Richard Lee Karlin Sr.

He was the oldest of four children; Rosanne, Karen and Steve.

In his youth, Rich lived and worked on the family farm. Paul and Josie moved the family to Denver, Colorado in 1960, and except for a few years at the military academy, Rich spent the rest of his life in Colorado – a place he truly enjoyed and loved.

Rich attended St. Joseph’s Military Academy from 1958 to 1961, where he proudly graduated with honors. Some of his fondest memories were from his time spent at St. Joseph’s, a place all who know him heard some of Rich’s greatest stories.

On September 14, 1963, Rich married Pauline Valdez. In 1969, they had their first child: Richard Lee Jr., and in 1970 their second: Melissa Renee. Rich spent the rest of his life as a devoted husband and father. It was in the service to these three (along with Jesus Christ) that Rich lived the next 50 years of his life.

Rich was also an entrepreneur. He took over the family painting business in the late 1970’s from his father, and ran it from every angle for as long as he could before handing it over to his son, Rick, in 2010.

His formal, education ended with high school, but Rich was a prolific reader and learner. He read books on every subject, but his favorites were military history and biographies. He also learned from watching and listening to people. He loved nothing more than the opportunity to converse, telling and listening to stories. These were an opportunity to learn new things, but more important, opportunities to learn about people - people he truly cared to hear from. Why did he want to hear from them? Because he wanted to share in their lives. He wanted to take part in their victories, and he wanted to empathize in their hardships. He was a listener because he cared about the speaker – something extremely rare in our busy world.

Rich also liked to share of himself, telling amazing life stories - with a tremendous laugh. Some of his stories were about his childhood on the farm, his time at the military academy, politics, etc., but his favorite stories were about his family – his parents, siblings, wife, children and grandchildren. These were the stories which lit him up. These were the stories which brought out his biggest and more heartfelt laughs.

Those who saw Rich knew he was a big man. Those who knew Rich knew he was a great man. He wasn’t great in any public or celebrity way, he was great because he was a real person who lived a real life – and he shared every bit of it with anyone who would allow him into their life.

A loyal husband. A proud and mentoring father. A Christ-loving Catholic. An honest and humble man. A man whose word and handshake meant something.

As he aged, his health failed him, but Rich was a fighter. He even survived an almost impossible heart surgery in 2016. Those who know him know he survived so his wife, children and grandchildren could have a few more years with him. These years went quickly, but they were a last gift Rich had for each of them.

Rich fought as long and hard as he could, but on February 2, 2021, he could fight no more.

Rich is survived by Pauline and Rick Karlin, Melissa and her husband Jay, his granddaughters Holland and Brooklyn Caruthers. These six are the product of his 70+ year life; the most cherished things in his long life; a life well-lived, and a life those he shared it with are happy to have had. A life we could all do well to emulate.