Dannie Fugita, Sr.

"A man who made an impact on the lives of everyone he touched." Dannie Gavert Fugita Sr. died on Dec. 24, 2020 at the age of 81 from a head injury, with his wife, children and brother by his side.

Dannie was born July 28, 1939 to parents John and Raphella Fugita in Denver, Colorado. Dannie graduated from Adams City High School in 1957, attended and graduated Colorado State College from 1957-1961. Dannie had a scholarship at Colorado State College and played both football and basketball. After college, he was hired by School District 50 in 1961 and taught and coached at Hodgkins Junior High School. He coached wrestling, football, basketball and track. In 1966 he went to Westminster High School where he stayed until his retirement in 1993. In 1970 Dannie became the Head Football Coach. In 1973 the Principal at Westminster High School appointed Dannie to the position of "Attitude Adjuster". Dannie received his Masters in Educational Administration in 1985. In 1978 he was appointed Assistant Principal at Westminster High School, and in 1988 and until he retired in 1993 he was the Principal of Westminster High School. Dannie was good at discipline as he utilized unique methods rather than suspend students. Dannie was a member of Rotary, and a member of Spirit of Hope Christian Church, and served as the President of the Church Council.

Dannie is preceded in death by his parents, John and Raphella Fugita; his brother, Charles Fugita; and his sister, Camille Hendrixson.

He is survived by his wife, Aarona, of 60 years; his brother, Jack; fours sons, Aaron (Diane), Dannie Jr. (Suzi), Shane (Stacy), and Trent (Ranae); six nephews, three nieces, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Due to Covid restrictions a private service will be held at Legacy Christian Fellowship on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1 PM. Service will be livestreamed via this YouTube Live Link: https://youtu.be/nmxtYcqw-S4 . The family will hold a public Memorial at time to be announced in honor of Dannie when venues become available.

For those who desire to honor Dannie's memory, please consider donating to the Dannie G Fugita Educational Scholarship Fund at the following link: https://gofund.me/e4663bfe

Please share your memories of Dannie and condolences with his family by signing the Tribute Wall.