Aurora - Frederick LeRoy Colson, Jr, 78, of Centennial, CO passed away, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO.

He was the son of Frederick L and Lillian Colson, born August 26, 1947, in Newton, NH. After graduating from Sanborn Seminary in Kingston, NH, he served in the United States Coast Guard for six years, being honorably discharged in 1971.

Fred was elected to the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Londonderry in 1992, where he lived from 1982 to 1998. He also served on the Board of Directors for Granite State Independent Living and was instrumental in establishing New Hampshire's first wheelchair basketball team. In addition to playing basketball, he enjoyed sailing and fishing, as well as adaptive sports like skiing and wheelchair racing.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Raelene Sue Colson, who passed away in March of 1971.

Fred is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurel Colson, of Centennial, CO, his son, Marc A Colson, daughter-in-law Krista (Leon) Colson of Rome, GA, his brother Gregory Colson, sister-in-law Mattie Colson of Newton, NH, and niece Kendra Colson of Newmarket, NH. He also leaves his stepson Rick Brough and wife Amanda from Granby, CO, and stepdaughter Pamela Brough and husband Nicholas Ward from Aurora, CO. Additionally, he is survived by eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Fred to the Derry Friendship Center at the above address, or online at thederryfriendshipcenter.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 23, 2026, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., at the Derry Friendship Center, 6 Railroad Ave, Derry, NH 03038.