Donald John Egan

A character, a rascal, a true New Yorker.

Anyone who met Dr. Donald "Don" Egan knew they had met someone unforgettable. He always seemed to have a real estate deal brewing, mineral rights to negotiate, or a sports car he'd had to buy. He had a quick wit, an even quicker tongue, and the rare ability to make people laugh when they least expected it.

Born in Queens, New York, in 1941, Don spent his teen years in Massapequa, Long Island, alongside his beloved older brother, Larry Egan, who preceded him in death. Though Colorado eventually became home, Don never quite lost his New York edge.

Don was immensely proud of his education and service. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1962 before earning his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1966. Though real estate later became his passion, he devoted many years of his career to helping those struggling with addiction at a time when addiction medicine was still emerging as a respected field.

As one of the pioneers of addiction treatment in Colorado, Don helped establish Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) at the CU School of Medicine . To ensure that work continues long after his lifetime, he established the Donald Egan, MD, Endowed Fellowship and Education Fund for ARTS at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, creating a lasting legacy of education, innovation, and hope for future generations of addiction medicine specialists.

Outside of medicine, Don was endlessly curious, entrepreneurial, and impossible to pigeonhole. He loved the thrill of a deal almost as much as the stories that came from it. Whether he was talking investment strategies, gemstones, sports cars, or his latest real estate purchase, he approached life with enthusiasm and confidence.

Don was also, admittedly, not an easy man. If you knew him long enough, there's a good chance he threw a zinger that hit too close to home. He could be blunt, dismissive, and often said things without thinking. We're fairly certain he felt remorse about it afterward—even if saying "I'm sorry" didn't always come easily. For all of his flaws, he had a committed group of friends who remained loyal throughout the years. People loved his humor, his intelligence, his generosity, his stories, and the unmistakable energy he brought into every room. He lived life on his own terms, and there will never be another quite like him.

Don is survived by his wife, Lois Joseph; his children, Todd Egan, Erin Egan, and Rebecca Egan; and the friends and colleagues whose lives he touched over more than eight decades. He leaves behind not only memories, laughter, and a few colorful stories, but also a lasting contribution to the field of addiction medicine that will continue to improve lives for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in support of the Donald Egan, MD, Endowed Fellowship and Education Fund for Addiction Research and Treatment Services at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Please send gifts in memory of Dr. Donald Egan to:

University of Colorado Foundation PO Box 17126 Denver, CO 80217

Please make checks payable to the CU Foundation and note on the memo line: "IMO Dr. Donald Egan – Donald Egan MD Endowed Fellowship and Education Fund for Addiction Research and Treatment Services Fund."

Gifts may also be made online at giving.cu.edu/Egan.