Donald "Don" Bruce Dasinger

Donald Bruce Dasinger

November 23, 1954 – April 13, 2025

Donald Bruce Dasinger, age 70, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in Arvada, Colorado, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. A kind and gentle soul, Don was beloved by many for his unwavering compassion, his lifelong love for animals, and his quiet generosity of spirit.

Born on November 23, 1954, in Sidney, Montana, Don was the son of Robert and Marion Dasinger. He grew up in Sidney, where he graduated from Sidney Senior High School in 1972. During his youth, he worked alongside his family in their laundry and dry cleaning business, instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of service.

Don married Rebecca McDonald on July 30, 1974, in Stanley, North Dakota, and together they had two children, Kristina and Jeremy. Though the marriage ended in 1981, Don remained a devoted and loving father throughout his life.

Pursuing a passion for wildlife, Don attended school in Gainesville, Florida, to study zookeeping. In 1978, he moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he began his career at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. His dedication to animal care eventually led him to the Denver Zoo in 1986, where he served as a primate keeper—a role he truly cherished. It was there he met his longtime partner, Linelle Smith, and together they welcomed a son, Brendan.

In 2001, Don relocated to Toms River, New Jersey, where he brought his warmth and humor to a high-end toy store, delighting children and adults alike. Beyond his professional life, Don was an ardent baseball fan and treasured the many games he attended with Brendan.

A lifelong animal lover, Don surrounded himself with rescue dogs—especially his beloved schipperkes—and treated every creature with care and respect. His kindness extended to people as well; he was the sort of man who would offer help to anyone in need, without hesitation or expectation.

Don is survived by his brothers Jerry (Zola) Dasinger of Maple Grove, MN, Tom Dasinger of Sidney, MT, and Dick (Sally) Dasinger of Bismarck, ND; his children Kristina (Jason) Casale and their son Giovanni of Phoenix, AZ; Jeremy (Tina) Dasinger and their daughters Alexis, Jasmine, and Annie of Arvada, CO; and Brendan Smith of Toms River, NJ. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by his life. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marion Dasinger, and his sister, Nancy Dasinger.

At Don’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in his name to a local animal rescue shelter—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much love to animals and people alike.