Christopher Ellis Dittman

So many stories could be told about Chris. In fact, for each of you reading this, one has likely already come to mind.

Chris was a devoted father, proud Papa, principal, coach, city council member, cherished friend, and the kind of neighbor whose pockets were rarely without dog treats for the four-legged friends who stopped by. These were roles he embraced with pride, but they only begin to describe the man he was.

If you knew Chris, you knew he had a gift for making people feel like they belonged. As an educator, he believed every child deserves to be known, encouraged, and given every opportunity to succeed. Long before the phrase became commonplace, Chris lived by a simple conviction: no child should ever be left behind. That same big heart could be found in every aspect of his life—whether serving his community, coaching young athletes, writing thoughtful letters in his unmistakable handwriting, or simply making time for family and lifelong friends.

Chris found joy in life's simple traditions: spirited trivia competitions with the "Dr. Geek" team, cheering faithfully for his beloved Boston Red Sox, and annual trips to Las Vegas that began as a boys' getaway and, over 52 years, grew into a treasured multigenerational tradition. He loved long conversations on "the porch" or at one of his favorite little local joints in the city he proudly called home. His love of sports and friendly competition never faded, whether playing softball for years, spending time on the golf course or in the bowling alley, or competing each year in his beloved bocce ball tournament.

More than anything, Chris will be remembered for the way he made people feel—welcomed, valued, encouraged, respected, and loved. He treated people as equals and had a rare ability to make every conversation feel important. His legacy is not measured by the titles he held, but by the countless lives he touched and the relationships he nurtured.

If a story comes to mind as you read these words, we hope you'll tell it. That is how remarkable lives continue, one memory, one laugh, and one conversation at a time.

Chris leaves behind the family he treasured: his children, Cameron (Alex Fraley), Cindy Plumbtree (Tree), Diane Schroeder (Josh Humphreys), and Kelly Lesyinski; his cherished grandchildren, Arlo, Miles, Kieran, Justin, Ty, Gavin, and Noah; and a circle of lifelong friends who became brothers over the years.

A celebration of Chris's life will be held:

September 4, 2026

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cottonwood Lodge @ Hyland Hills

9650 Sheridan Blvd.

Westminster, CO

For those that cannot make it to the memorial, here is the link so you can watch it live-streamed on September 4th, starting at 10:30 AM

https://www.warwickproductions.com/memorial-livestream-broadcast/christopher-dittman/

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family invites you to honor Chris's legacy by contributing to the Westminster High School Athletic Department Dittman Memorial Fund:

https://square.link/u/IrSL3h6J?src=sheet

And if you find yourself hesitating before taking a chance, remember one of Chris's favorite reminders:

"Ya can't win the lottery if ya don't buy a ticket."