Donald Lee Breese

Breese, Donald L. Donald L. Breese, age 79, of Rio Rancho, NM passed away on February 17, 2014 after courageously fighting heart disease. He was born on February 6, 1935 in Noblesville, Indiana. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia, and two daughters, Sherry Breese Street and Teresa Breese as well as three grandchildren. Don was recruited to play basketball for Western New Mexico University where he obtained a B.S. degree in 1958. Moving from Bethune, CO, to Lewis-Palmer in Monument, CO in 1962 he taught Physical Education, American History, Drafting, and coached boy�s basketball. A few months after his arrival, he was asked to be the secondary principal as well. In 1969, Mr. Breese received his M.A. degree and Administrative License from Western State College in Gunnison. Don was active in the Colorado High School Activities Association, (CHSAA) serving as the chairman and then on its Board of Control for years. During this time and with the coming of Title IX, he was instrumental in bringing competitive statewide sports for women to Colorado. Among the many accolades given to honor this L-P Legend, Don has been inducted into five Halls of Fame: � Western New Mexico University Athletic - track � Western New Mexico University Athletic - basketball � Colorado High School Coaches Association � Colorado High School Activities Association � Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Mr. Breese was also recognized with the National Association of Secondary School Principals - Excellence Award and the new L-P District Stadium complex was named in his honor in 2007. Mr. Breese served 30 years as the Principal of Lewis Palmer High School. Services will be held on Friday, February 21st at 10:00AM in Rio Rancho, NM at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Contributions in Don�s name may be directed to the In Memory of Mr. Don Breese to the Lewis-Palmer Education Foundation P.O. Box 40 Monument, CO 80132 http://tri-lakestribune.net/stories/Don-Breese-will-not-soon-be-forgotten,146206 Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192