Royce Belden

Royce was born on January 12th, 1935, in Bayard, Nebraska to Robert Orlando Belden and Florence Alice (Jeffres) Belden. Royce grew up in a close-knit family with three sisters, Doris Jean, Janice, and Charlene, and remained close with them throughout his life. After his dad received a promotion with GW Sugar Factory, the family moved to Loveland in 1950 where Royce attended Loveland High School, graduating in 1953. He worked on an oil rig for 3 years and then attended Pueblo Junior College for one year, before joining the US Army. Royce proudly served his country from 1957 to 1960 as a Morse Code Interceptor. Being stationed in Italy, he was able to travel throughout Europe and had many stories about his travels. Royce returned to Pueblo Junior College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Chemistry in 1963. Royce began his career at Great Western Sugar Company in 1963 and was a foreman/supervisor until the plant closed in 1985. He finished his career as a foreman at Longmont Turkey Plant and retired in 2000.

In 1976, Royce met the love of his life Janice Brehmer. They met at a church New Year’s celebration and were married by June 19, 1976. He became a Second dad to her three children Rory 17, Marcy 15, and Debra 12. He loved Janice’s children as if they were his own and was very proud to be such an important part of their lives. He had a great impact in their lives as well as his grandchildren. One of his biggest pleasures was to be a grandfather and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Even with Janice’s untimely death in 2002, he remained a steadfast presence in all of their lives.

Royce was always helping others. He was very skilled and offered his expertise when needed, whether it be around the house or fixing cars. He loved Estes Park in the fall and made frequent trips with his family to hike at Bear Lake and listen to the elk bugle. He was an avid photographer and had his own dark room where he enjoyed developing photos of mountains, wildlife and nature. He also loved taking photos at family events and reunions.

Faith and family were of the utmost importance to Royce. He always put God first and was known for his beautiful prayers he provided before meals. He was an active member of the Church of Christ in Loveland, serving as an Elder, Treasurer, and Handyman, fixing whatever was needed at the church. Royce led a life of service to others and God. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and will truly be missed.

His legacy of family and faith lives on in the lives of his children, Marcy Jorgensen (Brent) and Debra Buchanan; his grandchildren, James Clark (Kristen), Melissa House (Kirk), Tiffany Silva (Kris), Danielle Winslow (Ken), Desiree Hutchison (Brady), Ashley Meggs (Bret), and Arianna Watters; and great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Hattie & Emory Clark, Juliana & Nathan House, Aunika, Evan,& Bryson Silva, Delia Hunt, Grant & Garrett Winslow, Chase & Everlee Hutchison, Charley Meggs, and Carter June Watters. Also surviving Royce are his sisters, Doris Jean Davey, Janice Flom (Gary), and Charlene Morris (Sid); and nieces and nephews, Ed, Keri, Royce, Tom, Bob, Carla, LeAnn, and Colleen.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 26 years, Janice Belden; his son Rory Brehmer, (2018); and by his parents, Robert & Florence Belden.

A Celebration of Royce's Life will be held Friday, November 15th, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ in Loveland. He will be laid to eternal rest at 11:30 AM at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins. Military Honors will be rendered in recognition for his service to his country. Please join Royce's family after the Graveside Service for a reception and a time of fellowship and remembrance.

Treasured memories of Royce and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.