David A. Lorenz, age 82, from Centennial, Colorado, passed away on September 8, 2025 from Alzheimer's Disease. Born on March 7, 1943 in North Denver, Lorenz was a proud Colorado native who lived most of his life in Centennial Lorenz was the longtime Executive Director of South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. He began his career in 1967, and with over 48 years of service, helped lead the evolution of a once small department into what is now one of Colorado’s largest and most respected parks and recreation districts. Lorenz oversaw tremendous growth of the district that now serves160,000 residents with 100+ parks, 125 miles of trails, 64 playgrounds, 4 golf courses, multiple recreation centers, and 3,400 acres of park and green space. In 2003, in honor of his exceptional contributions to South Suburban and the community, the district renamed one of its parks to the David A. Lorenz Regional Park, cementing his legacy in the community. Lorenz is survived by his three sons, Mark and wife Alexandra (Rockport, Massachusetts), Kurt and wife Laurie (Littleton), and Luke and wife Tarah (Centennial). Lorenz was affectionately known as Poppi to seven grandkids: Ella, Kennah, Tessa, Kaiden, Easton, Lexie, and Logan. Poppi had a soft spot for his grandkids. He was often found playing or watching some sporting event with them and going out for ice cream afterwards. Lorenz often wore his “I’m a Proud Grandpa” and “Important People Call Me Poppi” shirts. Lorenz is also survived by his sister, Linda Lorenz (Evergreen), and was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Lorenz,and sister Diana Brimberry (Arvada).A devoted recreational athlete, Lorenz enjoyed using SSPRD’s facilities himself. He played golf, tennis, softball, and handball and ran and walked the many trials in the district. Lorenz also enjoyed skiing at Winter Park and could be heard singing “I Can See Clearly Now” as he skied down the slopes. Lorenz’s love of travel began when he was stationed in France while in the Army. Some of his favorite trips included an expedition to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, running a marathon in the Netherlands, many hiking, camping, and canoeing trips, numerous golf trips with his three sons, and family reunions with all the grandkids in Mexico and the Caribbean. At the end of every trip, Lorenz would without fail, fondly say, “Well, I’m ready to return to South Suburban country.” He always looked forward to sitting on his porch with a drink and looking out at Little Dry Creek Park. Lorenz’s influence on the South Metro area was transformative and he left a lasting legacy through the South Suburban Parks and Recreation district, providing vibrant, accessible spaces for generations to come. He also made community contributions beyond parks; serving as Grand Marshal of Littleton’s Western Welcome Week parade, participating in the Littleton Rotary Club and Inter-Faith Community Services, and contributing to the Hudson Gardens Foundation, the Highline Canal Trail, and the creation of Great Outdoors Colorado. Family, friends, and colleagues are welcome to attend a celebration of life at the Lone Tree Golf Club (9808 Sunningdale Blvd, Lone Tree) on September 29th, anytime between 4:00 pm and7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his name.