Richard Aldo Francis
August 26, 1940 – May 13, 2020
Richard (Dick) Francis was born in Peru as his father was a mining engineer working on assignment in Lima and the Andes Mountains. His mother taught Richard and his younger sister the beauty of nature as she took them on daily walks.
At age 7, his family moved to Littleton, Colorado to a small farm where he had an idyllic country life. He explored the countryside with his sister catching bugs and horseback riding. They enjoyed adventures in the mountains near their cabin in Evergreen. He attended Curtis School, a one room school house, in his early years and graduated from Bear Creek High School.
He served in the army from 1963-1966 where he was stationed in Japan and the Philippines. From this he developed an appreciation for other cultures that led to a lifetime of collecting artifacts with his favorites from Asia, South America, and southwest Native American art.
In 1970 he married Susan and in 1971, daughter Kathy arrived to complete their family. He went back to school in the 1980s and received his Bachelor of Science in Geology. Over the years Dick had many careers; cartographer, geologist, owner of Island Pets and his own landscaping business.
He and Susan moved from Littleton to Pueblo West, Colorado in 2010. In retirement, he kept busy, volunteering at the Pueblo Zoo and with the local model train club. He transformed their backyard from a blank slate into a garden oasis teaming with flowers, birds and butterflies. In 2019, their efforts were honored as the yard was showcased in the Pueblo Garden Tour.
He was never idle and had many hobbies. He was passionate about model trains, designing elaborate layouts with detailed precision. He loved all things nature: hiking, collecting rocks & sea shells, biking, photography, and of course always, working in the dirt!
He loved animals starting from a young age when he saved a bird with a broken wing. Over the years, he built numerous bird aviaries to raise finches, adored his dogs, fish aquarium and even a pond with koi.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Francis; daughter Kathy Brockway, son-in-law, David & grandson, Dylan; sister Jeanne Heilman & brother-in law Roger; and other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. His memory will live on forever in our hearts.
A special thank you to Sangre de Cristo Hospice for providing wonderful support and care during a time of need.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled well into the future.
Online condolences may be offered at www.imperialfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Richard Francis to Sangre De Cristo Hospice Pueblo, Colorado.
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