Harry Thomas "Tom" Settle Jr.

Harry Thomas Settle Jr. 

May 25, 1956 – May 26, 2026

Harry Thomas "Tom" Settle Jr beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at the age of 70, just one day after celebrating his birthday.

Tom was born on May 25, 1956, in Baumholder, Germany, on a U.S. Army base to his parents, Jo Gilmore and Harry Settle. In his middle school years, his family relocated to Colorado, where he would build a life filled with purpose, adventure, and service. Tom attended Arvada High School, where he played the trumpet in the Marching Band and served as editor of the school yearbook. It was there that he met the love of his life, Annette (Rupp). 

Tom and Annette were married in October 1977 and shared nearly five decades of love, partnership, and adventure. Together they raised two children, Brandi and Trey, and were later blessed with six grandchildren—Taylor, Brycen, Dustin, Paige, Peyton, and TJ—who were among the greatest joys of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching them grow.

A devoted follower of Christ, Tom's faith was the foundation of his life. He sought to live out his beliefs through service, kindness, humility, and compassion for others. His faith guided the way he loved his family, served his community, and treated those around him.

A true outdoorsman, Tom felt most at home in nature. He loved hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and any activity that allowed him to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Whether on a mountain trail, beside a lake, or exploring a new destination, Tom embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Tom was known by many as a "jack of all trades." He had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Friends, family, neighbors, and even acquaintances could count on Tom when they needed assistance. He never backed down from a challenge and often found creative solutions to problems others thought impossible. Helping others wasn't just something he did—it was part of who he was.

His commitment to service extended into a distinguished career in public works. Tom was a longtime employee of the City of Westminster for 38 years, where he served as  a Water quality operator and then Water Treatment Superintendent. He later retired from the City of Boulder as Deputy Public Works Director. He took tremendous pride in his work and understood the critical importance of providing safe, clean drinking water to the community. Tom approached this responsibility with dedication, integrity, and professionalism, knowing that the work he did improved the lives of countless people every day.

Tom also shared a passion for travel with Annette. Together they explored 25+ countries, creating memories and friendships around the world. He approached each journey with excitement and a sense of wonder that never faded.

Those who knew Tom will remember him for his enthusiasm, energy, kindness, compassion, intelligence, humor, unwavering work ethic, and steadfast faith. He lived a life defined by service—to his family, his friends, his community, and his Lord.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Annette; his children, Brandi (Christopher) and Trey (Shawn); his cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Brycen, Dustin, Paige, Peyton, and TJ; and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his presence.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he loved deeply, the communities he faithfully served, and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, generosity, faith, and love.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Tom will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

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