A 2007 graduate of Rocky Mountain High School, Rick loved school and sports. He was heavily active in football and hockey. After graduating, Rick accepted an apprenticeship with Colorado State University where he worked as an electrician and plumbing journeyman. This inspired him to learn more, so he became certified through the Front Range Community College trade school program. He eventually became employed with various event rental companies - Flexx, Best, RC - that helped him further and better his craft. He took pride in helping create a lifetime of memories for people. It fulfilled him personally, professionally, and spiritually to bring others joy. When he wasn't working or watching sports, Rick loved being outdoors.
His relationship with God was a priority to him and his actions in life spoke to this. All the ups and downs he faced only made him grow stronger in his faith. He was an avid parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fort Collins and loved supporting his church family and community. Giving back was important to him.
Rick was a man full of amazing virtues and attributes; he was compassionate, kind, and generous. He leaves behind an incredible legacy, fueled by the wonderful memories so many will have of him. He touched a lot of lives - both in big and small ways. He will always be loved and never be forgotten. The next time you come across the numbers "8:18" or "18" or even just a person in need, know that that's Rick's way of saying he's here with you and that he's OK; that everything will be OK.
Rick is survived by his mother, Amye Barraza; father, Henry Barraza; sister and brother-in-law, Cierra Gutierrez-Simmons and Chris Simmons; brothers, Blake and Aiden Barraza; nephews, Mateo and Mason; niece, Madison; maternal grandparents, Elias and Josephine Martinez; paternal grandparents, Henry Sr. and Sylvia Barraza; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family was everything to him and he was everything to family.
Please keep his family and friends in your prayers as they navigate this difficult time. You are welcome to light a candle or share your own stories and memories of Rick below.
We leave you with letters from Rick's biggest fans: his mother, his father, and his sister:
1) Thank you all for coming and for wearing your sports attire for Rick's Celebration of Life. Rick was such an enthusiast and sports fanatic. He loved all sports and was supportive of all the Colorado teams, especially the Denver Broncos. He would be so honored and absolutely amazed so many of you wore orange and blue. Go Broncos! He also loved all of you for who you are, regardless of what team you rooted for - even if you're a Raiders or Cowboys fan. He absolutely loved the energy and fun that football and hockey brought to him.
There is no preparation for a time like this. I thought I'd have it together, but I don't. I am devastated and my heart is broken. Losing my son suddenly is overwhelmingly shocking. There are so many things to say, yet I can't seem to say the right thing.
My Rick, my sweet, gentle son, oh my goodness, how I loved and love you. I was blessed to have had you for the time I did. You were such an amazing and wonderful son; I could not have asked for a better one. To describe you as polite is an understatement. You had such a big heart and were so pure in spirit. Compassionate, loving, respectful, and honest - these were virtues you carried throughout your life.
You were my big teddy bear; everything you did was with love and you never expected anything in return. Your generosity overflowed and your concern for others always preceded your own. You were everybody's best friend.
You also had such a great work ethic and your motto was to "always show up". Dependable and reliable, everyone could always count on you.
The most important thing to you was God. With your faith, you did all things well. You were so determined and never gave up. You believed that with Him, all things were indeed possible. You overcame so much and you carried your own cross in this life.
You loved your family unconditionally and you would do anything for them. You were the best brother to your sister, Cierra, and brothers, Blake and Aiden. You wanted everyone to be happy and to show love for one another. If you had the opportunity to bring someone together, you would.
You lived in the moment and you were so kind to everyone you met. Your true happiness was being with people and you brought laughter and light everywhere you went.
Never do I remember you holding a grudge towards anyone; you had such a forgiving nature. You truly made this world a better place.
I am so proud to have been your mother. Thank you for loving me and for being such a strong son and always taking care of me. "The little things were the big things" and I have learned that from you. Rick, I will always remember and carry you in my heart and try my best to live your legacy. My love for you is enduring.
Rest in peace, my dear Rick, for I know you struggled physically on this earth and sometimes your pain was unbearable. Now God holds you in His arms and He has taken away this burden and there is no more pain.
Your favorite biblical verse [Romans 8:18] that resonated in your heart means so much to me now: "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
My boy, you were born on the 8th day and the Lord called you home on the 18th day; these numbers are so significant.
Love you forever, Mom
2) Hello,
First I want to thank you for your support, your love, and help as we go through this difficult time. Rick would be so happy see all you here.
Rick loved family gatherings and being around friends. Rick had a BIG heart, he always thought of others first. He was always smiling and his little laugh was contagious.
Rick was an amazing son. He was loving, caring, and dependable. I will miss him very much.
He was full of light and even now his light still shines.
I love you Rick and until I see you again in Heaven.
I’d like to close with a quote:
Goodbyes are
only for those
who love with
their eyes.
Because for
those who love
with heart and
soul there is no
such thing as
separation.
Love, Dad
3) To my family and friends,
Thank you for your continued outpour of love and support.
Rick was one of my greatest blessings. God made me his sister because He knew I needed him. Rick taught me love and kindness. He taught me to never give up and to always find the positive side of things. He lived a life with God and love at the center. His faith was unwavering despite the hardships he faced.
Rick was dependable, consistent, compassionate, generous, a hard worker, and even had the best sense of humor. He truly had a heart of gold. He gave everything he had to those he loved without hesitation and never expected anything in return. It did not matter when or what it was, Rick was there. You could always count on him to “show up.”
Rick was always proud of who he was and always brought a smile to my face. He would always call me to tell me about his day or to see if I was watching the Broncos play. Whenever we would come to Colorado, he always wanted to know where we were so he could meet us. He just wanted to be with us.
He was the best Uncle to our children and I know his memory will live on with them forever. He taught Mateo how to cut the grass and was even there for his first flight lesson. He always tried to remind Mason to be good and always loved hugging Sumi.
Rick was the best brother I could have asked for. While my heart is broken, I will cherish every memory with him and do everything I can to ensure his love lives on.
Don’t think of him as gone away
His journey’s just begun,
Life holds so many facets
The earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much!
My dear Brother, Rick, now that you are gone
You’re no longer here to share
The bond we had together -
A bond of love and care.
Yet, somehow something tells me
You are watching over me -
Now that from Worldly cares
You finally are free.
I miss you so very much,
And my tears I cannot hide
Yet, within my heart, I feel
You are always by my side.
Ever since you went to Heaven
Life has never been the same
Yet, it comforts me to know
That one day we’ll meet again.
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will reveal to us later. -Romans 8:18
I love you forever, Brother
Love, Cierra
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