Richard "Rick" Alan Birney

Richard (“Rick”) Alan Birney passed away on September 28, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Aurora, Colorado, following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on November 25, 1947, in Iowa, Rick was the son of the late Martha Heikkila Birney and Richard Birney, and brother of Barbara Birney Gordon and Don Birney.

Rick spent his early years in Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Benson High School, graduating in 1965. From there, he continued his education at Iowa State University, followed by the University of California at Berkeley. Rick earned his master’s degree in engineering and computer science in 1970 – one of the earliest computer science degrees earned in the United States.

Rick’s early life was one of significant adventure, growing up in a very progressive time of cultural change in the U.S. In 1969, Rick was drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, ultimately receiving an academic deferment due to his college enrollment. Around the same time, while walking on Berkeley’s campus, he vividly remembers one day sitting down and listening to an incredible guitarist playing alone outside a coffee shop – that guitarist was B.B. King. After graduation, while working in New Jersey, Rick was convinced by his friends to attend a music festival in Bethel, New York. Without knowing it at the time, the festival would become known as Woodstock. Rick’s fondest memory of the show was waking from a nap on the lawn to Jimi Hendrix walking onstage, as well as seeing his other favorite classic rock artists. Additionally, Rick took a trip in the late 1960s to Chicago with friends. Again, by happenstance, he was there to witness the opening day of the trial of the Chicago Seven.

Rick began his professional career at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. One summer, he was offered a temporary, two-month assignment at the same company in Denver, Colorado. He fell in love with the mountains quickly and never returned to New Jersey upon completing his assignment. Rick continued his career in Colorado at Bell (renamed Lucent Technologies), where he worked for over 30 years, followed by stints at Qwest Corporation and Lockheed Martin, where he retired in the early 2010s. Rick took immense pride in helping pioneer new technologies during a period of tremendous technological development.

Rick embraced an athletic spirit throughout his life. Growing up, he played baseball and basketball; as he matured, he spent significant time racing motocross bikes and playing competitive volleyball. However, his primary passions were skiing, hiking, and cycling. It was through these passions that he met his soulmate, Marsha, during the 1992 Elephant Rock Century bicycle ride. Together, they traveled the world, completing a bicycle tour in New Zealand that same year. They were married on July 3, 1993, and continued to share a life full of adventure through their favorite activities. Their shared love of cycling took them on numerous tours, including Ride the Rockies, Pedal the Peaks, and Heartcycle tours in upstate New York, Vermont, and the San Juan Islands, all on their tandem bicycle. Additionally, they often skied together and hiked almost all 58 of Colorado’s fourteeners.

Rick’s favorite activity was skiing – he spent a week at Mike Wiegele’s Heli-Skiing operation in British Columbia and enjoyed a snowcat tour with Marsha near Crested Butte, both of which he recounted fondly. Additionally, he ventured on many trips with his friends to some of the most popular peaks in the U.S. and Canada. In the late 1990s, Rick and Marsha purchased a townhome in Frisco, Colorado, where they could ski at every opportunity. With their newborn son, Nicholas, they skied as a family at Vail, forming strong bonds and making countless memories. In Frisco, the family continued to pursue their passions for skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, attending concerts, and soaking in the beauty of the mountains – their happy place. He also enjoyed hosting family from out of town in Frisco, creating many wonderful memories.

Upon retirement, Rick volunteered in many of Nicholas’ endeavors, including volunteering as a coach for his soccer and lacrosse teams, volunteering at his swim meets, and supporting his teams and schools to the maximum possible extent. As a family, they particularly enjoyed trips to the Mediterranean and Alaska. In his newfound free time, Rick took up a special interest in pickleball, playing multiple times a week, even throughout his cancer treatment. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and social aspect, making lifelong friends both in Denver and Summit County. In keeping with his athletic spirit, he played in multiple tournaments, including the national championships in Indian Wells, California in 2022 and Dallas, Texas in 2023 – he came in second place.

Rick is survived by his son, Nicholas; brother, Don (Sue) Birney; sister, Barbara (Jack) Gordon; nephew Jon (Molly) Birney; niece Erin (Dylan) Jose; nephew Patrick (Heidi) Gordon; niece Maureen (Daniel) Guthrie; and son Ron Birney. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Nicholas and niece Olivia (Erick) Estela.

Memorial services will take place in Denver in the coming weeks, followed by an inurnment in Summit County, CO, in 2027. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Rick’s honor.

Rick will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his life of adventure continue.