Gordon Richards

Gordon Jack Richards, 85, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away December 28, 2020. He was born March 15, 1935 in Norfolk, Nebraska to John Gotlieb and Myrtle Evelyn Sandin Richards.

He attended high school in Alma, Nebraska and was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball and golf. Gordon was the quarterback for his high school football team and celebrated many successes both on and off the field. Following graduation in 1952, he attended the University of Nebraska and earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1956. Shortly after, Gordon enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea. Upon returning home, he began working for General Telephone in Missouri.

During this time, he met Shirley Rhea Carlton who lived in his apartment building. They fell in love and were married in April of 1960. Their son David was born prematurely later that year and passed away shortly after birth. The couple moved to Colorado and their son Greg was born in 1965. After living in many cities, they found a new home together in Loveland. Sadly, Shirley passed away in September of 1998. Gordon continued living there until he moved to Aurora in 2010 to be closer to his grandchildren.

For much of his professional life, Gordon worked as an insurance salesman for Allstate and retired from the company in 1994. He spent his retirement years playing golf, participating in tournaments and learning the game of ping pong. While living in Loveland, he obtained a glider license and loved everything related to aviation and flying. Gordon was also a talented musician and spent time playing beautiful music on his beloved piano. He also enjoyed attending concerts and visiting mountain towns. Those who knew him loved his charming personality and engaging conversations. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Gordon is survived by his son, Greg Richards (wife, Jennifer); grandchildren, Alec and Madison Richards; sister, Cathy Bishop Campbell (husband, Don); nieces, Pippin and Stephani; nephew John; and his dear friend and companion, Nan Stevens.

He will be laid to rest at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts

– and we are never ever the same.

~ Anonymous