Don E. Harju

Don Edward Harju passed away on October 2, 2025 from long-term health issues. Don was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 8, 1947 to Ailie and Ben Harju. He was the middle brother to older sister, Cathy, and little sister, Lisa.

Don was a true "jack-of-all-trades" and, unsurprisingly, was a master of them all. He spent time in construction as well as being a Minneapolis police officer and Eagle County (CO) sheriff's deputy. Don eventually became a master plumber, working for Colorado State University and several local plumbing/heating companies before owning his own plumbing/HVAC company. Don ended his working years with the City of Loveland as a building inspector, and it's very likely many contractors groaned when seeing Don approach a job site because for him, the only way to do something was the right way. If it wasn't done correctly, it wouldn't pass inspection.

Don had two daughters, Senja and Kaija, with his first wife, Kathy. They later divorced. In 1988, Don married Brenda Watts and they welcomed their son, Tucker, in 2000. Don is survived by Brenda, his three children and his two sisters.

Don loved his Goldwing motorcycle, Chevy SSR, strong coffee, a rare steak, the Denver Broncos, seeing a job well-done, and his dog, Emma. He begrudgingly enjoyed the cats, and he was thrilled to be a later-in-life dad to his son.

Cremation has taken place and a burial will be in Minnesota at a later date.