Donald Ray Brockus

Born December 2, 1953, Don passed away in his home, on Historic Third Avenue, Monday, April 7, 2025. Our family would like to thank First Responders – inclusive of friends, colleagues, and the innovative CORE Team – for their diligent attempts to administer life-saving measures, as well as support thereafter. Don lived a life full of purpose and intention; he led with heart-felt humility; and he had a resounding impact on absolutely everyone around him. Always able to seamlessly and gracefully transition between the many roles he fulfilled, he was a man of many names: Dad, Daddy, Daddio, Pops, Donnie Ray, Brother, Uncle, Coach, Friend – and he wore each title with pride and an authenticity, uniquely his own.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents Harold and Lillian Brockus; Charles Garcia and Frances Blacker; as well as two of his older siblings, Harold and Jim Brockus, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner, Jacquie; his children – forever his greatest pride and joy – Catlin Garcia, Augusta Hardy (Samuel Hardy), and Manasseh Brockus (Brady Sanchez); two additional siblings, Sandra Danner and Gene Brockus; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; plus, of course, his loyal grand-doggies. Dad highly valued the plethora of varied experiences he shared with you all – his many loved ones, family, friends, fellow coaches, former players, community leaders and members, alike.

Dad was a lifelong learner and problem-solver, the depth and breadth of knowledge he carried, across so many fields, was unmatched; and his curiosity, boundless! Blessed with many natural talents, he knew the importance of working to continually build upon the existing tools in one’s toolbox, with new abilities and skills. Don earned multiple advanced degrees and certificates, including Juris Doctor (JD) of Law, Masters in Theology, and Bachelor’s in Forestry, along with many other accolades. Yet, he never flaunted his intellect, as is evident from his Law degree hanging unassumingly in the garage, above the work bench (“because it is just another tool,” he would say).

Don’s professional path was broad and inspiring, with uncanny versatility, reflective of the Renaissance man he was. Across a wide variety of industries, he brought understanding, compassion, and a service mindedness, always aimed at lifting others and making his community safer and stronger. He was intentional in cultivating a dynamic leadership style that brought everyone to the table and underscored inclusivity; always more interested in listening than in being heard.

From Don’s most recent position in Risk Management for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and going back to many details with Emergency Management, particularly navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and previously serving on Incident Response Teams for wildfires in our area, it mirrored and was colored by his days of being a volunteer first responder. A Lawyer and a Preacher, former Deputy Director of Aviation at the Durango - La Plata County Airport, he brought the same passion, from the Seminary to cybersecurity. Dad had also been an operational leader at Sunshine Gardens, for some of our community’s elderly, a domestic violence counselor to assist the vulnerable, and he worked with the developmentally challenged population at Community Connections Inc.

A passionate advocate for social justice, you would always find Dad standing up for his beliefs, what was right, and supporting those in need. Whether counseling individuals, mentoring, coaching, or leading our family, he gave his time and his heart generously. Dad was a staple on the sidelines and in the dugouts of our community, coaching and volunteering for countless kids across the Four Corners region. He could be fierce and competitive, yet he always gravitated towards the underdog story. His presence shaped generations of young athletes, where lessons went far beyond the game – e.g. work hard, lead with humility and heart, respect others, never take yourself too seriously, or underestimate the value of a good pep talk, joke or pun.

Dad was also able to appreciate the simple pleasures and recognize them as paramount. There were few things Dad loved more than sharing a cup of coffee with Jacquie, over the morning news, binge watching their new favorite show, or cheering for their many favorite sports teams. Funny enough, though Dad was born and raised near Kansas City, even sometimes working Monarchs and Chiefs games at the stadiums there as a young man, he made the long arch to become a die-hard Broncos fan (thanks, Jacquie – and the Garcia’s – ha).

Dad always dove in completely to feel and experience life so deeply; whether it was in the kitchen, where he expressed his love through food, as nourishment that feeds the soul; in the many bowling alleys across several states, playing on too many leagues and teams to mention, building lifelong friendships; being an outdoor enthusiast and backpacker (making the Rim-to-Rim trek at the Grand Canyon in his younger days), he loved a good campfire under the moon and stars, and dropping a line in at the lake with his family. He taught his kids patience and compassion, to expect much of ourselves, be willing and ready to wear your heart on your sleeve and be romantic, and always be thoughtful, reminding us when it is truly important…walk, don’t run.

Don had so much love to share with you all. And, our family is so very appreciative of the reciprocation of that love that you all have shown already, throughout this difficult time. Please join us Saturday, May 10, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., for a Celebration of Life, honoring our Dad, Don. We will be coming together, respectfully and graciously, at The Southern Ute Indian Tribe's Multi-Purpose Facility (256 Ute Road, Ignacio, Colorado 81137). Our family envisions a potluck-style brunch to follow the service portion; a special confluence of all Don's people, sharing stories and breaking bread. Maybe Don cooked you a memorable meal when you were down, and you want to re-create it; maybe you all talked passionately about a classic side dish from your childhood, an ethnic dessert you ate while on vacation, or a summertime staple, with an exotic twist - we'd love to hear/read about your inspirations. And, if you're hurting like we are, Don was always one to heal your ailment with food and family; so come on out - happy to have you!

If you wish to purchase a gift of remembrance for Don, the family would like to request a mix of both live plants and flower arrangements for Don's Celebration of Life. 

 Ad Astra Per Aspera.