Douglas Lee Dalton

Douglas Lee Dalton passed away on October 20, 2025 at the age of 63 from cancer. He was born in 1962 in Denver, Colorado to Jim and Sharon Dalton. Growing up in the Lakewood area, Doug attended Green Mountain High School, where he participated in theater, choir, and band. He maintained broad popularity, which would thread into his adulthood, being voted the homecoming king his senior year.

After high school, Doug attended the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education. It was in college where Doug met his future wife, Susan. Together they settled in the Denver metro area where they both began their teaching careers.

Doug taught at all levels, but he found his professional home at Chatfield Senior High School (Littleton) in 1989. He spent the next 20 years leading the music program at CSHS. He loved the grace and precision of concert bands, the creativity and camaraderie of marching band, the collaboration and artistry of the pit orchestra for musical theater, and the spirit of the pep band. But among his favorite groups to teach were his jazz bands–the wit, playfulness, and expressiveness of the form mirrored his own personality.

Doug’s bands achieved great success, but the most lasting impact of his work was on the students he helped develop as young people. He was a man whom parents wanted as a role model for their children; he exemplified integrity, kindness, and hard work. His students knew those were the same expectations he had for them. He created an academic and creative environment in his classroom where laughter and high achievement were not mutually exclusive.

He taught some truly gifted students who went on to be professional musicians after high school, but by and large, it was Doug’s own unique presence in this world that allowed so many students to come to a deep appreciation for music and internalize the life lessons of a collective artistic effort.

As Doug’s career progressed, he earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and became a leader in the music community. He was the Colorado Bandmasters Association President (2003-04), Music Coordinator for Jefferson County School District, and traveled the state providing music clinics and supporting marching bands.

After retiring in 2014 from teaching at his alma mater, Green Mountain High School, Doug joined his father at American International Travel & Tours. As president, he planned trips for high school music programs, taking groups across the country and on international excursions.

Doug gave so much to his students over his 30-year teaching career, but those who received the most from him were his own family members. He was committed to being an honorable family man–providing humor, support, and generosity. He and Susan built a warm home and took great pride in raising children who embodied Doug’s honesty, compassion, and integrity.

He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Susan; daughter Lauren; and son Steven and his wife, Catherine. Doug received love and support throughout his life from Susan’s family, the Browns. He also leaves behind his sister (Amy), father (Jim), and mother (Sharon), who all surrounded him in his final weeks. And of course, his beloved dachshunds Dexter and Murphy will miss him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in honor of Doug at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 15th, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The service will be available via live stream for those unable to join in person and the link will be provided soon. 

Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Doug.