Stanley Richards

Stanley Richards (February 29, 1924-November 6, 2020) lived a life of great hardship and great successes, but his proudest accomplishment was the loving relationships he shared with his family and close friends. Born on a Leap Year in New York City, Stan attributed many of the circumstances throughout his life to “pure luck” rather than talent. It was his tenacity, inquisitiveness, and diverse interests that made Stanley Richards a vibrant person who people loved spending time with.

Stanley endured a difficult childhood, living in the orphanages and foster homes of Hell’s Kitchen during the height of The Great Depression. Still, Stanley maintained his belief that he would overcome his circumstances and create the kind of life he wanted. In 1941, at age 17, Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the North Atlantic prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After Pearl Harbor, his squadron was transferred to the Pacific Theatre where he served under Snuffy Smith, in the same squadron as JFK. Stan rose to the rank of Motor Machinist’s Mate, Second Class. As a mechanic and crew member on PT boats, Stan rarely shared his wartime experiences but never failed to express his tremendous pride at serving his country.

After returning state side, Stanley stopped in Denver, Colorado to visit foster parents Max and Ida. While taking voice lessons, he bumped into a young woman in the lobby. Her name was Blanche Alexander, and they immediately began dating. They were married on October 5, 1946. Their son Robert Mark Richards was born in 1950, followed by daughter Leslie (Richards) Smith in 1953. Wanting the kind of home and childhood he had craved for himself, Stanley and Blanche moved to the newly developing suburb of Thornton, Colorado. Many happy years were spent living in Thornton as a family, where Stanley actively participated in his local community. He served in the Kiwanis Club, acting as president and de facto fundraiser. These skills would come in handy when Stanley began to build his own business, following his entrepreneurial dreams.

After completing accounting courses on the GI Bill, Stanley found work as a bookkeeper. He never forgot his exposure to the world of stocks and bonds in New York and began growing his dreams. Building on the friendships and business contacts he made, Stanley made the most of his foothold in finance ultimately founding SECO, a brokerage firm focusing on high-stakes venture capital.

Stanley had a diverse set of interests, but his love of beauty and luxury are a hallmark of his presence. Whether it was happy hour at String’s with his granddaughters, after work drinks with colleagues at Churchill’s, or a quick sushi dinner in Cherry Creek, Stanley was always a man about town with excellent taste. Stanley was also health conscious, living Paleo and Keto long before any dietary trends. He was a daily fixture at his local gym, charming younger members with his winning smile and fascinating stories. Just months before his passing he was back at the gym navigating the indoor track with trekking poles. Indomitable physically and spiritually, he lived on his own and continued to drive until the very end.

Ultimately, Stanley will be remembered for his commitment to living life on his own terms. He was passionate about his thoughts and beliefs, generous to a fault, and always looking to secure one last big deal so we could all be “farting through silk”. He loved his family fiercely and was never short of advice, whether it was solicited or not. His humor was sometimes the only thing that sustained him in hard times, and he shared that gift to the benefit of those around him. Stanley loved a good 30-year Port, any dish with shellfish, and a beat he could dance to. He only knew the first 6 bars of any song, but the beautiful timber of his voice made you forget the lyrics, too. He saw life as an adventure, and he did it his way.

Stanley is survived by his children Leslie (Randy) Smith of Portland, Oregon and R. Mark (Deborah) Richards of Hudson, Colorado and grandchildren Rochelle Richards-Burks of Colorado Springs, Ethan (Brooke) Smith of Seattle, Washington, Jasper (Ella) Smith of Portland, Oregon. He was the loving “Cha Cha” of great-granddaughters Raven Burks and Frances Smith. He is also mourned by life-long friend Blanche M. Richards of Aurora, Colorado. Stanley is preceded in death by his granddaughter Danielle Richards and grandson-in-law Allen H. Burks.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be scheduled for a later date.