He was a 1967 graduate of North High School in Columbus and received his BA degree from The Ohio State University in 1971 and his JD from Capital University Law School in 1974.
Known to family and friends as “Rick,” he was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1974 and was an attorney in private practice in Columbus until his recent retirement. He also held an adjunct appointment in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at OSU where he was a guest lecturer for students enrolled in the physical therapy program.
He was a member of the Columbus Bar Association for many years and provided pro bono time as a mentor to new attorneys participating in an internship program sponsored by CBA. In 2013 he received an award from CBA in recognition of his service to the program and to his profession.
Rick was an OSU Buckeye through and through, and proud to wear the scarlet and gray. He was a “walk-on” member of the football team during his undergraduate years and a lifelong fan. He also had a passion for reading and for travel, internationally and throughout the U.S.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lynn Allen Colby; brother Fred Colby and his wife Robyn Colby, brother Donald Colby and his wife Susanne Colby; 4 nieces Hannah and Daniel Reed, Lauren Colby and her spouse Rachel Parker, Elizabeth B. Colby, Danielle and Derek Opblinger, 3 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew. Rick always considered Lynn’s 3 nephews, Chad, Ryan and Will Allen to be a part of his extended family as well.
The family will receive guests from 10:00am – 12 Noon on Friday, August 8, 2025, at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon. He will be privately interred at Kingwood Memorial Park.
Please consider making a memorial gift to either of these organizations: The Ohio State University Foundation, (Lynn A and Richard D Colby Student Support Fund in Physical Therapy, acct #641365) 14 E. 15th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201 [email protected] or Canine Companions North Central Training Center, 7480 New Albany-Condit Rd, New Albany, OH 43054 https://canine.org/location/north-central/ .
