David Michael Spence
July 29, 1952 ~ November 29, 2025
Born in:
Brush, Colorado
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
Streaming of the service will appear here at the appointed date and time:
David Michael “Mike” Spence, 73, passed away on Nov. 29, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1952, in Brush, Colo., to Melvin and Mary Spence. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Robbie Hill. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathleen “Kate”; daughters, Darby Spence and Reilly (Greg) Selinger; son, Danny Spence; sisters, AnnaLee (James) Hill and Marcia Spence; niece, Kellie (Stephen) Hill; and nephew, Michael (Rebecca) Hill. Mike graduated from Pueblo Centennial High School, where he was a member of state champion cross-country teams. He attended Southern Colorado State College and ran cross-country for the school for three years. An accomplished distance runner, he ran multiple Pikes Peak Marathons and Denver Marathons. Mike was a longtime journalist and began his career in Pueblo, Colo. as a sportswriter for The Pueblo Chieftain in 1975. In 1984, he moved to the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph to work as a beat writer covering the Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, and the U.S. Olympic Committee. While at the Gazette, he covered five Olympic games, two Pan American Games, seven U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and numerous Super Bowls. He also served as copy editor and acting deputy sports editor for the Gazette. From 2000 to 2005, he worked as writer and editor for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. He returned to Pueblo in 2005, working in various reporter/editorial roles at the Chieftain and also as the editor of the Pueblo West View. Mike earned several honors for his writing and reporting, including a national award from the Associated Press Sports Editors organization in 1984 and several state/regional awards. He was voted Colorado Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1998, the only writer with Pueblo roots to win the award. He was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association in 2007 and served as president of the association from 2012 to 2013. He authored the book, “Broncos: Three Decades of Football,” published in 1987. Mike’s greatest loves were history, reading, sports, and most importantly, his family.
Services
Memorial Service: December 5, 2025 10:00 am
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Mike at the PRCA, where he was the editor of the organization’s magazine, and as a reporter when he covered amateur boxing and the Olympic movement. He was such a nice man, a talented writer and possessed a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with Kate, his children and his family. There is so much to celebrate about his life and who he was, and I am thankful that I knew him.
I am heartbroken to read this. As Bob Condron, Frank Zang, Joanna Payne, Kinda Asher and Rich Wanninger have all pointed out, Mike was always a welcome visitor to the USOC media relations office. He had wit, charm and was a caring soul. He covered the highs and lows of the Olympic Movement and both the little known and star athletes. He was such a joy to work with and, when he and Kate got together, we were all so happy for both of them. My deepest condolences to Kate and his entire family. He was one of the good guys who left a positive impression on all who knew him. He will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family.I worked with Mike for my last dozen year at the Chieftain. Mike was a pro.
Before I met Mike I knew of his ability and professionalism.
I was a new sports reporter at the Gazette and working late one night when Mike was covering the Nuggets in Seattle. Deadline loomed and Scott Smith was on the desk and told me Mike would deliver his copy, clean and in no need of a much editing. Scott was right, the broadcast we listened to was barely over when Mike’s copy came in.
Getting to know him at The Chieftain, was good because Mike was fun, knowledgeable and articulate.
We also both edited The Pueblo West View, one of the toughest and most thankless jobs under The Chieftain umbrella and Mike did his usual great job there.
I feel lucky I knew Mike.
RIP Mike, Condolences to Kate and the Spence Family. May all the prayers and love, be of comfort for your loss.The Big Red Machine was Blessed to have Mike as a Teammate. Mike always gave his all. Rest easy Mike.
I knew Mike as a student journalist when I helped edit the campus newspaper. A terrific sports journalist even then, Mike was fun, focused and always ready with a great story. A group of us took an Arkansas River raft trip one summer. We laughed a lot. He was one of the good guys. Condolences to his family during these tough days.
I met Mike while working at KOAA and later at the USOC. Our friendship began with a lively debate about Pueblo, Mexican food, and our rival high schools. I learned a great deal from Mike about professional journalism and nurturing relationships even when you disagree. He was a great guy. I value the friendship we shared when I lived in Colorado and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.
One person who will always hold a special place in my heart. So enjoyed our daily visits when I worked for the US Olympic Committee and Mike worked for the Gazette Telegraph Sports. Then the special meeting of him and Kate and our reconnecting at the parade in Pueblo years later! My heart certainly breaks with this news.
Kathleen, Darby, Reilly and Danny, my heart ❤️ is breaking for all of you. I’m so sorry to read about Mr. Spence. He was such a nice man. I’m unable to attend the service because I’ll be out of town. Please know I’ll be thinking about each one of you. Hugs, prayers and love to you all.
Mike was a guy who always had a smile on his face. Like he knew something you didn’t. I got the pleasure of working with him when he was beat reporter for the Colorado Springs Gazette. He covered the athletes at the Olympic Training Center and told their stories before they were later on the medal stands in faraway places like Sydney and Barcelona. He was a great storyteller for those men and women who learned to be great at 1750 East Boulder St. and later at the Olympics or coaching 10-year olds at a local school. Mike didn’t hesitate to point out the flaws of the USOC when we deserved it. He made us all better. And we made him better when he met his wife Kate who was an intern in our department. Fate just pulled those two redheads together and they had a honeymoon the rest of their lives.
We know Mike and Kate from our Olympic days in Colorado Springs. He was always one of the good guys. We admired his professionalism and enjoyed spending time with him – wherever sports took us. This one hits hard. We will miss his red hair and easy smile. Our condolences to his family and all his friends.
I’m crying. I loved the guy.
Prayers to Kate, the kids, family and friends. I had the privilege to work with Mike for many years during his days covering the Olympics. I considered him a good friend, ultimate professional and great writer. He helped bring so much visibility to the U.S. Olympic movement and will be greatly missed.
It was a honor and pleasure to work with Mike during my days in the Olympic family. He was a good friend and outstanding writer. He wad dedicated to his family and his career and will be missed greatly. Prayers to his family and friends.
It was a pleasure to work alongside Mike for several years at the Gazette Telegraph. He was one funny dude and generous with positive words. Easily, the fastest and cleanest writer on deadline I’ve ever been around. While gone too soon, it seemed like he lived a rich, full life. My best to his family and the many he touched.
John Gutierrez , classmate of Mike. We met in 1966 at Freed Jr High. Mike was one of them guys who never changed. Going to miss seeing you at church St Paul’s at the 10:30 mass. Rest in peace brother
Mike Spence…one the finest men —and a damn good journalist— that I ever met! Too many memorable stories to tell here, but suffice it to say that I loved the guy. My condolences to Kate and their wonderful family.