Richard "Dick" "Gleason" Douglas Waterman

Richard Douglas “Dick” Waterman, 77, passed away on September 17, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado. Born January 21, 1949, in Riley, Kansas, Dick lived a life filled with laughter, music, good barbecue, good whiskey, travel and, most importantly, the people he loved.

To many friends, Dick was also known as “Gleason.” Whatever name you knew him by, he was not a man easily forgotten. Dick had a way of making friends wherever he went. He could tell a great joke, laughed often and could rave with the best of them—especially after a little whiskey. He had a way of making people feel welcome and was generous with his time and friendship, always willing to help someone who needed it—whether family, friend or someone he had just met.

Dick was a real estate broker by profession, but his interests extended far beyond his career. He had a deep appreciation for nature, animals of all kinds and art. He loved blues music and football and was a devoted Denver Broncos fan. He also loved a good Hawaiian shirt and had quite a collection to prove it—bright, colorful and unmistakably Dick.

Music was an important part of Dick’s life. He volunteered with both the Colorado Blues Society and the Mile High Blues Society, supporting the music and community he loved. He was also a great dancer and knew how to lead—on the dance floor and in life. He and Nancy spent countless nights dancing together, sharing a love of music that remained an important part of their life together.

And then there was barbecue.

Dick loved smoking meat, was a member of the Kansas City Barbeque Society and served as a barbecue judge, including at the American Royal in Kansas City. He was always happy to share what he knew, teaching others the art of doing it right and, as he would have seen it, spreading the barbecue gospel wherever he went.

Those lucky enough to eat Dick’s cooking might remember his Nuclear Chicken or Poi-Pu Pulled Pork, and for many, Christmas meant one of Dick’s smoked hams. Barbecue was one of the ways he brought people together and showed them he cared.

Dick never had children of his own, but family was enormously important to him. He was a constant presence in the lives of those he loved, always ready with a story, a laugh, a little advice or a helping hand.

Dick is survived by Nancy Lynn Mann, his partner of 34 years and the love of his life; his brother John Willis Waterman and his wife, Ann; his brother Bill Waterman and his wife, Jo Ellen; his brother Steve Heberly and his wife, Rose; his sister, Ciri Heberly George and her husband, Rod; his nephew Wayne Waterman; his nieces Dawn Cornelison, Keri Behr, Keli Bowers, Krysten Haworth, Megan Waterman, and Wendy Catto and her husband, Jon; and extended family and many friends who will deeply miss his laughter, his stories and his larger-than-life presence.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Mercer; his father, Willis Waterman; his brother, Tommy Waterman; and many dear friends he collected throughout a lifetime well lived.

Dick believed everything had its place—and when things weren’t where they belonged, the universe was not in order.

For more than three decades, Dick’s place was beside Nancy—traveling, dancing and taking care of the woman he loved. His place was also in the lives of the family and friends who counted on him, laughed with him, learned from him and loved him so much.

That place cannot simply be filled by someone else.

So, until we meet again, the universe will be just a little bit out of order.

In lieu of flowers or cards, please make donations to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 2999 Co Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643, US, or online at https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/donate.