Donald Breese Memoriam

Mr Breese was an awesome principle.....I was one of the priveledged, to get paddled by him in May of 1977 ( lol )......He was stern, but fair.....Honestly, the guy was a legend to all that attended Lewis -Palmer HS.......RIP my friend....

It´s been 10 years since he passed away and it was a story on the news tonight about a coach that brought Coach Breese vividly to my memory. I was a pom-pom girl, so I got to watch him all the time as he carefully communicated with the boys on the floor. We had a stunning basketball team, because they had such a great leader. He signed my senior, annual saying that I was LPHS´s personality girl. He was always so kind and had the best smile. I looked up to him because he was so great to all of us and he was also 6 foot four and I was 5 foot two. He shook my hand at graduation and I think of it now and have to wipe away the tears. It´s good to know he´s in the stars watching us and coaching the Angels basketball team. My love to his entire family, and to everyone who was touched by Coach Breese. Much love, Carole, Brown, 1967.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

My memories of Mr. Breese and how he influenced me:
Mr. Breese

Don Breese was a natural born leader. Us wild kids in the 80's were lucky to have his leadership at Lewis Palmer High School. He let us be ourselves, but he kept us all in line 4 sure. Gone too soon. Dave Taylor LPHS 1982-83.

My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort knowing the Almighty will
draw close to you as you draw close to him during your distressing days-Jas. 4:8

Dear Pat and family:
Thanks and condolences from the Frank Royal family. Thanks for shared service to D-38 Glad to share their "Hall of Fame" with Don. Congrats on D-38 naming the stadium for him. My personal thanks for support you all gave as we worked to make D-38 better. Frank Royal

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

What a legacy he leaves...Thank you Mr. Breese for all you did for us. You made my high school years a little brighter. Blessings.

Dear Pat, Sherry and Theresa,
Our sincere sympathy to you at this difficult time. Fond memories are always expressed as we pass the Breese Stadium. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

We would like to express our deepest sympathy. Please continue to lean on "The God of All Comfort" 2nd Cor. 1:3-4. Our Almighty God will sustain and comfort each of you in your time of grief.

My heart is filled with sadness as I look back and remember that welcoming smile,I feel your loss.I know only time will heal your hearts.You are all in my prayers.

Pat, Sherry, and Teresa,
It is with heavy hearts & tears that we think of you and your family. The legacy that Don leaves behind at LPHS, the Tri-Lakes community, the Colorado education system and CHSAA is unsurpassed. His influence on, and loving guidance for, his students and fellow educators will long be remembered. Not only was he a great mentor to me during my years at LPHS, but he remained a dear friend after graduation. Whenever I found myself traveling through Monument & visited the school, he always found time in his schedule to sit in his office and talk about life & family. Our two children were blessed to have benefited from his legacy while attending LPHS. He truly was a “gentle giant” in every aspect of his life. Don will be greatly missed, but the memories will always be with us and his soul will touch this community forever. Our thoughts are with you, always.

You did amazing things for your students and LP. You are truly a legend to the Tri-Lakes community. It was an honor to have you retire with our class. God bless you and your family.

I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great man and friend to our family and will be missed. What a wonderful legacy he left! My thoughts, prayers and love are with Pat, Sherry, and Teresa.

I will always remember Don and all the trail riding we did in Colorado, Mexico, Texas, and Utah. You were a good friend and will be missed! [email protected]

My Deepest Sympathy to Pat, Sherry and Teresa. I have always had the utmost respect for Mr. Breese and what great memories of him at LPHS.

Dearest Pat, I will always remember the time you and I needed to go to Roswell,NM to visit your family. You asked me to go, I was not sure I could get away from my job, Don wrote a permission slip for me to go. Anyone who was anyone in Monument did not question him. I got to go with you! I still have the permission slip signed by him.
Loved him so much any you my friend.
Mickey Shumaker

Mr. Breese, you were a great teacher, and set a wonderful example to follow. Thank you for your leadership.

Pat, Sherry, and Teresa,

On behalf of the Wilks family, I want to share a quick story about Don. In the mid-70's, we hosted a Brasillain foreign student, Anete Carvalho. She attended LPHS as a senior, but it appeared that she could not graduate with the class; however, Don found a way to ensure that Anete could walk with her classmates. To this day, she is still immensely appreciative of his efforts. It's just one more small example of how he touched the lives of so many students and families.

Our warmest regards, Dana Wilks

Pat, Sherry & Teresa;
Our deepest sympathies on losing Don (aka Capt. Breese), he was a fine man with leadership qualities that could have been applied to any high positions or endeavors and I will always appreciate his support and humor as I began my teaching career. He had a way of instilling confidence and expecting excellence at the same time.
Sincerely, Jim Connally

Dear Pat, Sherry and Teresa,

We were so very saddened to hear of Don's passing. As parents of three of the thousands of students who were under his care, we know first hand how much Don did for them. His character, integrity and professionalism helped to mold them, day in and day out over several years. On one occasion during a medical emergency, Don's caring, presence and decisive action prevented what might have been a very bad outcome. As a school board member, Dale witnessed Don's ever present fairness, professional manner and leadership qualities through trying times. He was an outstanding example for all his students and colleagues over several decades and will be missed.

Carol and Dale Wheeler, Monument, CO

Mr. Breese was truly a great man and wonderful principal. Looking back I feel blessed to have been at LP under his guidance. Praying for comfort for his family and friends.

Pat, Sherry and Teresa,

Mr. Breese will be missed by so many. He has certainly left a wonderful legacy. He was a wonderful role model and I pray that those of us who were fortunate enough to have been on the receiving side of his care at LP and elsewhere will take a page from his book and make a difference in the lives of youth we come in contact with.

Mr. Breese was not only my principal, but he was my friend! He and his entire family were family to me! I had the utmost respect for him and I will greatly miss him! Prayers for the beautiful family he has left behind! Love you all! LP mourns with you!

Last time I saw Mr. Breese was in 1989, but his words of advice have always stayed with me. I volunteered in the office of Lewis Palmer from time to time & would try to sneak in and have a chat whenever I could. His respect made me want to go to the principals office, some friends thought I was nuts, but I knew him better. He was one of the first adults to be someone to truly guide me, open my eyes, a confidant & a friendly father figure when I truly needed it. I would have been a mess without the doors he opened for me & the confidence he gave me in my personal & professional life.
Much Respect,

I am not sure there are proper words to describe the loss of Mr. Breese when he has been not only your Principal, but also your neighbor, friend, friend of your parents, and someone you have literally known your entire life. I used to play in the his yard as a boy almost every day. I played (teased to be honest) with his dog incessantly and I cannot recall Don ever getting angry or upset with me. As a matter of fact, of all the times (40+ years!) that I spent time in Mr. Breese's presence, I never did hear a bad word from him directed to or at another person.
I greatly enjoyed reading all the accomplishments posted about Don this week along with the comments from people who have known him. He was so much more to us than just a High School Principal and the Tri-Lakes community as we know it today (or knew it when you were in school for those who moved away) would not be the same if he didn't happen to land in the Lewis Palmer School District.
Sherry, Teresa and Mrs. Breese, you along with Don will always hold special places in the hearts of all of us who were fortunate enough to grow up with you in the place and times we did with Don along our sides the entire way. Don was a truly good human being and will be sorely missed.

A good man and a great coach. Thanks for everything.

I came to Lewis-Palmer one month before the end of my sophomore year and my whole junior year, Coach Breese as he was known, even though he was the principal, knew everyone's name. He was a special man as i am sure that his family is well aware, He certainly left his mark here and will be greatly thought of by all always . I remember once after an outing after play practice sitting in the Lamplight with orange and green curlers in my hair hoping that it is not discovered that we painted the underpass. The next day Coach Breese says to me, nice job on the underpass Ilona, to this day I still wonder how he knew.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I don't know Mr Breese or his family, but my sons attend Lewis-Palmer High School. This entire community is indebted to Mr Breese and his life well-lived, his years of dedicated service at the local and state levels. God bless him for his good life and sacrifices in our behalf, and much peace to his family at this very sensitive time.

Dear Breese Family,

My father informed me today of Don Breese's passing and I am so saddened to hear this!

In high school, I was a teenager with some issues and graduated in the newly constructed Lewis Palmer High School in 1981 when Don Breese was the Principal. I may have not graduated if it were not for Mr. Breese's stern, but fair guidance, and a second or third chance I probably didn't deserve.

He is a man I will always remember and I pray for his family and friends in this time of mourning. Please accept my condolences and may God be with you always!

I am so sorry to hear about Don. In our younger years we had a lot of good times as I lived just around the corner from is home. And we were in the same class of 53. I didn't play sports as Don, but we were in the band together. Again sorry to hear, and it is a great lose of a friend.

Dear Pat, Sherry and Teresa,

I could write a page of memories of Don and all of you but my greatest memory is of Don and Janice holding me in their arms as my legs gave way when telling me my grandfather. passed. It meant, and still means, so much to me that they were there. Don was never a 'principal' to me. He was a neighbor, a friend, and someone I looked up to with admiration and sometimes a little fear. He was a second father to me (along with Mike Cassidy and about a dozen other LP teachers in the Palmer Lake/Monument area). I was never without family with you all around. I have never seen such closeness among friends as I have with my parents and all of you. You all amaze me. You all are family and always will be. Don's passing has been met with a broken heart and lots of tears. He was part of my family and I will miss him dearly. I am so blessed to have you all in my life. I love you, Pat, Sherry and Teresa. My constant thoughts and prayers will be with you always.

Dearest Pat, Sherry and Teresa,
Thinking of you with loving thoughts and prayers, knowing that your loss is so great. Don will be greatly missed by us all as he did make a difference. He played a part in priceless moments, and those special memories will be forever treasured in our hearts. How fortunate we all are that our walks crossed his path.
In loving remembrance,
Janice & John

Pat, Sherry and Teresa
I am heart broken to hear the news.
I will never forget how kind he was to my mom.
He was our Captain and a good and decent man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don was one of those rare men who was "a legend in his own time." He was an innate leader who "walked the talk," and his faculty/staff at LPHS not only respected him, but loved him as well. He had many endearing qualities and one of those was his obsession with hot cars---his automobiles were NEVER dirty, and you could always see your reflection in the finish. He told compelling tales about his annual motorcycle trips with his beloved brother, and was an engagingly natural storyteller. Everyone wanted to be around Don; he was a man of integrity, humor, and sincerity. I am comforted knowing memories of Don are so valued by those he touched that he will never be forgotten. I am proud to have taught under his leadership at LPHS, and to have called him a friend. I am not referencing his height when I say he was a giant of a man!

Dearest Pat, Sherry and Teresa,Don was always a large part of our lives from the beginning in 1962 when we all met. He was a special guy, one of a kind, and we will miss him. God bless all of you. Love you, Karen and Jerry Sanger

Pat,
I am sad to see that Don passed away. I remember you from the After 5 Christian Womens Club in Colorado Springs. Please accept my sincere condolences. God Bless.

Dear Pat, Sherry & Theresa,
Mary and I are saddened by your loss. We lift you and your families up in honoring this giant of a man. I've so many memories of Don it is impossible to reflect on any one moment. Don made everyone feel important and listened to. I believe this is why so many people feel a personal connection to him, and now a significant loss. Love to you all, Craig and Mary Ketels

Mr. Breese was a great leader. Always kind and knowledgeable. His guidance played a significant role in my success. The speech he gave us as freshmen at LPHS was one I will never forget filled with advice I am still using today.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Breese will truly be missed. What a legend! Frances Steinfeld-Malik LPHS class of 1985

My sincere sympathies to the Breese family. Mr. Breese accepted every student for who they were and was always willing to listen, a wonderful and rare gift. Rest well Sir.

They say a team is only as as its leader,thats why some thirty years after leaving LPHS I feel like it was the best.Mr Breese had and always will have a profound influence on my life. God be with your family.Bullet Bob class of "82"

You are an amazing man and will be missed very much! Prayer for the family! XO

So Sorry For The Loss of a wonderful man . Mr Breese will be sadly missed by me and everyone who loved and knew him well from Lewis Palmer High . Thoughts and Prayer's are with you in this time of need .
Michelle Porter Pelow
Class of 1987 LPHS

He influenced two to three generations which continue to instill the values he held tight to their future generations. He will be sorrily missed but his legacy shall be continue..Chris Beverly class of '87

Dear Pat, Sherry & Theresa,

Thank you so much for sharing your husband and father with all of us. He was a wonderful man who set a great example for everyone who knew him. He got to know each student and encouraged us to do our best. I feel privileged to have grown up with him watching over us. My brother, sister and I would go in the school and peek around the corner of the office at Mr. Breese when we were young. He always treated us with kindness, and made sure that we were towing the line. I have so many good memories of him. He will be missed.

I hope in time the good memories will replace the heartache that his passing has caused you. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.

Tom, Sharon & Candi Pierce

My heart and prayers go out to the Breese Family. We have all lost a friend, leader and confidant. He was my "voice of reason" while at Lewis Palmer. Thank you God for blessing us with such a wonderful man!

My prayers are with you and your family. Don was a great friend and gentleman.
Wish I could be with you, but I am in thought. Love you.

I think of the thousands of kids Don Breese influenced throughout his career. I was one of those kids, and now my kids benefit from his example.

Our condolences to Pat, Sherry, and Theresa. We hope you find solace in knowing that he is so respected and cherished in the LP family.

We send our heart felt sympathy and prayers to you Pat, Sherry, and Theresa. Don had a profound impact on our lives both professionally and personally. We will miss him. Toni and Bill Hamill and Don Conley

Our heart felt condolences and prayers are with you, Don Breese family. Love & God Bless from John, Ellen, Steve, Jonnette & Donna Finley

Our thoughts are with the family. Mr. Breese was an amazing and patient man. He will be missed by many.
Dwayne & Andrea (French) Burkey

I was incredibly honored by the profound influence he had on my life. Go rest high Mr. Breese. Donna Finley L.P.H.S. class of 1990

My sincere condolences to the Breese family,
Mr. Don Breese a giant leader that always had a twinkle in his eye. He carved the path and guided a small school and community to greatness. He always made every student feel safe and protected in that school that was held in the arms of the hills. I am honored to have known him.

Our heartfelt condolences to all members of the Breese Family. I felt honored
in meeting such a fine gentleman.

Pat, Teresa, and Sherry,
You all know how our L-P family so loved and respected Don. To me he was the best role-model and mentor that I could have ever hoped for in my professional life.
-Ken Emry

So many years have passed since I walked across that stage at LPHS...shook his hand and heard those words...Nice job Scotty...I was fortunate to have that pleasure several times since..the last..probably the best...we will miss your smiles...hand shakes...and your stories that usually ended in a punch line...Rest in Peace my friend

Thank you, Mr. Breese for all you did for all three of my girls in High School. You are much appreciated. The Jacobs family.

After all, it is our attitude toward life that brings us joy in living. Don always choose an attitude of joy.I am sure the Angels will be getting all sorts of sports lessons.Happy and thankful to have known and worked with such a wonderful man. May God be with you Pat and the girls. Venus Wainright

WNMU has lost a faithful Albuquerque alumni member, He will be missed. Pat, our thoughts are with you. Linda Kay & JP Jones

Dear Breese Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Don was a great man. He will never be far from you. When you feel that gentle breeze on your face or a favorite song of his comes on the radio, it's really Don letting you know he is with you. Time will heal your pain.

Our thoughts are with you and your family. Don was a remarkable man.

The Wangeman Family

Our thoughts are with you and your family we will always have a place in our hearts for Don and his imprints Rich and Vina and kids

I don't know that I would be who I am today without that quiet, gentle giant who posed as a High School Principle. A remarkable man. My love to his family.

I spent time today to think back on Don (I never in my life called him Don) and what he meant to me. One thing I realized is that he had the quality to pick really good people and surround himself with them. I was the beneficiary of this quality in having had such a rich experience at Lewis Palmer. Mr. Breese was about the most respected man I have ever known in my life. My sincerest condolences to Pat, Teresa and Sherry and we are all so better off in life for having had your father to steer and guide us when we needed it most.

I have such good memories of Mr. Breese at LPHS, Thoughts and prayers for his family in their time of grief.

Don was a pillar of a man and model educator. Pat, my wife and I pray Gods strength and comfort be yours throughout these difficult times.

Mr. Breese was larger than life for so many of us (okay, we were scared of him, but loved him at the same time)! It's no secret that he was instrumental and creative in making sure that I graduated, and I will always be grateful. Pat, Sherry & Teresa, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you --
Nancy Harris

He was a fair and wonderful man...he will be missed. The family is in our thoughts and prayers...

Pat and family,

May the God of all comfort give you peace during this time of loss. Don inspired all of his students to do their best, and I owe some of my success to his example. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Tim McGuire

Don and Pat were our bigger than life friends for forty-nine years, people we love and respect. We will miss our Green Giant more than words can express. God rest his soul.

Don you were the fairest man I've ever known. I've never known a better man. I love you and you will always be in my heart.

Pat, Sherry, and Teresa,
Vic & I are thinking of you with loving thoughts.
Don was such a huge part of our lives at L-P. We will miss our Captain!
Love,
The Garcias

Dear Breese Family, thank you for allowing us to serve you during a very difficult time of your life. Please let us know if we can help you with anything else. Steve Simko, Elsie Chapman, Dale Young