Donald Sanchez

Donald (Don) Sanchez, 88, of Windsor, Colorado passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2026. Don was born on May 2, 1937 to Henry and Rosa Sanchez in Fort Collins, Colorado. He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1955. He joined the Navy in 1956 and served on the USS Leary DD-879 for three and a half years as a Gunners Mate 3rd Class. After returning home from the Navy, he met his wife Emilia “Millie” Gavaldon through a mutual friend. They eloped to Denver in January of 1961 and renewed their commitment to each other in the Catholic Church in July of that same year. They settled in South Denver where they raised their daughter Melicia Sanchez. Don worked at Dalco as a truck driver for 30 years prior to retirement. After retiring, Don and Millie moved to Windsor, Colorado in 2003 and lived there the remainder of his life. He is survived by his wife, Emilia (Millie) Sanchez; brothers Joe Sanchez, and Bill (Virginia) Sanchez, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Melicia Sanchez (daughter), Henry and Rosa Sanchez (parents), Alex Sanchez (brother), Mike Sanchez (brother), Lee Sanchez (brother), Doris Suniga (sister), Tillie Salas (sister), Mary Ellen Valdez (sister) and lifelong friends Frank & Rachael Garcia. Don was truly loved by all. He was a great husband, father, uncle, brother and friend. He was an avid golfer and swimmer. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends and was known for his great sense of humor. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets. Sundays in the fall were always dedicated to watching or attending Bronco games. He was a proud Bronco season ticket holder for over 50 years. He loved playing (and betting on) Yahtzee with his wife and hardly ever missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Don was a good man who provided for his family and brought joy to all he encountered. He will be greatly missed, but his family and friends are now blessed with another guardian angel. Rosary on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6pm, Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins. Funeral Mass will be held Friday April 10, 2026 at 11am, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1250 7th Street, Windsor. Committal on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 12:15pm-12:45pm Staging Area-White at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.

Tributes

Donald Sanchez

May 2, 1937 - March 20, 2026