David Baca, age 67, died on March 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado surrounded by three generations of loving family and his loving wife, whose sister introduced him to her.
David grew up in Northglenn, Colorado with his mom, Charlotte, and dad, Charles (both deceased), and brothers Dan and Steve. He graduated from CU Boulder in 1979 with a degree in political science with a minor in history. He remained a devoted CU Buffaloes football and basketball fan and had been a Denver Broncos fan since 1960. He enjoyed golfing with his brother and friends (he boasted he often won). He worked as a claims manager at State Farm Insurance (a second family of loving friends) until his retirement in 2017. His biggest regret in retirement was that he didn’t retire ten years earlier. It turns out he was right… again.
David and Victoria traveled the world, visiting over 30 counties. But as Dave said…it wasn’t about the number, it wasn’t about the ruins/monuments/museums/nature (although he did love those, especially with his curiosity and interest in history) it was about the people and the culture. The lady who helped him buy metro tickets in San Juan, PR; discussing Japanese and Chinese languages with a history teacher he ran into in a park in Japan.
David embraced a wide range of music genres with a passion and was a devoted fan of his brother Steve’s and nephew Steve Jr.’s band, Five Minutes Late.
Oh yes, he loved Rock and Roll!
David was definitely looking forward to eating at nephew Jimmy’s steak house in College Station, TX…to more birthdays, anniversaries, football games, travel, and concerts. Now he will live on in the memories of family and friends near and far who will continue to share memories of his generosity, care for others, sharp wit, intelligent rapport and laugh-out-loud good humor.
The saddest part of life is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory.
David is survived by his loving wife, Victoria, devoted brothers, Dan and Steve, their wives, Terri and Shirley, and his extensive family of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, Aunt Frances (Delores/Nina/Riley), Aunt Jeannie, Uncle John, cousins, and sisters (not just in-laws) Mary and Linda.
David will be returned to the earth where he will nurture the plants that sustain life.
As love is the key to a peaceful heart, we will gather in love to celebrate David’s life at a place and time to be determined.
May 9 from noon-4PM at Chautauqua Community House, 301 Morning Glory Drive, Boulder.
May 16 from noon-5PM at Roxborough Park Community Center, 6237 Roxborough Drive, Littleton (the first left after the entrance gate into the community.
Hello Victoria and Cousins, and families,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and condolences upon David’s passing. We we will always remember his quiet and calm presence and his playful sense of humor. Rest in peace David.
Po and Jeanne Fernandez
Thank you. ❤️
My deepest condolences and sadness for your loss. My
I’ll miss you David. You and your brothers were always my favorite cousins.
David was a wonderful person and much loved by his friends, family and all who knew him. We will really miss him and I hope to see him someday in that big Golf Course in Heaven.
There is not enough room on the internet to accommodate all the good things I have to say about my brother-in-law Dave. Everyone I know adored Dave. My boys will miss him greatly. My deepest sympathies to all his family near & far.
❤️ A Tribute to My Brother, Uncle D
My brother was more than family to me—he was one of the closest companions I’ve ever had in this life. Losing him so suddenly at 67 feels unreal, because he was woven into the rhythm of my days. We talked constantly, saw each other several times a week, and shared the kind of easy, natural closeness that only comes from a lifetime of trust, laughter, and showing up for each other. We carried our parents’ memory together, honoring them in the way we lived and stayed connected. That bond was something rare, something I’ll always be grateful for.
Some of my favorite moments with him were the simple ones—playing golf side by side, talking trash, laughing at bad shots, and celebrating the good ones. And of course, cheering on the CU Buffs like two kids who never grew out of believing in their team. But what meant the most to me was how he embraced my music. He didn’t just support my band, he became our biggest fan, never missing a show, always proud, always present. Knowing he was out there in the crowd made every performance feel bigger, brighter, and more meaningful.
He was my brother, my friend, and one of the constants in my life. His absence leaves a space nothing else can fill, but his love, loyalty, and spirit stay with me. I’ll carry him with me on every fairway, in every Buffs game, and at every gig. And I’ll keep living in a way that honors the bond we shared—a bond built on love, laughter, and a lifetime of being there for each other.
Your loving brother Steve. I love you…..
This posting is offered to honor and reflect on my beloved brother, David. Being a devout Catholic, I know that the essence of who David is goes on into eternity. Only his body, which was animated by his soul, has died. Therefore, I will not speak about David in the past tense.
David’s presence radiates warmth, compassion, and a steadfast sense of purpose. He fills every space with kindness, wit, and unwavering support for those around him. David’s life is guided by strong convictions and an open heart, qualities that shine through in every relationship—whether with family or the friends he so thoughtfully chose.
David believes in the power of connection, cherishing both the family he is born into and the one he forges through friendship. I have had the privilege of meeting many of David’s friends, each one a testament to his discernment and capacity for love. In our family, David’s devotion is evident in his deep affection for each of us, especially his wife, and his genuine reverence and concern for our parents and elders. His actions consistently speak of respect, concern, and a generosity that knows no bounds.
Though David’s physical presence is no longer with us, I hold close the belief that his soul, beautiful and eternal, continues to touch our lives in profound ways. The essence of David endures—living on in our hearts, memories, and the legacy of love and kindness he leaves behind.
I am very proud of David and my brother Steve and love them both more than I can ever express. I would like to conclude with a Jewish type of phrase that captures our hope and our faith: “May the memory of David, while he was with us, always be a blessing.”
Uncle David was not a uncle but a father figure to me. Ever since I can remember he he would take me and siblings out for putt putt golf and as a added bonus to go play video games. It seemed like every weekend but was at least every month. He even sat through a teenage mutant ninja concert at the coliseum with my best friend still too this day. My friend and I always reflect on that day that the first thing that we saw were these flashlight looking things with sparklers at the end and we were so depressed when we walked around the other side of the arena and saw that they’re selling nunchucks!!! My friend and I still reminisce about that. Even though it happened about 40 years ago, he stood strong and said no. I already bought you the flashlight sparklers. We were so mad at the time. He came to every baseball game always with sunflower seeds or big league chew, always cheering me on to do my best. He always had best Christmas presents and birthday presents that hit the mark even though we didn’t even ask for them. Him and Aunt v really supported the decision I made by joining the Marine corps. Also, they were both and still are big fans of the band that my dad and I play in still to this day. When we started a few years after I got out of the Marine corps. They really never missed a gig unless traveling Will always be our number one fans. I had the pleasure of playing golf with him numerous of times. I could never really beat him he will be missed
Steve jr
Uncle David was not an uncle but a father figure to me. Ever since I can remember he would take me and my siblings out for putt putt golf and as an added bonus , go play video games afterwards. It seemed like every weekend but was at least every month. He even sat through a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles concert at the coliseum with my best friend still to this day. My friend and I always reflect on that day that the first thing that we saw were these flashlight looking things with sparklers at the end and we were so depressed when we walked around the other side of the arena and saw that they’re selling nunchucks!!! My friend and I still reminisce about that. Even though it happened about 40 years ago, he stood strong and said no. I already bought you the flashlight sparklers. We were so mad at the time. He came to every baseball game always with sunflower seeds or big league chew, always cheering me on to do my best. He always had the best Christmas presents and birthday presents that hit the mark even though we didn’t even ask for them. Him and Aunt V really supported the decision I made by joining the Marine Corps. Also, they were both and still are big fans of the band that my dad and I play in still to this day. When we started a few years after I got out of the Marine Corps. They really never missed a gig unless traveling and will always be our number one fans. I had the pleasure of playing golf with him numerous times. I could never really beat him. He will be missed. Also thx for all the CU games love you Uncle D
Steve Jr
Uncle D and Aunt V, we love you so much! I am so thankful that to have had you in my childhood and for you both to have met my oldest daughter Hailey and husband Nic. I have always enjoyed seeing you both for holidays and some of the gatherings at mamma’s. We will miss you uncle D so very much and will keep you our hearts and memories forever.❤️
Easily one of the best of us. I will miss you, my friend.
To my cousin David,
You will be truly missed but will always remain in my heart. Although we lived miles away, I will cherish the time we did get to spend together. Rest in peace!! Until we meet again 🕊️❤️
I’ve never met anyone else who was so loved by both family and friends. Someone who will be remembered as fun loving, friendly, and always up for an adventure. Rest in peace, my friend, you will always be in my memories and heart.
I will always remember David’s loving embrace every time we met! His philosophy about life and all things living was extraordinary! I will never forget the wonderful times we shared together on our overseas adventures. His laugh was contagious and his love and respect for humanity boundless!
David, we will sorely miss you! You have left us way too soon, however, with an indelible impact on every person’s life you touched!
This website will probably blow up with all the heartfelt, loving entries.That’s Dave-lots of family and friends. Dave always greets you with a big smile and hug. And the same with his goodbyes. Always in a good mood and always with a smile.
Once while traveling in Italy with Dave and Victoria, Dave wandered over to a hill overlooking a valley. The sun was just starting to set. There was an old man with a cane also on the hillside. Victoria and I were in the distance watching Dave and the old man, and while we could not hear them, there was lots of laughter and hand/arm waving. After about 5 minutes, Dave and the old man embraced and waived goodbye. Dave joined me and Victoria, and she asked-“so what were you talking about?” Dave giggled his little laugh and said-“I don’t know. He didn’t speak English and I don’t speak Italian, so we did the universal signing and laughing.”
Too many great stories to share. Dave is a piece of our family puzzle that fits. Dave is not gone- he is on vacation. And yes, where it is always sunny and warm. Thank you Dave-we love you!
Dave was never short on smiles, laughter, lust for life and love for his family and friends. He had a very calming nature and that is one of the reasons that Randy and I always enjoyed his company. He was a true friend and that was never in question. Such friends are hard to find.
Victoria was the love of his life and that was easy to see whenever they were together. They had the kind of bond that you don’t often witness.
Several years ago, we went to Japan with Dave and Victoria and 2 other couples. It was a memorable and adventurous trip. It tickled me that Dave often knew more than our tour guides did! He should have been leading our group. He also had no problem adding to our guide’s information. Another one of his attributes…intelligence.
We had Dave, Victoria and Linda over for dinner only a few days before Dave passed. The dining room chair that Dave sat in is now “Dave’s chair”.
Pull your family and friends close to you because life is short. Don’t waste time.
We love you Dave and we always will. It was our pleasure to have you in our lives.
David was a rare one. He was a gifted combination of a person who was always curious enough to stay non judgmental of others while making sound judgements about how HE would act and move through the world— remaining solidly himself. His solid sense of self— built by his family commenting here and all the people who came before him, was something I could only marvel at. He was a rock. A mountain. A deeply funny and loving man. He loved his country, state, hobbies, and passions, and of course his family and friends. Most of all (for me) he adored and was adored by his wife Victoria, which is how I was lucky enough to meet him. We are all so lucky, even those of us who didn’t know him as well but were touched by his wonderful life and inspiration.
My Uncle D.
When I was 14, he took me and my friend Nick to our very first concert at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver. We saw Alice in Chains, Sepultura, and Ozzy on the “No More Tours” tour, I’ll never forget it. That was just who he was, creating moments and showing up. He was someone you could talk to about anything. He genuinely cared about what you were doing, how you were doing, and where you were headed. He wanted to see you succeed, and you could feel that. He was also a traveler, always on the move, always with a good, fun story. He’d still find time to text me during Broncos/Raiders games just to talk some trash. That was him
I love him, and I’m going to miss him more than I can put into words.
Oh my gosh Dave! You make room up there for all of us. We will have a wonderful reunion!
I have known Dave my entire State Farm career! You always lit up the room, you were so kind, and a lot of fun to be around.
May God be with Victoria and those you left behind. It’s clear you were loved by many. Thank you for being a part of my life. I’m so happy to know you.
Watch over everyone and know you will be missed’!
❤️
David,
Thomas Campbell one wrote: “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
You still live so vibrantly in mine, so I address you here directly because I also know you can hear me.
Thank you. From the first time we met, you have had an amazing ability to make me feel like the only other person in the room.
Thank you for accepting me immediately and completely into your family.
You could have later easily considered me your neice’s husband, instead you introduced me to others as your nephew.
How you sat with me that first Baca Family Thanksgiving, where you helped me by giving “interesting” facts about all the family members so I would remember their names. And for teasing me that there would be a test at the end.
How you and your brothers model a relationship of love that radiates so much joy I can’t help but try to emulate it with my own brother.
How your thirst for knowledge was never quenched, but even more grateful for how freely you shared it with such passion.
How we would sit together in the stillness of the late nights/early mornings after night games at CU on your front porch in Boulder and have the most wonderful conversations on all manner of things. I am even more grateful for all the gentle wisdom you shared with me.
Mitch Albom wrote: “Death ends a life, not a relationship”.
You taught me that David, thank you. Until we meet again, rest in peace sir.