Richard Lee Conklin

Denver native Richard Conklin passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family. It was heartening to know that he reunited with his wife of 73 years, Bev (Nash) Conklin, a true love story, as he was still grieving her passing 20 days earlier. Rich and wife Bev were classmates since they met in 3rd grade. They graduated from South High School (class of 1949) where Rich was Head Boy and state wrestling champion. Rich and his identical twin brother Rob served in the Navy in Korea, then he earned his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees while attending the University of Denver. Rich and Bev raised their four children in Denver. Rich dedicated his career to Denver Public Schools. He was a hands-on leader who valued all students and staff equally. He began teaching P.E. at Columbine Elementary and taught P.E. and American History and coached wrestling, gymnastics, tennis, and golf at Kepner Jr. High and Manual High School. As a former wrestler, Rich especially enjoyed coaching wrestling at Manual and leading the team to state level success. Rich went on to become Assistant Principal and Principal at Gove Jr. High and North, John F. Kennedy, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools. He was inducted into the Denver Prep League Hall of Fame and was on the Board of the Denver Teachers’ Club. Rich was witty, charismatic, and personable, stopping to shake hands and exchange cordial conversation with everyone in his path. Rich and Bev lived in Tucson and Prescott Valley, AZ in their retirement years, returning to Denver in 2020 to spend time with family and reconnect with friends while making new friends at Brookdale Tamarac Square. Rich is predeceased by his wife Bev, son David, brother and sister-in-law Rob and Shirley Conklin, sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Ray McNeley, and sister-in-law Katy Conklin. He is survived by his daughters Debby, Brenda, and Sharon, brother Ken, grandchildren Eric, Melinda, Nick, and Anthony, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bruce and Sandy Nash, several nieces and nephews, and longtime family friend Laverne Williams. A special thanks to skilled and compassionate caretakers for Rich and Bev, Vanessa Maestas, Yolanda Adams, and Ericka Lozano, and the home hospice staff. Donations may be sent to the Denver Teachers’ Club Assistance Fund, 1617 S. Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223. A public committal service with military honors will be held for both Rich and Bev on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:30 sharp at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Shelter B. Please gather by 11:15 at Staging Area B Parking. Following this service, Rich and Bev’s friends and colleagues are invited to a Celebration of Life at 1:00 at Brookdale Tamarac Square, 8030 E. Girard Ave., in the Lounge.