Peter Latham

It's with a heavy heart and great sadness we share the news of Peter (Pete) Latham's passing. Pete passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 27th. His was a life well lived. He was born February 20, 1941 to Catherine (Jane) nee Bayer and Harry (Duke) Latham nee Bowie in Washington D.C. Survivors include his wife of 52-years Elizabeth, daughters B.J. (Jay) Mandelstam, and Patti (Kelly) Elsensohn; daughter-in-law, Tammy Latham; grandkids Max, Ben, Will, Samuel, Jace, Thomas, Craig, Hannah, and Scott. Pete was preceded in death by his mother, Jane, and his adopted-father, Rufus (Bill) Williams. He is also preceded in death by his son, Gary Latham. Pete grew up with his mother, Jane. He was very close to his maternal grandparents, Catherine and Joseph Bayer. During his middle school years, his mother married Bill Williams who adopted Pete. Pete and his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) nee Mann, have an unconventional love story. It involved a chance phone conversation, and the US Postal Service. It was the 1960's version of ""You've Got Mail."" While on leave from the Marines, Pete was visiting his cousin, Trisha Perry. She was on the phone planning a double date, with her friend Betty. During the call, Trisha was called away and passed the phone to Pete. And the rest is history. Pete shipped out to Hawaii without meeting Betty in person. He asked if she would write, and she said yes not giving it another thought. When that first letter arrived, she replied. Over the course of the next nine months, letters flew back and forth between Washington DC and Hawaii. The letters led to a meeting, which led to standing up before family and friends saying, ""I do."" It was 1962, Betty was recent high school graduate and Pete left the Marines. They were married on Saturday and he began a new job at Fort Meade the following Monday. The years spun by, children were born, three to be exact. The family bounced between DC, Denver, and England. Friends were made. Life long friends who share in the grief of Pete's passing. Work was done. Pete's work ethic was commendable. For many years, Pete worked swing shifts to support his family. The family in turn did their best to stay quiet on those days he was sleeping. While living life with young children, a young wife, and a demanding work schedule, Pete found a way, and time, to graduate from Regis College. He managed to pursue his dream work as a blacksmith. In the 1970s, he traveled to farms and stables in eastern Colorado shoeing horses. He dabbled in art too. He used horseshoes, nails and his forge to create items that made their way into shops in Estes Park. Through all of this, the best memories were made. In tight times, the family still went on vacation. Pete would slide a single mattress in the bed of his pickup truck. (Yes, the bed was covered.) He would toss in a cooler filled with sodas, a few board games and pillows, load up the wife and kids. The family traveled from Denver to Vegas, to LA in that pick up. Needless to say, it was a happy day when the family was able to purchase a camper. Pete loved his kids and was still a kid a heart. He coached the kid's teams – everything from softball to football. If he wasn't coaching, he was cheering from the sidelines. As his kids married and his nine grandkids arrived, he grew to love hockey, soccer, dance, and theater. He would pull up a lawn chair and settle in to watch whatever activity was at hand. Pete eased into retirement in Elizabeth, Colorado. He always dreamed of puttering in the meadow, and enjoying nature away from the city. He was a content man with his dog. All who knew him agreed this where he was always supposed to live. After a while, the lure of the links called him back to the city. He and Betty moved to a golf community, Heritage Eagle Bend, in Aurora. Quiet days in the meadow turned to busy days and nights filled with friends and fun. Pete needed a social secretary to keep track of his many pursuits – poker, golf, dinner, FAC, cards, movies, and church. As the grandkids got older, his family thinks he liked them more the older they got. He became their companion on the golf course, a friend to watch the latest thriller, and was always ready to cheer the Broncos, CSU Rams, CU Buffs, and Novi Wildcats. His latest quandary was whether to say ""Go Blue"" or ""Go Spartans."" As with all lives, there was sorrow mixed with the sweet. Pete's last few years were bittersweet. The years were catching up. Doctor appointments became more frequent; his pillbox expanded. Through all of his trials, he kept his bright smile and a mischievous glint in his eye. In 2009, he lost his only son, Gary, to leukemia. Those who knew Pete mourn his passing, but take comfort knowing those beyond the veil are happy to see him. His family is sure he's sitting in his favorite leather chair, with Gary at his side, enjoying a bowl of ice cream. Pete's funeral mass will be held Wednesday, April 2nd at 11 AM at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker, Colorado. Lunch will follow in the Dwyer Hall. A private internment will follow on Thursday at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Castle Rock, Colorado. Flowers are welcome at the church. Pete would also encourage donations to his favorite cause, Wounded Warrior Project. Semper Fi. Please click on ""Sign Guestbook"" to share memories of Pete and messages of condolence with his family.