William "Bill" Daley

William Stanley Daley, age 76, passed away on Thursday, August 14, at Woodland Estates Senior Living in Denver, Colorado. 

William, known as Bill, was born September 10, 1948, in Denver to Ermeñia Marie Padilla and Alfred Daley. He graduated from Denver’s North High School in 1966 and later attended Metropolitan State College of Denver, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Public Administration. 

In 1970, Bill enlisted into the U.S. Army where he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served in Vietnam, leading a platoon with the 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. The famed 501st earned its motto — “Geronimo” — in World War II at Normandy and Bastogne. In Vietnam, Bill carried forward that same spirit of bravery and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1972. 

Bill’s time in the Army instilled in him a deep respect for history, family, service, and the land. He carried those values with him, especially in his love for the American West. 

In 1976, Bill was chosen by the Colorado Bicentennial Commission to serve as Trail Boss for the reenactment of the 1776 Dominguez-Escalante Expedition. The original journey sought to find a northern overland route connecting Santa Fe to Spanish missions in Monterey. For four months, Bill led a team on horseback and in wagons covering nearly 1,700 miles across the rugged four-corners region terrain through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Along the way, they documented the land, people, and stories, carrying forward the spirit of the original explorers. 

Bill dedicated his career to public service, not just as a job but as a calling. Whether he was helping people find work with the Denver Employment and Training Administration, shaping policy with the Joint Budget Committee, or guiding budgets for Colorado’s Division of Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources, Bill believed in using his skills to serve others and to protect the place we all call home. He retired in 2005 as Deputy Director of Administration for the Department of Natural Resources, leaving behind not only a career, but a legacy of care for Colorado and its people. 

In retirement, Bill continued to serve his community, working part-time with the Colorado Office of State Planning and Budget and the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation. He also pursued his passion for woodworking, designing and building furniture for family and friends. Among his creations was a unique teardrop trailer, which accompanied him on camping and fly-fishing trips — and, perhaps most memorably, to Broncos tailgates at Mile High. A devoted volunteer, Bill also gave his time and energy to Habitat for Humanity and to Team Rubicon. 

Bill is survived by his sister, Florence “Pepper” Ray and her husband Doug of Arvada; his daughter, Alison Daley of Denver; his son, Ryan Daley, and his grandchildren, Declan Daley and Kayler Daley of Littleton; their mother, Jennifer Brickle Daley of Highlands Ranch; and former spouse, Susan Kayler of Boise, Idaho. He also leaves behind cousins and many dear friends. 

A service honoring Bill’s life will be held on his 77th birthday, September 10, 2025, at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 1:30PM MDT (please arrive at Staging Area B at 1:15PM - see map below) 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Team Rubicon, supporting veterans’ disaster relief efforts across the United States. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory at Team Rubicon. Per Bill’s request, the family will match donations up to $3,000.