Danielle, Nanette, J.J. and Lindsey; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Kurt; and one fat Nico cat.   

The date for a celebration of life will be announced. A viewing and visitation has been scheduled. Reach out to family for more information.