Donald Earl Burbridge

Donald Earl Burbridge, age 63, of Olathe, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 29, 2026. He is now held closely in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Donald "Don" Burbridge was born to Alfred Thomas and Irene Burbridge on October 29, 1962, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. He spent his early years growing up in Nucla, Colorado, before eventually settling down and making his home first in Loma and later in Olathe, Colorado while serving the community for over 30 years as a journeyman lineman.

Don was a man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his charismatic smile, his unmatchable work ethic, and a deep passion for serving those around him. A masterful storyteller, he had a unique ability to tell a tale that always ended in shared laughter. Don was a true fan of classic rock music; he could often be found listening to his favorite classics, never failing to inform anyone listening exactly who sang the song and what year it came out. He also never missed watching the news with a hot cup of coffee.

He had a well-known love/hate relationship with farm life, dedicating countless hours to the fields, which, without fail, always produced. An avid outdoorsman, Don loved anything related to hunting and successfully instilled that same passion into his children and grandchildren. He possessed an amazing vision for projects and a gift for making them come to life, even if they were never fully finished. He could troubleshoot just about any problem, usually coming up with a solution no one else would have thought of.

Don also mastered the art of teaching his kids how to properly fetch tools, a process he handled with deep compassion, though sometimes it was a rather heated compassion. He loved to play cards, so long as no one called him out on his cheating. He excelled at hiking through the woods on a hunt, even if half of that hunt consisted of napping for hours on the side of a mountain. He welcomed any excuse to go for a ride in "Old Blue" or his side-by-side.

Above all, he had a warm presence and big hands that bore the evidence of a lifetime of hard work. Others sought his advice, leaned on his strength, and were drawn to his personality, which left an enduring mark on their lives. So many people were impacted by Don's pure kindness, his constant willingness to help, his strong character, and his ability to carry on a deep conversation with a total stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a vast amount of knowledge that he generously shared through a lifetime of experience.

There was never any doubt about his greatest source of pride: his family. He never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of every one of his children and grandchildren. His overwhelming joy in life came from being a devoted father, grandpa and "Bacca," brother, uncle, and loyal friend. His warmth, laughter, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Bernita; his father, Alfred Thomas; and his beloved granddaughter, Eleanor.

He leaves behind a large, loving family who will carry on his legacy. He is survived by his children: Joshua Burbridge (Callie), Sierra Nelson (Chris), and Kiffaney Ridings (Eddy). He was a deeply proud grandpa and "Bacca" to his grandchildren: Rebekah, Danielle, Christopher, Heylin, Ashlin, Daelyn, Kimbree, Naomi, Westin, Ryder, Josie, Esme, and Noah. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald (Tammy), Michael (Betty), and Robert (Dotty); his sister, Nita; and many special nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, Don will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2027. Invitations and announcements regarding the specific location will be shared later.

The family truly hopes that all who knew Don will be able to attend this celebration, coming together to honor his memory and share the stories and love that made him so unforgettable.