Richard Arthur Davis

Richard Arthur Davis, 85, of Lakewood, CO passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 18, 2025.

Richard was born on December 7, 1939, to Arthur and Dorothy Davis in Winthrop, MA. Throughout his life, he spoke fondly of growing up in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Deeply cherished memories included being part of the volunteer fire department, time spent on the farm near Alton Bay, NH, and piloting his boat around Lake Winnipesaukee.

After high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and began a life that would take him to multiple foreign countries and several states. 

A few years into his young military career he met the love of his life, Minnie (Bunni) Strickland, in Homestead, FL and they married in September 1961. During their 60+ years of marriage, Bunni and Richard lived in Florida, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, Hawaii (again), Mississippi, and Colorado. They had their first child, Lori, in 1962, followed by Ric in 1967 and Robert in 1971.

Richard was a devoted family man and even with the numerous demands and travel required by his career, Bunni and the children always felt nothing but his endless love and support. At any given time, Richard could be found participating in such things as Scout activities, attending his children’s school and sporting events, building rockets, coaching tee ball, and family getaways to cabins at Bellows Beach in Hawaii. He was also a grillmaster with both charcoal and gas.

For 32 years, Richard served in the military with distinction and achieved multiple honors. He retired from the Air Force in 1989, moved to Colorado, and started his federal career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Over time, he became the Operations Manager for his detachment. Later, after 15 years of working for the federal government, it was finally time to retire for good and enjoy life with Bunni.

Richard loved working with his hands, especially projects where he could build or fix things. Woodwork, cars, electrical projects…there was nothing he couldn’t do, and there was also no hardware store he didn’t love to visit. He even built the living room television the family used in the late 1970s through mid-1980s. Richard also loved animals…especially dogs…and at any given time over the years, the family had dogs, fish, birds, and rabbits, among other pets. They even fostered a duck one summer. Other interests included new gadgets, puzzles, travel, music (especially Willie Nelson), movies, and sports (Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies). An occasional cold beer after a day spent working in the yard was also a welcome treat.

 He will be missed dearly. 

Richard was predeceased by his wife Bunni, daughter Lori, his father, and his mother. He is survived by his sons Ric (and wife Evelyn) and Rob of Lakewood, CO, as well as his sister Joanne Bernard of Dover, NH.