Clarence Opland Bakken

1/19/34 – 8/4/26 Denver, CO

Mr. Bakken was 92 years old and enjoying retirement from the City and County of Denver as an Assistant City Attorney following previous careers with United Airlines as a flight instructor and as an Army pilot, officer.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, a Masters degree from University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Denver, College of Law.He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Cob had three passions in life: family, skiing and flying. A life well lived, he is flying with the angels now.

He is survived by his Wife of 69 years, Janet; Daughters: Jean Tripp and Julie Blechar (Bob); Five grandsons: Cory Blechar (Alissa), Talon Tripp (Kaitlin), Tyler Tripp (Kate), Dillon Blechar (Brittny), Zane Blechar (Jaclyn) and 8 Great grandchildren; Sister: Colette Kerlin, Nephew: Mark Kerlin.

Respects can be paid in Denver on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave. Aurora, CO 80014 10:00am Viewing followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00am. There will be a brief military honors presentation at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 1:00pm.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to either:

Humane Colorado with the link humanecolorado.rallyup.com or text Clarence to 33100.

National Glaucoma Research 22512 Gateway Center Dr; Clarksburg, MD 20871 – please reference donor ID#006583728.