Jeffrey Benjamin Rishel

Jeff Rishel was born in Wichita, KS on January 17, 1979 to John B. Rishel III (deceased) and Cindy Jo Rishel. Jeff moved with his parents and two older brothers (Jeremy and Jamie), at the tender age of 4 months, to Denver, CO. Jeff attended elementary school (Warder), middle school (Moore Middle School) and high school (Standley Lake High School) in Arvada and Westminster, CO. While at Standley Lake High School, Jeff lettered in Golf and in Drama as a sophomore.

As a sophomore at Standley Lake High School, Jeff lettered in Golf and in Drama. In 1995,

before his junior year in high school, Jeff moved with his parents and younger brother, Jordan, to Tucson, AZ. He attended Canyon del Oro High School, graduating with honors in 1997. While at CDO, Jeff auditioned and was selected to join the elite groups of Canyon Players and Canyon Singers. He had a natural gift for entertaining and his wry sense of humor and ability to communicate with others was deeply appreciated.

Following high school graduation, Jeff joined the Army serving in the 82nd Airborne division with distinction. He was a specialist in military intelligence and served overseas in Kosovo. Jeff was recognized for completing the British Tactical Questioning Course at Ft. Bragg; was awarded the NATO Medal for Service with NATO Operations in Relation to Kosovo from February 2001 – May 2001; and received the Army Commendation medal for his work with the Military Intelligence Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division.

Jeff returned to Tucson, following his active-duty service and briefly attended the University of Arizona. He worked as a golf professional at the then El Conquistador resort hotel for several months. Jeff then found his true professional calling when he began his career in the automobile sales industry. Jeff spent over 20 years in this industry holding positions of sales manager and finance manager for car dealerships in Tucson and in San Diego, CA.

While in Tucson, Jeff met his future partner, Frankie Mendoza (deceased). They shared many wonderful experiences both in Tucson and San Diego.

Jeff was a natural athlete, excelling in many sports. Jeff spent many weekends when he was growing up skiing with the family or with his brothers. He was an exceptional downhill skier, with the Drunken Frenchman and Gandy Dancer at Mary Jane ski resort and the Back Bowls at Vail ski resort as some of his favorite runs. Any run with lots of moguls appealed to him and pushed his abilities as a downhill skier. While living in Tucson, Jeff was hired to be a member of the Mt. Lemmon ski patrol, in recognition of his overall skill in downhill skiing.

Jeff was also an accomplished golfer (earning his initial professional card while in Tucson). He spent many weekends playing golf with his Father, joined the Old Pueblo golf club after the family moved to Tucson and, with his Father as his partner, won their annual 500 Tournament. Jeff’s favorite pro golfer was Tiger Woods. Jeff and his Father were able to attend the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, CA in 2010. Lots of great family stories were shared

about their adventures during that trip. Jeff was also a skilled baseball player and participated in competitive little league while living in Arvada, CO.

Jeff enjoyed playing bridge with his family, always exhibiting his natural card playing instincts. He was a fearsome competitor at the bridge table, occasionally drawing the ire of his brothers when he partnered with his Father.

Jeff was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, beginning when the family had season tickets to the Broncos’ games. He often attended games with his parents and followed the team closely. As a true fan, he was hoping for a Super Bowl appearance this year.

Jeff is survived by his Mother, Cindy; oldest brother Jeremy (wife Heather) of San Francisco, CA; next oldest brother Jamie of San Diego, CA; and younger brother Jordan (wife Samantha) of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by nieces Kennedy (of Phoenix) and Hannah (of San Francisco) and nephews M, Jupiter, Rigel and Anders (all of San Francisco).