Elliot Donaldson

Elliot Edward Donaldson was born January 31, 1970 in Orange NJ to Edward L. Donaldson and Patricia K. Donaldson.  Elliot moved to Fort Collins when he was 5 years old.  At age 5, he became ill with acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.  He was cured of this cancer by doctors at CU Health in Denver.  Elliot’s sister, Faith R. Donaldson was born in 1980.

At age 15, his parents divorced.  Elliot and Faith moved to Thornton CO with their father.  Elliot graduated from Thornton High School in June of 1988.  After a year on his own, Elliot enlisted in the U. S. Navy in August of 1989.  He served as a radioman on the USS Truxtun during the Gulf War.  He was honorably discharged in August of 1993.  He returned to Denver where he worked in various occupations including restaurants and emergency health care services while pursuing a nursing program at a local community college.

In addition to considering nursing, Elliot had always wanted to be a policeman—like his father, Edward, who was a Police Officer for the 5 years we had lived in East Orange NJ.  Following this goal, Elliot applied to and was accepted into The City and County of Denver Police Academy.  Elliot graduated in 2008, when he started his career as a Police Officer, mostly assigned to Denver International Airport.

Elliot had two children with his girlfriend, Bridgette Petit.  The children are Ethan Donaldson, age 8 and Wyatt Donaldson, age 4.

Elliot was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in June of 2021.  In spite of this illness, he continued to work full time at DIA until he was hospitalized in August of 2022.  He died at UCH, Anschutz Medical Center, early Monday morning of September 12, 2022.  His mother and sister were at his side.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday September 21, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a Rosary at 5:00 pm, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Denver CO.  The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday September 22, at 10:00 am, at Queen of Peace Catholic Parish, 13120 East Kentucky Avenue, Aurora CO.

Donations may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mountain Region, 310 E 4500 S, Murray UT 80107.