Steven Beattie, Richard Borchers, Don Etter, and, David Wood
March 2026
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In Memoriam is a complimentary service of the CBA honoring the lives and work of recently deceased members. Please email submissions to Susie Klein at sklein@cobar.org. High-resolution photos are appreciated.
Steven Mack Beattie
August 23, 1946–November 2025
Steven M. Beattie, born on August 23, 1946, was a devoted son of Glenwood Springs whose legacy was defined by principled judgment, civic devotion, and an enduring connection to the Roaring Fork Valley, where he left an indelible mark through both professional distinction and personal grace. An accomplished scholar and athlete, Steven attended Tufts University, served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, and earned his law degree from the University of Colorado. After beginning his legal career in Arizona, he returned home to continue his pursuit before later joining JVAM.
At JVAM, Steven brought an uplifting presence and a depth of mentorship that strengthened an emerging firm, earning lasting respect as a generous guide. Esteemed for his exacting standards, ethical clarity, love of the outdoors, and appreciation for life’s quiet beauty, he passed away in early November 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in the community he cherished.
Richard Murray Borchers
December 31, 1945–December 24, 2025
Richard “Dick” M. Borchers passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, after a short stay in hospice, one week shy of his 80th birthday.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Dick was the eldest of three children of Herman “Butch” and Kathleen “Kae” Borchers. His mother, a native of Manitoba, Canada, had served alongside his father in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Dick later obtained Canadian citizenship through his maternal heritage.
In 1958, the family moved to Denver, where Dick attended Westminster High School. He ran cross country and won the state championship in extemporaneous speaking in both his sophomore and junior years.
Dick attended Ripon College in Wisconsin on a speech and debate scholarship, earning an AB degree in political science and speech. He went on to law school at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1970. Deeply intellectually curious and a lifelong believer in higher education, he later earned graduate degrees in speech communication and political science, reflecting his commitment to understanding the intersections of law, communication, and governance.
In January 1973, Dick was assigned to the Judge Advocate General Corps in South Korea, where he served as head prosecutor for the Second Army Division. He returned to the United States two years later and was stationed at Fort Carson, providing legal advice to service members. His active duty concluded in December 1975.
Dick began his civil and criminal law practice in 1976, developing expertise in constitutional and civil rights law, among many other areas. Throughout his career, he was committed to serving those without access to legal representation, taking on pro bono cases and volunteering with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado.
In 1984, Governor Richard Lamm appointed Dick as a district court judge in Adams County. While serving in the 17th Judicial District, he became the juvenile court judge and primarily handled probate and mental health dockets. He served as president of the Colorado Juvenile Judges Association for five years and was especially proud of his role in rewriting the Colorado Children’s Code, enacted into law in 1987.
In 1991, Dick was appointed as a US magistrate judge for the US District Court for the District of Colorado. During his eight years on the bench, he handled criminal matters, pro se prisoner cases, and settlement conferences.
After leaving the court, Dick founded the Legal Resolution Center in 1999, a highly regarded arbitration and mediation practice. He mediated and arbitrated hundreds of civil cases, including commercial disputes, professional negligence, personal injury, and domestic matters. He also served as a special master in Montez v. Romer, adjudicating claims brought by prisoners alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dick was licensed to practice law in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. He taught continuing legal education seminars throughout Colorado, including courses on the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct. He retired in 2021, 50 years after becoming an attorney. He loved being a lawyer and received numerous awards and commendations during his career.
Notable cases from his career include:
- Federal cases: United States v. Dagnachew, 808 F.Supp. 1517 (D.Colo. 1992); Galieti v. State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co., 154 F.R.D. 262 (D.Colo. 1993); Weitzman v. Blazing Pedals, 151 F.R.D. 125 (D.Colo. 1993); United States Boyer, 935 F.Supp. 1138 (D.Colo. 1996); United States v. Tucker, 934 F.Supp. 1249 (D.Colo. 1996); United States v. Penk, 12 F.Supp.2d 1140 (D.Colo. 1998); Montez v. Romer, 32 F.Supp.2d (D.Colo. 1999).
- Civil cases: Baer v. Meyer, 728 F.2d 471 (10th Cir. 1984); In re Estate of David, 762 P.2d 745 (Colo. 1988); Baseline Farms Two v. Hennings, 26 P.3d 1209 (Colo.App. 2001); DeStafano v. Nichols, 70 P.3d 505 (Colo.App. 2002).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick was known for his extraordinary kindness. He treated everyone with respect and generosity, whether a colleague, a litigant, a friend, or a stranger. He listened carefully, gave his time freely, and believed deeply in fairness, dignity, and compassion. Many people felt seen and supported by him, often during difficult moments in their lives.
Predeceased by his parents and his younger brother George, Dick is survived by his beloved wife Hilary Holland, daughter Chelsea, son Greg, and sister Kit Gustafson. Contributions in his memory may be made to the ACLU of Colorado, the Parkinson Association of the Rockies, or the Lutheran Hospital Foundation.
Don Drtina Etter
March 3, 1934–December 21, 2025
Don D. Etter, 91, of Denver, Colorado, died on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2025, having well exceeded threescore years and ten. He will be fondly remembered as a gentleman and a steward of the built environment and cultural landscape. Born March 3, 1934, in Denver, he was the son of La Verne Lewis Etter and Rose Drtina Etter. He received a BA in history from Yale University in 1955 and his JD from Harvard University in 1958. He married the love of his life, Carolyn (Brush) Etter, in 1957, and they were spouses, partners, and friends thereafter. Don joined Holland & Hart in 1958, where he practiced law for nearly 30 years. He was an accomplished lawyer and draftsman and played a key role in the growth of the firm, recruiting and mentoring generations of young attorneys. He was also responsible for purchasing the nucleus of the firm’s fine collection of western art. After retiring from the practice of law, Don increased his stewardship efforts. These included, jointly with Carolyn, serving as manager of the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation from 1987 to 1991. Significant successes in preserving and improving the city’s nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parklands were achieved during this tenure.
Don’s interests and accomplishments were myriad. He authored numerous books, gave countless tours and presentations, and was a gifted photographer. He was a student of history and architecture and an advocate for the protection and preservation of architectural and landscape resources throughout the United States. Among other achievements of stewardship, he was instrumental in the creation of the Ninth Street Historic Park in Denver.
Don is survived by his wife Carolyn Etter, son Greg (Jo Evelyn) Etter, daughter Katrina (Charlie Brown) Etter, grandchildren Robert Etter, Claire Etter, and Cheryl Etter, and sister-in-law Maryanne (Terri Bailey) Brush.
David Leslie Wood
September 11, 1938–October 12, 2025
Beloved husband, father, and community pillar David L. Wood died on October 12, 2025. David was a man defined by his extraordinary dedication to his family, his profession in law, and the city of Fort Collins. His life leaves behind an inspiring legacy of unwavering kindness, visionary leadership, and limitless love for his family and community.
David was born on September 11, 1938, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins. As the son of Paul E. and Claire S. Wood, the founders of the well-known Paul Wood Florist, he grew up in the community he would later help shape. He attended local schools and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1956. It was there he met his future wife, Carol Bales. Their enduring love story began in high school, leading to their marriage in 1958 and a deeply loving partnership that spanned over 67 years.
David and Carol attended the University of Colorado-Boulder together, where he earned his BA in 1960 and his law degree in 1962. Upon his return to Fort Collins, David began a distinguished legal career with the Greagor and Greagor law firm. He later established his own firm, which grew through partnerships with college friend Bill Herzog and David Osborn, creating the WHO law firm. Charlie Bloom, Bill Darrough, and John Pharris rounded out the partnership, culminating in his long and respected legal career that spanned 53 years.
David had a passion for jazz and concert music. He played the saxophone in the Fort Collins High School band and led a small swing band outside of school that played at Club Tico at City Park in Fort Collins. He picked up the saxophone again in his later years and thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Northern Colorado New Horizons Band led by Glenn Shull.
David’s professional life was a continuous study in high-level service. Beyond his private practice, he served Coloradans in significant public roles, including district attorney for the Eighth Judicial District, US magistrate judge, and special assistant attorney general. He also held leadership positions at the highest level of his profession, including serving as CBA president and being actively involved in the American Bar Association. As the attorney for the Board of Realtors for the Fort Collins community, David helped create The Group, Inc. real estate firm.
His commitment to local institutions was simply staggering. David was a trusted adviser and director for decades with several key organizations: Poudre Valley Health System/UCHealth (39 years); Colorado State University Foundation (43 years); and First National Bank (40 years).
His impact on the city was clear from a young age: he was elected president of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce at just 28. He was also granted the CBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award early in his career. Decades later, the Chamber honored his lifetime of contributions with the Collins Award in 2017.
Alongside Carol, David spent over 25 years managing the Griffin Foundation, transforming the vision of their friends Pat and Edna Griffin into a powerful force for good. Through this foundation, David helped fund crucial advancements in higher education, health care, and the performing arts across the region, demonstrating a profound dedication to community flourishing. A man of deep faith, David’s wise counsel and steady influence will be missed by countless people throughout the community.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, and their two children, Jeff Wood (Debra) and Julie James (Scott). He is also survived by his brother-in-law John Bales (Charlotte) and nephew Ian Bales (Megan). His beautiful legacy continues through his five grandchildren—Katie Kennedy (Chris), Josh Wood (Nikka), Danielle Wood (Lee McMunigal), Mitchell Wood (Alexis), and Jack James—and his nine great-grandchildren—Hadley and Hayden Kennedy, Hazel and Beatrix Wood, Sloane and Griffin McMunigal, and Isla, Warren, and Lanae Wood.
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