Chief Judge Kimberley H. Tyson is saddened to announce the passing of former United States Bankruptcy Judge Glen E. Keller, Jr. who died on August 2, 2023. Judge Keller served with distinction as a bankruptcy referee from May 1, 1974 to 1978. He was then one of the first bankruptcy judges appointed after the code passed in 1978 until his resignation on February 1, 1982. He is remembered as a fair, impartial and objective judge who never wavered from his duties as an officer of the court.
His contributions to the law are many. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Keller served as assistant attorney general for the state of Colorado. After leaving the bench, Judge Keller joined Davis, Graham & Stubbs LLC as a partner, handling a number of the largest Chapter 11 bankruptcy matters in Colorado in the 1980s and 1990s, including the Standard Metals and Miniscribe cases. Additionally, he was appointed by the U.S. District Court for four significant proceedings under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, securing assets in Asia and Europe as well as in the U.S. Judge Keller was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law beginning in 1976 and a frequent speaker on bankruptcy matters throughout the states comprising the 10th Circuit.
In addition to his contributions to the law, Judge Keller believed in giving back to his community. He was past president of the Colorado Lawyers Committee, receiving its Outstanding Sustained Contribution Award in 1999. Perhaps his favorite philanthropic effort was his service as a director of The Westernaires, a mounted precision drill organization composed of Denver-area children from the ages of 9 – 19. In his words, the Westernaires present “an opportunity to help kids learn leadership, self-respect and personal responsibility by using horsemanship and family participation. For me, it’s about the kids. For the kids, it’s about the horses. There’s something magic that bonds horses and kids. It’s that bond that helps us help the kids to grow into responsible adults.” While a director, Judge Keller impacted the lives of over 7,000 Jefferson County kids, with 90% of the kids pursuing a college degree after high school.
Whether one litigated with and against him or appeared in front of him, Judge Keller was always respected as a colleague and professional. He will be missed for his sharp intellect, breadth of experience and his generous mentorship.
Judge Keller will be missed by the entire court family and we extend our deepest sympathizes to his wife of 62 years Liz, his children Patty and Mike, and their families.