Donald Glenn Pettygrove

Donald Glenn Pettygrove 74, joined his Savior in glory on September 18 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 

 Don was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Robert and Darlene Pettygrove. In 1961, the family relocated to Centralia, Illinois, where he grew up alongside his sister Sharon and brother Kim. Don was especially proud to be a Centralia "Orphan" and continued to follow Orphan basketball throughout his life.

 After graduating from Centralia High School, Don attended the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor's degree in engineering in 1972. Don moved with his young family to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1979, where he established himself as a well-regarded civil and structural engineer. Many of the bridges you drive across in Western Colorado today were designed by Don, a legacy of which he was immensely proud.

Don's interests were varied. He was passionate about politics, photography, and cars—especially his Honda S2000, which he loved. On any given Saturday, you could find Don at Cruisers, enjoying a Nebraska Cornhuskers or Illinois Fighting Illini football game. His outgoing personality made him a frequent and beloved presence at local events, particularly those with live music.

The greatest joys of Don’s life were his grandchildren: He cherished attending their school activities and sporting events whenever he had the chance. He was a great “Papa”! 

Don and his daughter, Kelly recently took a special trip to the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, AZ where they enjoyed looking at the world’s finest cars together. Don passed along his love of cars to his children and grandchildren.

 Don is survived by his mother, Doris Darlene Pettygrove; his sister, Sharon (Bill) Schmid; his brother, Kim (Becky) Pettygrove; his daughter, Kelly (Michael) Maves; grandchildren: Michael “Mick” Carbajal (26), Alanna Carbajal (23), Makayla (Jack) Steele (23), Abigail Maves (10) and Selah Maves (7). He is also survived by daughters Tracy Allen and Victoria Pettygrove and their children; Timothy, Nathan, Devin and Daniel and nephew Chad Richardson, who is also an engineer like his Uncle Don. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Glenn Pettygrove.

 A celebration of life will be held on October 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Life Community Church, 2140 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507. The community is welcome to attend. In honor of Don, please bring your sports cars and wear your Husker, Illini, or other college team gear. We will celebrate him just as he would have wanted.