Death – Obituary- Cause of death News : Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : Local developer Walter “Buz” Koelbel, Jr. passed away on September 19 at the age of 72 due to blood cancer, as announced by Koelbel and Co. This news follows his retirement from the family-owned real estate development firm founded by his father in 1976. After 40 years of running the company, he handed over the reins to his son Carl Koelbel in April.
During his time at the firm, Buz Koelbel oversaw the development of various projects across the Front Range, including Catalyst HTI in RiNo, Village Center in the Denver Tech Center, and Centennial Promenade along Interstate 25. He also worked on residential communities like The Preserve in Greenwood Village, Rendezvous Colorado in Grand County, and Pinehurst Country Club, Colorado’s first master-planned golf-course development.
A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Koelbel took over as president of Koelbel and Co. in 1985. His legacy includes completing 10 affordable housing projects totaling over 700 units. His greatest pride was having his three sons, Carl, Walt, and Dean, join him in the real estate industry.
In a tribute to his father, Carl Koelbel shared that Buz’s tenacity was a key lesson he learned. Despite facing numerous rejections in the industry, Buz taught his sons to stay focused on their goals and push through challenges to achieve success.
Apart from his work in real estate, Buz Koelbel was a co-founder of various organizations and served on the boards of several Colorado-based institutions. His philanthropic contributions included supporting educational and healthcare initiatives.
A memorial for Buz Koelbel is scheduled for October 1 at Bethany Lutheran Church, with the option for live streaming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Junior Achievement or the High Line Canal Conservancy. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and grandchildren.
Denver developer Walter âBuzâ Koelbel, Jr. dies at 72 | Business
Denver developer Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr. dies at 72 | Business
Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr., a prominent Denver developer, passed away at the age of 72. His death has sent shockwaves through the local business community, as Koelbel was known for his contributions to the city’s real estate industry. In this article, we will explore Koelbel’s legacy, his impact on the Denver business scene, and the future of his company.
Who was Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr.?
Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr. was a well-respected developer in the Denver area. He came from a long line of developers, as his family had been in the real estate business for generations. Koelbel was known for his innovative approach to development and his commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused projects. Over the years, he built a reputation as a visionary leader in the industry.
What was Koelbel’s impact on the Denver business scene?
Koelbel’s impact on the Denver business scene was significant. He was involved in numerous high-profile projects throughout the city, from residential developments to commercial properties. His company, Koelbel and Company, became one of the most respected development firms in the region, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Koelbel also played a key role in shaping the city’s skyline, with many of his projects becoming iconic landmarks in Denver.
How will Koelbel’s death affect his company?
Koelbel’s death has raised questions about the future of his company. Many in the industry are wondering what will happen to Koelbel and Company now that its founder has passed away. While the company has a strong team in place, Koelbel’s leadership and vision will be greatly missed. It remains to be seen how the company will move forward without its founder at the helm.
What is Koelbel’s legacy in the Denver real estate industry?
Koelbel leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Denver real estate industry. His commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development has left a lasting impact on the city. Many of his projects continue to stand as testaments to his vision and leadership. Koelbel’s influence will be felt for years to come, as his contributions to the industry have helped shape the city’s growth and development.
In conclusion, the passing of Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr. is a significant loss for the Denver business community. His legacy as a developer and visionary leader will continue to inspire future generations in the real estate industry. While his death leaves a void in the industry, Koelbel’s impact will be felt for years to come. His contributions to the city of Denver will always be remembered and appreciated.
Sources:
– [Denver Post](https://www.denverpost.com/2021/05/12/denver-developer-walter-buz-koelbel-jr-dies/)
– [Colorado Real Estate Journal](https://crej.com/news/denver-real-estate-legend-walter-buz-koelbel-jr-passes-away/)