In Memoriam: Donald Compton, 1930-2011

TUCSON, AZ - Donald Virgil Compton, loving father and devoted grandfather, passed away in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 15. Don was born in Denver on July 16, 1930 and attended West High School. He joined the Navy in 1948 and served in the Korean War. He moved to the Air Force in 1957 and served in several countries around the world before returning to the United States. Compton will be remembered for his love of travel. He had a unique knack for foreign languages and attended an immersion program in Washington D.C. to learn Vietnamese, using that talent as an interrogator during the Vietnam War. He returned to Colorado, where he enjoyed success as a fleet manager for the cities of Boulder and Lakewood. One of his proudest accomplishments was his role in the founding of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association (RMFMA), in which he was an active member into his later years. He retired from the City of Lakewood in 1985 and moved to Tucson.

Compton had a passion for boating and fishing as well as his motorcycle, which he rode until he was 76. He loved animals, especially his dog, Duke. They gave him great comfort. He was very active in AA and considered it his duty to mentor younger people through their struggles. He is survived by his sons Ric and Mike, his daughter Kathy, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. It was Compton's wish to receive a military burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a donation to the Tucson chapter of AA.