David B. Bertolin, of Boulder, CO, passed away peacefully December 31, 2022 after a 17 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He will be sorely missed by his loving family and many close friends. He is survived by his former wife Anne (Baudier), son Michael Bertolin (Cathy) step-son Jeff Orwick (Michelle), daughter Katherine Bertolin (Michael), grandson Justin Bertolin (Katie), Nathan Orwick, Brian Dickenson, granddaughter Gabriella Bertolin, Leigh Orwick, Amanda Dickenson as well as his brother, James Bertolin and many nieces and nephews.
Dave was born in 1943 in Hinsdale, IL to Elizabeth (Jefferson) and Lawrence Bertolin. Even in his early years he was a caring, hard-working and gifted person with a wonderful sense of humor. He was truly blessed with a compassionate heart and unceasingly demonstrated his love for others. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help his many friends. He carried this trait of loving his fellow man with him throughout his entire life.
After graduating from Western Illinois University where he was active in sports and many social clubs, Dave joined the U.S. Air Force and within only four years, achieved the rank of Captain while working at Nellis Air Force Base. He was a "small arms expert marksmanship" while he was in the Air Force. Deciding to return to civilian life, he secured a General Contractor’s license and set out to fulfill his dreams of creating and building by using his creative genius. He planned and constructed his own beautiful home that he enjoyed for over 50 years as well as homes for many others. He also designed and developed several duplex homes which he rented to supplement the family income. It was through the caring and compassionate rental of these properties throughout the years that he endeared himself to so many people, many of whom remained close, like family, long after they moved.
Dave’s passion for outdoor activities led him to enthusiastically pursue hunting, hiking and camping whenever possible. He also loved spending time riding bicycles and motorcycles. His analytical mind drove him to “tinker”, and thus he loved to spend untold hours restoring bikes, cars and trucks. He was a man of virtually unlimited talents, able to fix or repair almost anything.
Dave absolutely cherished his family. Everything he ever accomplished in life was for them. He supported them in all of their activities. He was proud of every one of his children’s accomplishments, no matter how big or small. His family and friends will always remember him as a generous and giving person who persevered through life no matter the obstacles before him. Dave was truly one of a kind! It is ALL these wonderful attributes that will forever define his legacy.
Dave was preceded in death by: Barbara Oleson (sister) her husband Blake Oleson, Elizabeth Bertolin (mother), Lawrence Bertolin (father) Bertolin.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Davis Phinney Foundation
dpf.org/donate
in honor of Dave.
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