Daniel Lee Yates

Daniel Lee Yates April 18, 1943 – January 3, 2009 Predeceased by his parents, Frank Barns and Mildred Yates, and grandchildren, Christopher, Allison and Kyley. Survived by his loving wife, Judy, children; Loretta (Tom), James (Sandy), and Michael (Amy), grandchildren; Kristyn Gouchenour, Daniel, Salina, Coty, Jonathan and Matthew Yates; sisters, Frances Bahl, Kaye Yates-Taylor and Anne Miller, brothers; Hugh (Loretta), Frank and Robert (Judy) Yates. Dan grew up in Denver and went to St. John and then St. Joseph Catholic schools. Dan married Judy, his high school sweetheart in 1963 at Mother of God Catholic Church. He loved to take his family camping and fishing and lived to go hunting with his son, James. To Dan his daughter, Loretta, was always his princess. He was always in awe of James's brilliance and talent. When Michael was small Dan spent the time with him that he was not able to spend with the older two as he led Michael in Boy Scouts until Michael reached the rank of eagle. He was so proud of all of his children, loved their spouses as if they were his own. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he looked forward to having them over – and taking them to 7-11 where he would grab a cup of coffee for himself, perhaps a scratch ticket, and slurpee for whatever grandchild he'd brought along. When Judy's mother was unable to care for herself he suggested that she come and live with them. He treated her like a queen and loved her as if she were his own. Some years ago he won a trip to Mexico for two for an essay he wrote he didn't come home and say, ""Honey, we're going on a trip!"" He said, ""Judy, I want for you and your mom to go and have a really wonderful time."" He was very proud of his work ethic, having started his first job at age 7 when the barber two doors down let him sweep their floors. He worked at Safeway in the produce department for several years as a teen. He learned the trade of meat cutter from his uncle Joe McElroy in Kremmling and worked in the industry for several years before he started as a meat cutter for King Soopers where he worked for 34 years. He was a vice president on the Executive Board of UFCW Local 7 for 8 years and was helpful to many of the employees, even those who didn't have the union benefit. Many remember him as the person to come to when there was a problem. When he retired from Kings he wanted to give back to the community and so went to work at Special Transit which services the elderly and disabled as well as others. Dan was a strong, moral, and loving man. He was a big man with a big heart. He will sorely be missed. Please share memories of Daniel and condolences for his family by clicking the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below.