Anthony Jerome Boettcher

Anthony Jerome Boettcher, 60, died peacefully on March 12, 2023. He was born on Dec. 15, 1962, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jerome and Nadine Boettcher (Johnson). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Blase Boettcher (Kathy) and brothers-in-law Brian Galbraith and C. Jay Smith. 

He was the seventh of eight children and is survived by his siblings Mary Boettcher, Teresa Dalbec (Charlie), Elizabeth Galbraith, Margaret Smith, Cecelia Sallee (Scott) and Gloria Horne. A beloved uncle, he leaves behind 16 cherished nieces and nephews and 21 (soon to be 22) grand nieces and nephews.

Anthony attended the University of Wyoming, competed on the swim team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication. He was a dedicated, passionate, caring coach and mentor for more than four decades to countless swimmers in Colorado. He was a staple in the club swimming community, leading the Wheat Ridge Piranhas, the Evergreen Hurricanes and Falfins Swimming for more than 30 years. He also coached at Evergreen High School for more than a decade and finished as the winningest men’s swimming coach in Jefferson County history. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named the Colorado Swim Coach of the Year.

He spent the last 13 seasons at the Air Force Academy where he served as the associate head coach for the men’s swimming team. Anthony helped turn the Falcons into a contender, with the Falcons winning three Western Athletic Conference championships, 28 individual conference titles and six conference relay championships in addition to three swimmers earning All-American honors during his tenure. His mark was not left only on members of the swim team. He was lauded as a phenomenal teacher, serving as a physical education instructor and teaching a swimming class for all cadets at the academy. He also was a dedicated volunteer for Colorado Swimming, Inc., and USA Swimming and twice received USA Swimming’s Outstanding Service Award.

Although Anthony’s greatest love was swimming, he also loved music, specifically vinyl, art, hiking, camping and being “Uncle Playground” to his many nieces and nephews.

Service: Celebration of Life, Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m. at the Air Force Academy Community Chapel, 5134 Cathedral Drive, Suite 100, USAF Academy, CO 80840-2700. (Located next to the bowling alley. The academy can be accessed through either gate.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made on Anthony's behalf to Sigma Gamma Rho’s Swim 1922 Project. (See below.)

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