Richard was born on July 3, 1933, in Billings Montana to Jacob Henry Bliss (died 1975) and Berniece Alberta (Kindig) Bliss (died 1945). He grew up in Montana during the Great Depression and learned from a very early age to work hard and live conservatively. These attributes served him well when, in 1951, at age 17, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. During his 4 years in the Air Force, Richard was stationed in Alabama, Texas, Arizona, and Korea. He excelled and was promoted several times. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955 he had achieved Staff Sergeant. While in the military, he took correspondence courses toward a college degree. Afterward, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with honors) at the University of Montana where he met Marietta (Morse) Bliss on a blind date. They married six months later, on March 24, 1957, in Marietta’s hometown of Anaconda Montana. They settled in Longmont Colorado in 1960 where they raised their three children.
Richard was a CPA and was also involved in the ownership and management of several dozen smaller companies in Colorado and Wyoming, both private and public, in the financial services, manufacturing, retail, real estate and construction sectors. When not working, he enjoyed walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with his family.
Richard is survived by his wife – Marietta (Morse) Bliss; three children – Robert Jacob Bliss (wife Barbara Hollenberger Bliss), Randall James Bliss (former wife Heidemarie Miller Bliss) and Richelle Jeanette Bliss; grandchildren – Olivia Rose Bliss and Audrey Lorraine Bliss; greatgrandchild – Lillian Mae Ludewig; and sister – Donna (Bliss) Morrow (husband Phillip Morrow).
True to his conservative roots and per Richard’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. If you wish to honor his memory donate to Tru Community Care, 2594 Trailridge Dr E, Lafayette, CO 80026 or www.trucare.org
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