Rick Wells

With heavy hearts, the family of Rick Wells mourns the sudden passing of their beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. Rick tragically suffered a heart attack following a life well-lived, marked by a commitment to health and wellness, including playing hockey just weeks before his passing. He was 68. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rick was born in Sculthorpe, England, to Bradley and Barbara Wells, while his father was serving in the U.S. military. As a child, Rick lived in England, Colorado, and Maryland, where he graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland. He went on to earn a degree in computer science from the University of Maryland in 1978.

Rick's professional journey began with Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) in Northern Virginia, followed by a relocation to El Segundo, California, where he worked on operating systems. 1980 he joined Magnavox in Los Angeles, working on a military GPS contract. His desire to return to Colorado led him to Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in Colorado Springs, where he made his home in the Old Colorado City area. It was there that he met Marion Hall, and their relationship blossomed. They married on August 9, 1986, and later settled in the Rockrimmon area of Colorado Springs, where they welcomed two children, Darcy (born in 1987) and David (born in 1990).

In 1995, Rick’s career took him to Fort Collins when he joined Hewlett-Packard (HP). He later worked for the start-up Minor & Minor, which was acquired by Schneider Electric, and spent a decade with the company. In 2010, Rick transitioned to Colorado State University, where he served as an IT support engineer until his retirement in 2020.

Rick was passionate about the outdoor lifestyle Colorado offers, enjoying activities such as camping, backpacking, skiing, biking, and hockey. He also had a creative side, with a love for photography and painting.

Rick and Marion joined Foothills Unitarian Church in 1995, where Rick became an active and dedicated member of the community. He had a significant impact on the youth group, leaving a lasting impression on many young lives, some of whom stayed in touch with him throughout the years. His commitment to service and joy was evident in all he did, and he touched the lives of countless congregants and friends alike.

Rick’s kind, thoughtful, and friendly spirit will be deeply missed. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, whose warmth and generosity of heart left a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege to know him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Darcy and David; and his many friends and loved ones. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life for Rick at Foothills Unitarian Church on Saturday, April 5th at 2 pm. The service can be livestreamed by following this link: https://zoom.us/j/97816779230

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Foothills Unitarian Church, Larimer County Food Bank, or a charity of your choice in Rick’s honor.