In Loving Memory of Our Dear Friend, Rick

There are moments in life when news is so unexpected and heartbreaking that it leaves you completely numb. Learning of Rick’s passing was one of those moments for Kris and me. We are deeply saddened and still struggling to comprehend that someone so full of life is no longer with us.

Although our friendship with Rick and Grace began about eight years ago, it never felt new. From the moment we met them during their visits with Lynn, Rob, Tessa, and Atlas, they became part of our 165th Street family. Rick had a warm smile, an easy laugh, and a genuine interest in everyone he met. It was easy to see why he was so loved.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Rick and Grace were sharing the joy of their fly-fishing adventure through Montana before arriving in Colorado to spend precious time with their daughter, Katie. We never imagined those happy updates would become such treasured memories.

Kris and Rick shared an instant connection. Whether at car shows or over breakfast at Jake’s in Snohomish, their conversations never seemed to end. Rick’s knowledge of classic cars was remarkable, but even more memorable was his kindness, humility, and generous spirit. Everywhere we went with him, people greeted him like an old friend. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

We also shared a love of dogs, and it was obvious from the first time we met Rio that Rick and his faithful Springer Spaniel shared a very special bond.

Our hearts ache for Grace, Katie, Lynn and Rob, Tessa and Atlas, and everyone blessed to call Rick husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy of kindness, laughter, friendship, and love will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Grace, please know that you and your family remain in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. We hope that, in time, you find comfort in knowing just how deeply Rick was admired, respected, and loved.

With our deepest love and heartfelt sympathies,

Kris & Cat

My earliest memories of Rick are when we met in middle school when he moved to Wheat Ridge from Pueblo.  I remember competing with and against him on the 8th grade b-ball team at Everett Jr High School.  Or was it 9th grade?  Anyway, a long time ago.  Rick didn’t take long to establish a reputation as a bad-ass fighter.  As a friend, you knew Rick had your back.  Always.  We went on to high school and freshman year of college at Fort Lewis.  We lost touch after that for a while, but once a friend, always a friend.  We were back in touch as young family men raising our families at the same time.  You always knew Rick’s love and passion for Grace and his beloved girls, and then for his treasured grand children.  I have a treasured period of a couple weeks when Rick shared his plumbing expertise with me while remodeling my house.  Most days ended with us knocking down some cocktails and story telling and laughing till we cried.  My enduring memory of Rick is that laugh. Weathered ball cap, squinted eyes behind those glasses, and unrestrained guttural laughter.  And he could spin a tale.  It was one gut-buster after another.  I miss those days.  And I learned enough to not have to not need to call him for the next one.  My heart goes out to you Grace and Lynne and Katie and his precious grand children that I know miss him dearly.  God bless Rick and all of you he loved so dearly

To Grace, all of us at Jake’s Cafe are holding you and your family so tight in our thoughts and prayers. You two are a wonderfully inspirational couple and family. 
 Rick was the type of man who ALWAYS came in with a smile and a kind word, truly a people person, ready to chat it up with anyone that sat near him at the coffee counter. 
 I was devastated when I heard I would no longer look up and see his smiling face as he sat for breakfast and asked about me, my family, my kids and whatever else we had last spoke about. 
 What a wonderful man and family, I am honored that we at Jake’s got to be part of his life. Thank you Rick, and Grace- we love you!

I was very sad when I heard of Rick‘s passing he always had a smile on his face when he came to Jakes. He brought a certain charisma to the counter. I enjoyed talking with him and Grace. Your whole family has been in my prayers. I will surely miss him.
Angela Rowland 
Server at Jakes Cafe

I think this was my parents anniversary .

My dad Rick and I. Rick played a lot of golf with my Dad.

Fishing on the miracle mile with his Dad. Sometimes really caught fish sometimes none, but always a good time.

Rode both street bikes and dirt bikes with Rick.

Rick was my hunting buddy, we knew each other for over 40 years, a true loyal friend im really going to miss this guy.

Sure loved having you at our Wild Times golf tournaments!

We only knew each other for a few years, but the friendships made on the golf course are truly special. It was a privilege to share so many Tuesday afternoons with you. You always brought good company, plenty of laughs, and your famous vodka iced tea in the gallon milk jug—it somehow made every round even better.

Jason, Jeff, and I will deeply miss you on the golf course and in our Tuesday foursome.

Our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.

Rick was a generous man with a big heart and a lifetime of stories. He loved his family and gladly shared stories of his children and grandchildren.  He would walk into a cafe and quickly become friends with the staff and customers.  He was also quite the "Mr. Fix-it" who volunteered his knowledge, experience and time to help people out with home projects, truck/equipment maintenance, or even crawling in mud under a cabin to diagnose and swap out a well pump pressure switch.

Our thoughts are with the entire Mihalco family as they grieve.  Rick's energy, spirit, and good nature will be remembered with a smile...and entertaining stories.

OBITUARY

Richard Nicholas Mihalco

July 8, 1959 – July 12, 2026

Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home

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