Richard Thomas Newton

He had an avid love of sports that began in his youth. At an early age he excelled in playing baseball and basketball. His love of sports continued to grow throughout his life.

He proudly served four years in the Air Force as an Air Policeman and was stationed in England. His job was training service dogs, which led to a special love for animals, especially dogs.

Dick attended the University of Utah and continued to cheer on the Utes and remained a very proud fan his entire life.

In 1957, while still in high school, Dick began working at Mountain Bell in Salt Lake City as a janitor, which led to a successful career in which he held several positions from Equipment Engineer to Assistant Manager.

After being known as a “forever bachelor” at the telephone company, Dick married the love of his life, Janet Newton, on January 10, 1975, at Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. In 1977, they were blessed with a dear son, Ryan Richard. Dick was an extremely proud and devoted father. Ryan was his “little buddy” and the light of his life.

In 1982 Dick was transferred to Denver, Colorado and promoted to Corporate Staff Manager. He retired from the Bell System in 1986 at the age of 46!! He then went to work for Nortel Networks as a Quality Manager and later was promoted to Sales. During this time, he and his wife Janet were afforded the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to South Africa, New Zealand, and many other amazing places.

After his retirement from Nortel in 2002, he and Janet moved to Larkspur, Colorado where he began working his dream job as a Golf Ranger at Bear Dance Golf Club. He eventually went on to manage the Rangers and worked part time in the pro shop. He loved the camaraderie and many friendships he made during his time there. He was extremely honored when they named the Annual Ranger Tournament after him.

During golf’s offseason, Dick and Janet traveled with their fifth-wheel trailer throughout the country. They enjoyed many fun adventures and made lifelong memories with great friends.

Dick was known to some of his friends as the “the entertainer”. He had a quick wit, hilarious sense of humor, loved to make people laugh, and always had a zest for life. He will forever be remembered and was notorious for the Archibald S. Holbrook joke; only he could tell it! Dick was always the first person to be on the dance floor at any given party and loved karaoke. His favorite song to sing was “Mack the Knife”. He never met a stranger…he could talk to a tree. He loved people, his friends, and especially his family and was loyal through and through! He truly was one-of-a-kind and will forever be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Ryan (Michele); three step-grandsons, Cyrus, Jonas, and Cassius; and many precious nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy; and brother, Claude; and his step-grandson Darius.

We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Choice Hospice, and Silver Heights Care Center and their staff for the care he received.

A celebration of life gathering for Dick will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2 pm at the Golf Club at Bear Dance, 6630 Bear Dance Drive, Larkspur, CO 80118 (Golf attire appropriate).