John Eric Rice

Colorado. He had many battles mentally & physically throughout his life, but ultimately lost his

final and hardest battle against stage 4 esophageal cancer at the end of his life.

John was born on March 23, 1970, in the US Embassy in Canberra Australia at the time his

father was the US Ambassador to Australia. His parents' names are Walter Lyman Rice and

Inger M. Rice AM and grew up in Richmond, Virginia with his sister Lisa Kellner. He was

married for 30 years to the love of his life, Brenda Kitchin to which they had two beautiful

children Victoria Erica Rice (his oldest daughter) and Elizabeth Inger Rice (his youngest

daughter) and John’s son-in-law Grant Fontaine (married to Elizabeth). John had studied at

several schools and received an Associate's Degree from Old Dominion University. Growing up,

John attended military school, played lacrosse, and later in life worked in real estate and the car

industry towards the end of his life he was an author. He could talk about cars all day. He

was an active member of the Friendship Force of which his mom was a part as well as the

Country Club of Virginia. Ultimately, John loved sports and the outdoors which is what brought

him to Aspen, Colorado. Here, he could enjoy his passion for skiing, walking, biking, golf & any

other sports. He loved to be known as a DJ in his free time as well. He had a passion for music.

His favorites were EDM and Elton John, his music helped him through his treatments. To his

family, John is known as a loving gentleman who also loved fashion, dogs and was a chocolate

connoisseur.

He is survived by his wife and two children and a son-in-law who live in Colorado as well

as his mother and sister who live on the East Coast. His father Walter Rice (deceased 1998),

and brothers Little Walter, & Donald Rice (deceased October 2021) predeceased him. He loved

them all very much. John had unparalleled respect for his father and mother who he wrote a

book about and of course the rest of his family.

His memorial service will be held on June 19th, 2022 in honor of John on Father’s Day at

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel in Castle Rock, CO from 10 AM-12 PM. Afterward, his

burial will be held in Basalt, CO at Fairview Cemetery on June 23, 2022, at noon. All are welcome.

John Rice was very charming and could convince anyone to do almost anything. He is

very missed by all of his family and friends. He always lived his life to the fullest and fought

hard. Three words to sum up his life would be: Live for Family.

We all love you, John.