Walter Steven Weinberg

It is with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Walter Steven Weinberg, age 77, of Aurora on May 30, 2021.He was born in Denver on September 22, 1943 to Faye (Miller) and David Weinberg. He was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, artist, mentor, teacher, athlete, and pillar of the arts community. Walter was a member of the first graduating class of George Washington High School in 1960. He entered the U.S. Army in 1965 and studied Romanian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. He returned to the University of Colorado and earned a BA in Spanish. During his time there, he participated in the exchange program at the University of Costa Rica. During his time in Boulder, Colorado, he met the love of his life and they were married in Colorado Springs, on December 30, 1971. Walter was a gifted artist, and after very few formal lessons, became a self-taught professional potter. He started his first ceramic business, Santa Fe Pottery, in 1971. Santa Fe Pottery was the first art establishment in what is now the prestigious art district on Santa Fe Drive. In 1979, he was hired to be the art teacher at Elizabeth Middle School where Susan was teaching. After several years as an educator, Walter retired from teaching to become a full time potter and stay at home dad to their two children David Claude and Jessica Emily. In 1998, he relocated his studio to East Colfax and renamed it Sunrise ArtWorks. In his time there, he founded and nurtured the art community and mentored a generation of young artists. Throughout his 50 year career, his work could be found in galleries throughout Colorado and the Southwest. His art continues to bring beauty to homes, churches, restaurants and galleries. Walter was a triathlete, skier, and avid swimmer. He loved the outdoors; whether it was the mountains, the ocean, or the backyard, he spent much of his time enjoying the beauty of nature. Above all, he loved his family with every fiber of his being and always showed kindness to everyone. Walt is survived by his wife, Susan; beloved children, David (Katya), Jessica (Daniel); grandchildren Fais and Myles; and brother Robert. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Barry. He is loved and remembered by numerous extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to Walt’s favorite community radio station, KUVO. Another way to celebrate the memory of Walter is to pay it forward to others with an act of kindness. “How blessed we are to have someone who makes saying goodbye so hard.”