Frederick Robert Betts

Frederick Robert Betts, affectionately known as Fred, passed away on July 7, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. He was 77 years old. Fred was born to Frederick Vincent Betts and Eileen Betts (Dillon) on September 17, 1946 in Flushing, New York. Eventually, the family moved to Long Island where Fred was raised. Fred was the oldest of four children.

 A graduate of Sewanaka High School where Fred ran track, he continued his education graduating from St. John’s University in New York with a degree in Finance and Accounting. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and embraced college life and the New York lifestyle in every way. Years later Fred decided to pursue an MBA attending Adelphi University nights and weekends.

 Fred was raised with a very strong work ethic. No job was beneath him. He started with a newspaper route as a boy, worked in a supermarket in high school and college. He interned at an accounting firm for several summers. He began his professional career in the Manhattan office of Price Waterhouse. He spent 4 years at P.W. eventually finding his niche in corporate accounting in the oil and gas and mining industries. So many opportunities came his way working in the extractive industries. Working in Europe, Australia and the Middle East opened a whole new world for Fred and his family. Several job transfers brought him and his family to Abu Dhabi, Houston and eventually to Denver. Fred met each opportunity with excitement and determination.

 Fred was a fabulous cook and a master griller. He could grill an entire meal to perfection and was so happy when people gathered and enjoyed his food.

 Fred served his country in the United States Army. He did a tour of Vietnam at the height of the war. He was stationed in Long Binh which became the largest Army base in South Vietnam.

 Fred loved attending sporting events. He was a Broncos and Nuggets fan and thrilled when Denver finally got a baseball team. He was devoted to his wife, Claudia, and his children Christopher and Caroline. He was a family man through and through.

 Fred dealt with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease with immeasurable courage. He never complained or felt sorry for himself. As the disease challenged him he met each challenge head on never losing hope or his positive spirit. His courage was inspirational to all who knew him. He was a quiet gentleman who held the highest integrity in business and in his family life. He will be forever loved and missed.

 Fred is survived by his wife, Claudia (Muldoon), son Christopher Betts, daughter Caroline Anderson (Jamie) , grandchildren Ashley and Michael Anderson, brother Don Betts (Pat), sister Barbara Ferman (Ed in memory ), sister Janet Bergman (Chris) and several nieces and nephews.

 A “Celebration of Fred’s Life “ will be held at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home on Friday, August23 @ 1:00 P.M. It is located at 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial, Co. 80122. Fred will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to:

Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimmons

1919 Quentin Street

Aurora, Colorado 80045

Attention: Melissa, Activities Department.