Edward Ernest Bolle

Edward Ernest Bolle died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2016 after a long illness. He was born October 18, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Southeastern High School, where he was the 'voice' of the school radio station. Ed graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Business. He also studied organ and vocal music there under the legendary Dr. Walter Anderson. When Eleanor Roosevelt asked Dr. Anderson to compose a tribute to D-Day, he wrote ""The D-Day Prayer"", and Ed was honored to be among those performing it. After serving in the US Army he returned to Detroit where he resumed his accounting career with Lybrand, Ross Brothers, and Montgomery (now Price Waterhouse Coopers). Music was still a very important part of his life, so as a hobby he started The Glen Music Shop, selling records and hi-fi equipment. Despite being very busy with business related travel, the store was a success and he subsequently opened a second store. While in Detroit he met his beloved wife of 59 years, Jean Righter. He was admitted to the partnership of the firm, and in 1970 he moved the family to Chicago where he was Regional Partner of Personnel, covering 17 offices. In 1972 he was transferred to Denver, which the family soon came to love. While there he was Managing Partner for the Denver group of offices, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, Lincoln and Des Moines. In 1981 he and Jean moved to London, England for several years, where he was the liaison between the firm's international clients and its offices in 21 countries of western Europe. At the end of that time Ed decided to retire, having spent over thirty years with the firm, and they returned to Denver. Ed always was interested in bettering the community where he lived. He was an officer, director, or trustee of many organizations, including Central City Opera, Kent Denver School, Denver Symphony Orchestra (now CSO), DCPA, The Denver Country Club, the American Conservatory of Music, several Endowment Funds and The Denver Club. At the request of Governor Lamm, Ed chaired the first Save Our Symphony campaign, raising over $600, 000 in three weeks. In addition to his love of music, Ed enjoyed reading, the occasional game of bridge, and traveling throughout the world with Jean. A man of faith, he was extremely active as an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church. Mentor and visionary, his absolute integrity and sound advice meant he was a positive presence in many lives. A friend said, ""He led an admirable and long life of dedication and faith, and was a strong presence for many."" Ed is survived by his wife, Jean R. Bolle, his two dearly loved children, Christine Curtis Bolle-Kim and Douglas Price Bolle, daughter-in-law Susie San Filippo Bolle, and his three ""princesses"": Diana Curtis Kim, Gabriella Marie Bolle (Gabby), and Kathryn Grace Bolle (Kate), as well as many cherished friends. His parents, two sisters and a brother predeceased him. Ed's family is grateful for the caring staff at Clermont Park, where he spent most of the past six months, as well as the hospice staff who also cared for him. In lieu of flowers the family suggests gifts in Ed's memory to Central City Opera House Endowment, 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 50, Denver, CO 80246, or Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church Foundation, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220. There will be a celebration of Ed's life at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, on January 19 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at The Denver Country Club, 1700 East First Avenue. Please share memories of Ed with his family by visiting the Guestbook link below.