Donlie Smith

Donlie, 89, passed peacefully during the night, choosing hospice care at home so he could spend time with his family and his feline companion, Cody.

Donlie was born in Denver to Leslie Bond Smith and Mary Veronica Pepin.  Donlie graduated from East high school in 1950, went to CU and DU for college and spent time in Europe as a 2nd LT in the Air Force.  He married Carol in 1955, and had two children, Suzanne and Terrence.

Donlie was a partner at Whitney’s Wholesale Sporting Goods Company in Denver and was an avid outdoorsman all his life.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and sports including tennis, golf, scuba diving and skiing.  He was a dedicated CU Buffs fan and enjoyed season tickets for many years.  He traveled often with his late wife Carol, and after her passing, continued to be adventurous and physically active into his late 80’s with recent vacations to Canada, Costa Rica and Los Barriles, Mexico.

Donlie was an Optimist and tried to live every day by that creed.  He devoted himself to his wife Carol, children, his family, friends, and his community.  Over the years he was a member of the Boy Scouts, Jaycees, Rotary, South Denver Optimists, Heather Gardens Optimists and the Boys and Girls Club of Denver.  Donlie was an Eagle Scout and later a Scout Master.  He spent many years helping many young men achieve their goals in Scouts and helped to create the state-wide Eagle Scout Project Award. Donlie was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his many years of distinguished service in Scouting.

Donlie is survived by his Children, Suzanne Feroldi (Bob) and Terrence Smith (Anne), 4 grandchildren (Lauren, Len, Molly, Lucy) and 5 great grandchildren. Donlie believes his soul lives on and faced his passing with gratefulness for this life and anticipation of whatever is to come.  Donlie was very thankful for his many friends and neighbors and felt they were all blessings in his life.

His message to his family and friends is to Love one another.

A Celebration of Life/Open House is scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 1-3pm at the Heather Gardens Clubhouse located at 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, CO 80014.  Please stop by the Aspen Room anytime between 1-3pm to share memories. Food and drink will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Donlie to one of his favorite service organizations such as Boy Scouts, Optimists, or Boys and Girls Club.