Derek Owen Dye, 54, of Englewood, Colorado, died on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Swedish Medical Center.

Derek was born June 25, 1972 in Denver, Colorado to Cheryl Duncan Dye and David Dye. He married Stephanie Jones on October 15, 2011.

Derek graduated magna cum laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver, number one in his class, with degrees in English and History. Derek enjoyed competing on the debate team and was the president of the English honor society - Sigma Tau Delta. He then earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver.

Derek first worked as a house painter’s apprentice and served as a legislative aide in the Colorado General Assembly. He was selected to participate in the Bighorn Leadership Development Program, the Colorado Institute for Leadership Training, and was president of the Arapahoe County Young Democrats.

Derek worked for the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) from 2000 until his retirement in 2022. He served in a variety of leadership roles at PERA and made many dear friends. He loved when he could help all of Stephanie’s “teacher friends” plan for retirement. In 2023 he began working at Fidelity Investments, studying for and passing the Series 6 and Series 7 securities exams, so he could help a wider community plan for retirement.

Derek felt things deeply and loved deeply. He was generous with his time, his opinions, his laughter, and his friendship. Derek was a lifelong animal lover; he loved his many cats – and also the dogs he shared with Stephanie - Max, Louie, and Hazel. Derek was an enthusiastic collector of facts, news, mementos, and whatever else caught his attention. He enjoyed his connection with family and friends over good food and drink, a sporting event, a political discussion, trivia night, and pop culture. Derek appreciated the arts and believed in supporting organizations that made a difference in the lives of others. He served on the boards of directors of numerous nonprofit organizations, including Cat Care Society of Colorado, Very Special Arts of Colorado, the Arapahoe County Citizen Budget Committee, and Pop Culture Classroom. His service reflected his belief that a community is stronger when people contribute their time, talents, and resources to help others.

Derek is survived by his wife, Stephanie Jones; his parents, Cheryl Duncan Dye and David Dye; his brother, Brian (Lisa); his sister, Dana (Jeff); mother-in-law, Janelle Jones; nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred & Gavina Dye and Charles & Marie Duncan, as well as many of his beloved pets.

Derek will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, strong opinions, big heart, and unmistakable personality. He will be remembered for the animals he loved, the information he collected and shared, the political conversations he sparked, the movies and trivia he enjoyed, the miles he ran, the beer he brewed, and most of all, the many people he quietly cared for and served. He leaves behind a family and community who will deeply miss his presence, his enthusiasm, his loyalty, and his love.

Memorial donations may be made to Cat Care Society of Colorado or Very Special Arts of Colorado in Derek’s memory.

A Memorial Service honoring Derek will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood. A Reception will immediately follow at the Horan & McConaty Reception Center.

Please come to the service as your most authentic self. If you want to wear a black suit - please do. If you want to wear a silly cat t-shirt, or a Broncos Jersey or your Derby Day finery - please do. Derek was connected in so many different ways and it would be wonderful to see that reflected in the space, through you. Derek valued inclusivity and although we won't all align on every aspect of our experiences, we are all connected. Following the service and reception at Horan, there will be a more relaxed celebration at the Blue Bonnet (457 S. Broadway, Denver CO) anytime after 3 pm. As their website says, "Join us for authentic food and awesome margaritas" since green chile and happy hour were some of Derek's favorite things! Please come if that feels right for you. 

Please share your memories of Derek and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.