Don L. Fort III

Don L. Fort Ill (Donny) was born on February 25, 1973 to Anita and Don Fort Jr. in New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras. He moved to Houston, Texas while a baby and moved to Colorado at age 2 and lived in Niwot, Boulder, Denver and Longmont where he lived and went to school the remainder of his life. Sadly to say, Donny passed away on June 3, 2024 at the age of 51. He suffered during the latter part of his life with Neuropathy in his feet.

Donny graduated from Niwot High School in 1991. He graduated from the University of Northern CO in 1995 majoring in Geology and Environmental Studies. He worked at several jobs including working at Richmond Homes as a Building Superintendent, worked alongside his father at Fort Drilling as Office Manager and Field Supervisor for 10 years, and his last job was working as a Project Manager for Apex Asphalt in Golden until his passing.

Donny played Varsity Football and Basketball at Niwot High School and was on the football team when Niwot won the State Trophy. This was a highlight of his life. He was always remembering that moment with his teammates. He was all-state in Conference for both Offense and Defense in football. He got a scholarship to play football at the University of Northern Colorado and played three years. He had to have two back surgeries.

Donny loved Life! He was enthusiastic and competitive in everything he did. He loved to mountain bike and enjoyed hiking in the mountains climbing several 14,000 Ft. mountains. He enjoyed downhill snow skiing, snowmobiling, water skiing, boating at Horsetooth Reservoir in his boat (Blue Bayou), loved dirt bikes, loved camping with his friends, fishing, hunting and all outdoor sports. He was a certified scuba diver. Donny always said that one of the best thing he did was walking with his mother for 3 ½ miles around McIntosh Lake for several years. Donny loved his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and took some wonderful trips with his parents to Sturgis for at least 10 years, enjoying Hart Ranch and South Dakota. He did some wonderful trips in the Colorado mountains with his mom and dad.

Donny loved the 1973 Plymouth Barracuda that he helped fix up with his dad. He loved drag racing in high school at Bandimere Speedway. He was so proud of that car that was going to be his someday. Donny was competitive and loved a challenge.

He was a big time fan of CU football! He made sure his parents had plenty of "Prime" t-shirts, sweat- shirts, caps and sun glasses. Additionally, he was a very enthusiastic fan of the Nuggets, Broncos, Rockies and the Avalanche.

Donny was a wonderful son in every way. He made his parents very proud throughout his whole life. They were able to hold his hands and tell him how much they loved him and how proud they were all of his life. He was a Christian and just a great person to his family and friends. Donny attended Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette. He had a contagious smile that lit up a room and you would be hard pressed to find a photo of him not smiling. He was a devoted friend. He was the life of the party. He loved Halloween so he could dress up in his many different costumes. He was always making jokes, making faces and tricking someone. He was so much fun to be around. Donny will surely be missed! It is nice to know that he is not suffering now and he is in heaven. He had a wonderful life full of love and adventure!

Donny is survived by his parents, Anita and Don Fort; his sister (Melissa Fort Young); his sister, Donita Fort Moore ( Evan) Dallas; his aunt and uncle (Charlotte and Lynn Woodward)Longmont uncle (Doug Peak)Ky; Cousins, Sara Woodward Brumder (Steve), Florida; Eric Woodward, Denver. Donny has many cousins back in Ky. He has 9 nieces and nephews ,( Kyler LeRoux, Jayden Young, Asa Young, Lyric Young, Mary Young, Jax Young) Longmont; (Adelaide Moore, Carson Moore, Clayton Moore) Dallas.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY would appreciate that MEMORIAL DONATIONS BE MADE TO NIWOT HIGH SCHOOL. DONNY LOVED ALL HIS YEARS AT NIWOT AND ESPECIALLY PLAYING VARSITY FOOTBALL

AND BASKETBALL. DONATIONS WILL HELP THE FOOTBALL AND

BASKETBALL ATHLETES THAT CAN NOT AFFORD THEIR EQUIPMENT AND

ENHANCE THE PROGRAMS WITH NEEDS THAT THEY HAVE.

Please mail to

Niwot High School

Athletic Department

c/o Danielle or Michelle

8989 E. Niwot Rd.

Niwot, CO 80503

Make sure you put it is for: Don L. Fort Ill Endowment Fund