John Gollan

John Shearer Gollan III, a devoted husband and father, passed away surrounded by family in his home in Aurora, Colorado on June 2, 2025 after his battle with cancer. He was 61.

Born on January 8, 1964, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, John served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army before embarking on a variety of paths—including a stint as the owner of his own sandwich shop. In the 1990s, he moved to Colorado, where fate intervened and he became next-door neighbors with the love of his life, Anita Field. In 1994, he married Anita and adopted her daughter Kelly, later welcoming two more daughters, Emily and Hanna.

John dedicated nearly three decades to the Colorado Department of Corrections, rising to the rank of captain and earning the admiration of countless colleagues as a fair leader with an undeniable sense of humor.

In fact, he was without question, the funniest man anyone knew. With an endless repertoire of dad jokes and one-liners, John made people laugh every single day—especially his wife, who never stopped laughing at his jokes, even after 30 years of marriage.

John loved cooking incredible Italian meals, playing classic rock, woodworking, metal detecting, and cheering on the New England Patriots. Yet he found his greatest joy in family life— spending time with his wife and daughters.

He is survived by his wife Anita; daughters Kelly, Emily, and Hanna; son-in-law Duncan; and his cherished chihuahua, Mochi.

John will be remembered for his youthful spirit and the integrity with which he lived, the fierce love he gave to those around him, and the enduring legacy of care, protection, laughter, happiness, and love he created for his family.