Bruce David Katchen, a native Denverite and commercial real estate developer, passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2016. He was 83. Rabbis Joe Black and Steven Foster officiated at the May 18 service held at Temple Emanuel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery.
Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“He was a mensch, committed family man, loyal friend and philanthropist who was involved in many organizations, especially those championed by his wife Florrie,” the family said.
Mr. Katchen was born July 1, 1932, in Denver. He was the oldest son of Bess and Louis Katchen.
He attended Steck Elementary, graduated East High School and went to college at CU.
In 1956, Mr. Katchen began his career as a real estate developer with friends Larry Rosenberg and Art Friedman and established their company, LABCO Construction.
Initially residential developers of homes and apartments, they later diversified into commercial real estate. When LABCO dissolved in the 1960s, Mr. Katchen launched Bruce Katchen and Company in Lakewood.
Mr. Katchen founded the Alameda Gateway Association in 1976 to encourage business owners to participate in revitalizing the struggling Villa Italia Shopping Mall and surrounding commercial enterprises.
The company, which son-in-law Ed Boyle has joined, is now the Katchen Company.
Mr. Katchen was very proud of his developments, including the Lakewood City Center, the First Bank Building and the Alameda Village Shopping Center.
In 1957, Mr. Katchen met the love of his life, Florrie Ann Heller. They were married on Feb. 8, 1958 and honeymooned in Europe.
Their love of travel continued throughout their marriage.
“He was a loving father who enjoyed sharing his zest for life with his three girls Leslie, Kathy and Jill,” the family said.
Mr. Katchen adored sports, whether participating in them or as a spectator. The ultimate armchair quarterback, his love for the Broncos, golf and the NBA led to many backyard games and pre-game bets among friends.
Green Gables Country Club was the social center of both the Katchen and Heller families’ lives. For Mr. and Mrs. Katchen, life revolved around family activities, special occasions and years of wonderful memories at “the Club,” which closed in 2011.
The Katchens took road trips in the station wagon throughout Colorado, visited Mexico, New York, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Israel and China, and enjoyed river rafting in Moab, Utah.
In later years, Mr. and Mrs. Katchen spent the winters by the ocean in Coronado, Calif..
Mr. Katchen was proud of his Jewish heritage from his early days at BMH-BJ through his adult years at Temple Emanuel. Celebrating Rosh Hashanah at Shwayder Camp, Passover seders at home and family Shabbat dinners brought joy to his life.
In 1995, he was honored as Lakewood Developer of the Year.
“Bruce leaves a legacy of living life to the fullest, courage in the face of adversity, never giving up, generosity and thoughtfulness, a wonderful smile, big hugs and great legs,” the family said.
Mr. Katchen is survived by his wife Florrie Katchen; daughters Leslie (Paul) Rody, Kathy (Ed) Boyle and Jill (Steve Brodsky) Katchen; and grandchildren Josh Rody, Alexandra Boyle, Ben Brodsky and Ari Brodsky.
Contributions may be made to Turner Syndrome Colorado, Attn: Marybel Good, 11269 Lamar St., Westminster, CO 80020; or the Shwayder Camp Capital Campaign, Temple Emanuel.
Copyright © 2016 Intermountain Jewish News
