Donald F. Oatley

Donald Francis Oatley was born in Willimantic, CT on February 10, 1941 to Gertrude Cecile Martel Oatley and Edgar Everett Oatley. He was raised as an Army brat living in, Mineral Wells, Tx; Aganya, Guam; Ft. Benning, GA; Ft. Eustis, Ft Monroe, VA. Fort Louis, WA and Ft. Shafter. He earned his Eagle Scout along the way. After graduating from St. Vincent’s Catholic High School Don attended the University of Hawaii and received a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Fisheries.  He then heeded the call from Uncle Sam and went to Naval Officer Candidate School. He served for 5 years active duty and in Vietnam. Once in Colorado he continued in the Navy reserves for 21 more years.  Commanding two Naval Reserve Units and retiring as a Navy Captain. On Guam he met Lieutenant Barbara Dickson, they married and moved to Colorado where they raised a family. In 1970 Donald earned an MBA at the University of Denver, followed by his CPA certification in 1971 and a Master of Taxation in 1983. He worked for Touche Ross for two years, a small local firm for 3 and then started his own firm in 1975. He sold his firm in 2000 and opened Oatley and Diak. LLC. an Investment Advisory Company.

In his free time, he loved to spend time with his family and friends, traveling, fishing, golfing, hiking, skiing, and pretty much anything out in nature. He was a dedicated member of the Denver SE Rotary Club for 30 plus years. He was passionate about education and community service.

Don is predeceased by his parents Gertrude and Edgar Oatley and son Christopher Cannon Oatley and survived by his partner Susan Karsh, his sister Priscilla “Pat” Phillips, Daughter Noelle Diak, Daughter in-law Gina Oatley, Grand Children Justin Diak, Tyler Diak, Mikaya Diak, Angelica Rosales and Ana Locke.  As well as many great grandchildren.

Donald’s memorial service will be held on Thursday February 15, 2024 at Horan & McConaty at 5303 E. County Line Rd Centennial, CO 80112 at 10am followed by a reception. After the reception there will be a procession to Fort Logan National Cemetery 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. Denver CO 80236 where there will be full military honors and burial.

In lieu of flowers the family would like any donations to go to the Denver SE Rotary Club in his honor.

Denver Southeast Rotary Club PO Box 2764 Littleton, CO 80161