Donald A. Houlehan, Esq.

Donald A. Houlehan, 82, of Denver, CO, passed away on January 7, 2017. Don was born in Evergreen Park, IL. After earning a BS degree from the University of Illinois, Don went to Officer's Candidate School and served as a First Lieutenant, Battery Commander and Battalion Staff Officer in the US Army. He was stationed at Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Carson, CO, during the Korean War, and remained in the active reserve until 1956. He then graduated from the University of Colorado Law School, at Boulder, earning his LLB and JD degrees, along with serving as Editor of the CU Law Review. He continued, throughout his career, to co-coordinate the CU Alumni Law Class of 1964 reunions, which he thoroughly enjoyed. In 2014, he was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award, in the Field of Law', for 50 years of distinguished practice and participation from the Colorado Bar Association. Don was also very active in the Colorado political arena. He had been a delegate, and recently referred to as a ""Democratic Lion"", due to his lifelong involvement, commitment and many leadership roles within Colorado's Democratic Party. His ""roar"" will unlikely go forgotten. Outside of his family, Catholic faith and career, there were numerous organizations and causes for which he held a deep passion. He was an avid supporter of Public Broadcasting and the Performing Arts. He contributed countless hours of charitable work. Among them; tutoring children at Greenlee Elementary School, providing Volunteer Counsel- Legal Services for the Indigent and serving as President of St. Vincent's Credit Union. One of Don's favorite activities was being a member of POETS, a select group of top real estate attorneys who have met, regularly, for over 40 years. This informal, social gathering, among peers and guests, was an enjoyable sharing of knowledge, topical conversation, advice and problem-solving that proved not only to be beneficial for the practice of law, but ultimately, the people of Colorado. He also had an undying fascination with the mechanics and innovation of all modes of transportation, land, sea and air; be it old classics or high tech, he was hooked. His ideal day could likely consist of being on a boat, on big water, watching airplanes ascend overhead, ships and sailboats crossing at the horizon, and the sound of a passing locomotive, nearby. Don was drawn to Colorado, as a young man, by the Rocky Mountains, the alpine blue sky and unparalleled ski conditions. He felt very fortunate that he was able to hit the slopes, regularly, for just under 50 years. Not surprisingly, many of his fondest memories came from these same mountains, with his time spent living and working in Aspen, with his beautiful, soon to be wife of 59 years, Betty, who's eyes are the same, captivating, alpine blue. Don was preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Leone Houlehan. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Courtad-Houlehan; son, Michael Houlehan; daughters Mary Houlehan, Megan Houlehan-Saunders (Richard), Kathleen Houlehan; grandchildren, Parker and Kelly Saunders; brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Courtad (Jeanette) and their children, Finn and Brigid Courtad. Memorial Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a favorite charity of your choosing. Please share your memories of Don and condolences with his family in the Guestbook link below.