Harold William “Willy” Northrup peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on October 24, 2026, at the age of 88. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a cherished friend; and a man of extraordinary generosity and uncommon humility. His life encompassed Army service, remarkable success in business, and years of ranching in the community he loved. 

Willy was a giant, though he would have been the last to say so.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on November 29, 1937, to Arlene and Harold Northrup, Willy possessed a zest for life and an energetic spirit that never left him. Growing up, he loved sports, and after graduating from Arvada High School in 1954, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He married Jeanne in 1956, and they soon welcomed their son, Bill, and three daughters in the years to come: Tammy, Chelli, and Nikki. Willy and Jeanne’s marriage would span 70 years as they raised a family, built a business, and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Willy began Arvada Hardwood Floor Company in his garage in 1959. Through determination and years of hard work, that modest beginning grew into Colorado’s largest flooring company. Home Depot acquired the business in 2002.

It was an extraordinary accomplishment, but Willy remained humble. The thousands of relationships he formed along the way mattered deeply to him, and many of the people who worked with him became lifelong friends. Success gave him the means to help others, and he did so generously.

Another defining chapter of Willy’s life unfolded at Black Canyon Ranch in Bostwick Park, near Montrose. Ranching brought work, friendships, and a close connection to the community.

Willy’s generosity reached well beyond his family. He supported kids raising 4-H animals and Montrose County athletics, along with charitable and humanitarian causes across the state. With his bushy white mustache and a torn cutoff shirt, he never made a fuss about himself. But his generosity and mentorship left its mark on countless lives. A God-fearing man, he lived his faith through his generosity and the way he treated people.

For all his accomplishments, his family was his greatest pride. Willy would drive across the country to be there for his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and academic pursuits. His family knew that their interests, efforts, and milestones mattered to him.

He also knew how to have fun. He enjoyed softball, bowling, running, and racquetball, and at 70 he was still playing beach volleyball in Mexico with family. A game of wiffle ball was another chance to join in. His family will remember him swimming in the pond in a Speedo and attending a Rockies game shirtless, with a player’s name painted on him. Willy was always willing to join in the fun.

He also held a firm conviction that you wouldn’t overeat if you ate dessert first. If you spotted Willy driving through town, there was a good chance he was headed to Dairy Queen. He gave his family plenty to admire, but also plenty to laugh about.

Willy was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene and Harold Northrup, and his son, Bill. He is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne; his daughters, Tammy (Gary) West, Chelli (Mark) Corey, and Nikki Sinner; his brother, Larry Northrup (Jackie) and his sister, Marge Grenemyer.

He also leaves eight grandchildren and their spouses: Troy (Iryna), Tori (Clay), Kylie, Lindsey (Max), Colby (Marissa), Willy (Emily), Ryne (Meg), and Calvin (Alex); and nine great-grandchildren: Lane, Rhett, Ava, Hadley, Cameron, Georgia, Brooks, Solomon, and Ripley.

For his family, the loss is beyond words. So, too, is their gratitude for the years they shared with him. Willy leaves behind a business legacy, a ranching legacy, and a lifetime of service and friendship. Above all, he leaves people who knew they were loved. That will remain his greatest legacy.

A service honoring Willy’s life will be held and streamed online on November 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate Road, Montrose, Colorado 81401. In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor Willy’s memory may contribute to the Montrose County 4-H Council, continuing his support for young people in the community. Checks should be made payable to Montrose County 4-H Council, with “Willy Northrup Memorial” noted in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to the Extension Office, Attn: Jamie Goza, 949 N. 2nd St., Montrose, CO 81401. Cash or checks may also be delivered to Timberline Bank; please indicate that the donation is for Willy Northrup’s memorial.

And because Willy had a special love for cookies and ice cream we’ll have a reception following featuring these favorite treats.