Richard Horton Jensen, 77 aka “Old Guy” of Westminster, Colorado passed away Saturday June 19th, 2021 in his home of 35 years, resting in his recliner while his son’s family moved about the house. He could not have passed away in a more familiar, peaceful setting.
Richard was born June 24th, 1943 in Rosenburg, Douglas County, Oregon to Clarence Dee Jensen and Elizebeth “Betty” Jensen (Horton).
Richard was raised in Ely, Nevada in a company mining town where many of his antics were developed; the era, rural setting and his disposition made for a perfect formula. In his youth he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he attended Granite HIgh School. After High School and at the age of 20, Richard married Diane and they had three children Kristine, Sherrie and Mark. Richard loved to garden and was known for his mail-order praying mantises and his phenomenal gardening skills. He also loved to camp, fish and spend time in the beautiful Wasatch mountains.
In the late 70’s, Richard and his family moved to Aurora, Colorado. He began a long career with Sunstrand Aviation as a metallurgical engineer. When he was not at work, he enjoyed cooking and working outside in the yard. After he divorced, he moved to Thorton and continued to spend time with his kids.
In October 1983, Richard married Juanee (Jackson) in Estes Park. A year later they welcomed twins Roger and Andrea. Richard enjoyed attending Scout campouts with his son and camping trips with his family to Brainard Lake. His fishing tales were legendary and he enjoyed catching fish while floating in his belly boat. He also developed a passion for biking and completed many, many MS150 bike races. He was often in the top 10 fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Richard retired in the early 2000’s and continued to enjoy gardening, fishing, biking and developed a love for watching NASCAR and NCIS. He was able to spend a lot of time with his kids and grandchildren during this time.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in Ward and Stake Clerk positions.
Richard is survived by his children Kristine Giebler (Walt), Sherrie Oehrlein (James), Mark Jensen, Roger Jensen (Sarah), Andrea Jensen. Brothers Ron and Dave Jensen, Dee Jensen (Sister-in-Law to brother Jerry). Grandchildren Heather Janke (Dan), Brooke Nelson (Cody), Jordan Giebler (Charles), Nicole Giebler, Alex Oehrlein, Sean Oehrlein, Calvin Jensen, and Scarlette Jensen. Great grandchildren Caden Janke, Gabe Nelson, and Emma Janke. First wife Diane Jensen, and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased in death by his wife Juanee, parents Clarence and Betty Jensen, sister Deanna Malloy (Dave), and brother Jerry.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 26th at 11am at the Westminster Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
Richard will be inurned with his wife under a tree at his long-time home where his son and family currently reside.
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