He was born in San Bernardino, CA in 1953 to Lucille Virgina McElroy. When Rick was a small child, his mother married Charles Durham, who Rick always considered to be his father. Rick spent most of his childhood in Southern California in the San Diego area.
Rick met the love of his life, Judy, in 1973 in Whittier, California. Rick followed Judy back to her home state of Colorado, and the two were married in February of 1975.
In 1985, Rick and Judy were blessed with the birth of their first son, John Michael. Three years later in 1987, they welcomed another son, David Andrew. Their only daughter, Michelle Joan, completed their family in 1991. Their three children meant the world to Rick.
Rick’s grandchildren were very special to him. They were the light of his life and warmed his heart. He was blessed to have four grandsons, Mason, Wesley, Cole, and Jackson, as well as his only granddaughter, Chloe. He was very excited for the upcoming birth of his sixth grandchild, expected in March of 2024.
Rick opened his heart and home to four special dogs throughout his marriage with Judy. Each one had a special place in his heart.
In his early adulthood, Rick began working in the welding industry. During his welding career he belonged to the Boiler Maker’s Union, where he worked in the shipyards. In conjunction with welding, Rick pursued opportunities as a Draftsman. He continued this work until 1977 when he made the decision to further his education. He attended the University of Colorado - School of Engineering and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He graduated as top Engineering student in his class and was bestowed the prestigious Engineering Student of the Year Award. Rick worked in both civil and structural engineering and attained credentials as a Board Certified Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor in both the State of California and Colorado.
Rick was passionate about his first engineering position at Merrick & Co; working on roadway and bridge projects. He went on to earn his project management certification and served in various management roles for Earthquake Engineering (EQE) in southern CA where he specialized in seismic engineering. He also worked at Dames & Moore in San Diego, Fluor Daniel, Soli Flo and Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Rick proudly culminated his career at National Securities Technologies as the Lead Facility Engineer at the Nevada Test Site’s Device Assembly Facility, supporting the U.S. nuclear weapons program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. Rick deeply valued and respected his country and viewed his work at Los Alamos National Lab and the Nevada Test Site as his contribution to serving our nation.
Rick was baptized by immersion with the Baptist Church in 1976. He and his wife later became members at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver, CO from the early 1990’s into the early 2000’s. Recently, Rick enjoyed the ministry of Franklin Graham.
He was fond of the outdoors. His favorite hobbies over the years included boating and fishing. He enjoyed dirt biking, restoring classic cars, and racing at Bandimere Speedway with his sons. Overall, he enjoyed the simple things in life and found pleasure sitting outside and relaxing in nature.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother Lucille, stepfather Charles, and sister Deborah. He is survived by his loving wife, three children, six grandchildren, a brother, many nieces and nephews, and other loved family members.
Rick will always be remembered for his love and fierce loyalty to his family, God, and country. He lived his life by example, always demonstrating perseverance, wisdom, his strength to overcome adversity, and his love for all he knew. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and uncle anyone could ask for; he will be missed deeply. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him forever and ever.
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