Richard Dean Ganstine, 73, passed away on July 6, 2020. He was born on November 6, 1946, to Percy and Gretchen Ganstine in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Richard and his brothers Robert and Dennis grew up in a military family, living not only in the United States but Japan and Turkey as well. After graduating from high school in Elk City, Oklahoma, in 1964, he went on to study at Oklahoma State University and served during Vietnam as a member of the US Army Special Forces.
After moving to Colorado Springs, he graduated from nursing school and then finished with a degree in psychology at UCCS. He worked as a forensic psychiatric nurse at the State Hospital until his retirement.
Richard met Janie Rhyne and wed in 1975, sharing 45 years of marriage raising Jenn and Chris. He was a quiet, soft-spoken man with a dry sense of humor who deeply loved his family. Whether it was diving with Jenn and Chris in Hawaii, hiking in the mountains, cruising to Venezuela or watching their school and sports events, he was always there for them, with Janie by his side.
After retiring in 2004, Richard continued his love of traveling and photography and he and Janie spent many years enjoying these interests. One of his favorite spots was San Miguel Allende, Mexico, where he took such beautiful photographs that he sold them in the park, many times giving them away. He loved the Spanish language (many times embarrassing his kids by ordering in Spanish at Mexican restaurants!) and enjoyed living in Costa Rica for a month, studying at a language institute.
Whether it was climbing a pyramid in Guatemala, sailing on an America’s Cup yacht, crossing the Panama Canal and cruising to South America, or traveling throughout Spain for a month with only a carryon, he always had his camera. Jenn is now the family photographer, adding Richard’s camera to her collection and Chris continues Richard’s love of flight, hoping to get the pilot’s license Richard always dreamed of.
Richard was a dedicated volunteer: He served many years as Rescue 12 with El Paso Search & Rescue. His love of animals and medicine led him to assist in the surgery center at the Humane Society and he also helped with the studying of birds and their nesting patterns in several State Parks for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. He especially loved volunteering to care for his grandpets!
Richard is predeceased by his parents and his brother Dennis. He is survived by his wife Janie; his children Jennifer (Josie) and Christopher (Amanda); his twin brother Robert (Nancy); and other family and friends.
No services are planned. Richard’s family will honor his love of nature by scattering his ashes at his favorite spots: the mountains and the sea.
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