It was not only Don Kortz who created Rose Community Foundation and it was not only because he thought it was a valuable idea.
It was because Don Kortz was active in the cause of the Jewish community’s hospital — Rose Medical Center — for many years. It is easy to take Rose foundation for granted and the medical center for granted. The fact is that “General Rose Memorial Hospital” struggled for many years to become solvent. During the lean years, Don Kortz was there. Before the work was glamorous, Don Kortz was there. When sweat equity was required, Don Kortz was there. It was only natural that Kortz, with others, saw the future of the hospital in its sale and saw the future of the proceeds of the sale in an unprecedented foundation for Denver.
It was only natural that Don Kortz became the foundation’s first executive, for he knew the players and knew what it would take. He would do the difficult work, the pioneering work, and he would do it methodically, competently and pleasantly.
That was how Don Kortz acted in both business and so many other philanthropic contexts. He volunteered to take the reigns at the Staenberg Loup JCC at a pivotal moment. Kortz was a leader. With aplomb. With thoroughness. With dedication. Without expectation of reward or thanks.
The list of Kortz’ philanthropic leadership is long. Children’s Hospital. Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Denver Water. The list of his achievements in business is long. Steele Street Bank and Trust (now MidFirst Bank) and other banks. Fuller and Co. The list of his legal leadership is long. See more particulars in his obituary in this week’s IJN — we wouldn’t be surprised if that long list is still not comprehensive. One could not keep up with Don Kortz.
Througout, Don Kortz remained calm, confident and so nice to work with. On many levels, Don Kortz will be missed.
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