Sean Ashton Duff

Sean was born Nov. 1, 1955, in Sherman Oaks, Calif., to James and Joan Duff. The family moved to San Jose, Calif., where Sean grew up and attended high school and junior college. He later graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., where he was president of the school's Sigma Chi fraternity. He worked as a sports clerk and assistant sports editor at the Statesman Journal newspaper in Salem.

In 1988, Sean relocated to Fort Collins, Colo., where he was the sports editor of the Coloradoan newspaper from 1988 to 2012. He and his staff won numerous Associated Press, Colorado Press Association and Gannett awards. He also worked two three-month stints for USA TODAY. Sean later worked for State Farm 2016-2021 as a claims adjuster and occasional catastrophe team member.

He met Kathleen McMullen, who also worked at the newspaper, and they were married in 1990 in Fort Collins. Sean enjoyed mentoring children in need and volunteering as a math and reading tutor at Kruse Elementary School. He also was the president of the Fort Collins Breakfast Optimist Club in the early 1990s, where he worked to raise funds and organize community projects.

Sean's greatest joy was spending time with his three children, helping with homework, taking them to the library and shopping, enjoying family trips and cooking their favorite meals. He also was Coach Sean for soccer and basketball for his own kids and many of their friends. Sean was so proud of his children as they grew into adults.

Sean was an avid golfer who won the Fort Collins Golf Championship in the early 1990s and the Southridge Invitational in 1991. He also ran a half-marathon and often could be found running or walking on the Power Trail.

Sean is survived by Kathleen, of Fort Collins; daughter Sarah Dreith (Dustin) of Windsor; daughter Shannon Milks (Ryan), of Gibbon, Neb., son, Sam, of Manitou Springs, and four granddaughters, Ryan Dreith and Rory Dreith of Windsor; and Payton Milks and Sophie Milks of Gibbon, Neb; brother, Kevin Duff (Kim) of Truckee, Calif; sister, Carrie Duff of the San Jose area; sister -in-law Michelle McMullen of Wellington, Colo.; three nieces and three nephews; and his best friend, Dave MacAdams of California.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers or food, the family asks that any donations be made in Sean Duff’s name to the Food Bank of Larimer County, where Sean volunteered for years. Visit foodbanklarimer.org, [email protected]; (970) 493-4477.