Donald Rae Faatz

Donald R Faatz

Passed away January 29, 2023, at 85 years of age. Born in Fort Collins Colorado at the Larimer County Hospital, now known as Poudre Valley Hospital.

 Don (and his twin brother David) grew up on a farm in south Fort Collins, where FRCC campus is now. Like most farm boys of the times he learned to drive and repair farm equipment, plant and harvest crops, irrigate fields, plus milk the cows every morning before going to school. Don attended elementary school at the Stout School now under Horsetooth reservoir and graduated from Fort Collins High School in the class of 1954.

At 16 years old Don and brother David, used their savings to buy a 17 ft inboard Custom Craft ski boat kit and built it in the haymow of their barn! Strange for two farm boys to want to build a boat? Especially in the highest level of the barn? Probably didn’t appear to be a problem for the budding engineer. And, “Old White” as the boat is known, has become a lasting family heirloom. It has been rebuilt and refinished by Don’s sons and most recently by his eldest Grandson.

Don and his brother loved cars too, especially fast cars. Known as “the twins” around town. They ran many drag races on Sugar Factory Road (Vine Drive). On nights they were not racing they cruised College Avenue. Cruising College is where Don met the love of his life, Betty Adkins. Don and Betty were married in October of 1959, and recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Together they raised their three sons: Michael (Brenda), Christopher (Karie) and Timothy (Holly). As a man of faith, he raised his sons to follow biblical guidance.

Don was a man of many talents, and ready to tackle any project, be it plumbing, electrical, rebuild of an engine, finish a basement, build a garage for “Old White” or a gazebo for Betty. During most of his projects you would find his sons beside him, watching and learning that they could do, fix or build anything as well. He worked 26 years at Hewlett Packard as a Manufacturing Engineer, retiring in 1991.

Don loved his family and was very proud of them. If they ever needed help with anything, he was right there to lend a hand.

Don is survived by his wife, three sons, eight grandkids, 15 great grandkids, and his sister Kathie (Dave) Dosh. He is preceded in death by his brother David (Susan) Faatz and sister Karen (Dave) Papandrew.

Don's Christian faith, morals, integrity and devotion to family have left a lasting legacy on his family and all who knew him.