Richard Doran

Richard Kannaly Doran passed away peacefully on January 28, 2022 in the care of Denver Metro Hospice.

Richard was born on March 12, 1942, the first of 6 children born to Joseph K. Doran and Doris R. Gustin, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, prior to his father’s deployment to north Africa. Following World War II, his parents moved to rural Cleveland, Ohio, where Richard graduated from Orange High School in 1960.  Following his graduation, he attended The Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Mineralogy.  His four years at “Mines” triggered a life-long association with the college and a career in the mineral/petroleum mining industry spanning the better part of five decades.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and completed a two-year assignment at the Philadelphia Arsenal working on weapons research.  It was during his work in Philadelphia that he met and married his ultimate life partner, Susan Smiley.  Richard and Susan were married in Philadelphia on November 30, 1968, beginning a 52-year marriage which ended with Susan’s death on March 31, 2021.

Following his military discharge, Richard completed an MS degree in Mineral Economics at The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania.  Following the award of his graduate degree, Richard pursued a career evaluating mining projects that carried Susan and him from Denver to California, then to Connecticut, and finally back to their ultimate home in Denver.  In the wake of several career moves, Richard and Susan raised two daughters, Jennifer and Sarena. With his career involving considerable international travel and time away from home, Susan maintained the various “home fronts.”

During his time away from work, Richard enjoyed the mountains of Colorado, especially fly fishing on the South Platte River, along with camping and fishing along the Minnesota/Ontario border waters with brothers and grandsons.  Most of all, he relished the time spent with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, siblings and grandchildren at numerous family reunions, usually involving fishing.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents, and three siblings:  Sarena (Dan) Lecon, David (DeAnn Suchomel) Doran, and Michael (Deborah) Doran.  He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Ross and Sarena (Jason) Cassino, grandchildren Jonathon Ross, Thomas Ross, Emma Cassino and Tobey Cassino, along with brothers Joseph Jr. (Carlotta) Doran and Peter (Melissa) Doran, and numerous nieces and nephews.

During his life, his career and his travels, Richard touched and influenced many individuals; he was a good man and will truly be missed.  He now rests in peace.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at the Shrine of St. Anne’s in Old Town Arvada, Colorado, with a burial following for both Richard and Susan at Fort Logan, Denver, Colorado this summer.  There will also be a celebration of life this summer.