Richard Perse

Richard Perse passed away on March 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Rich was born on December 18, 1954 to Dick and Helen Perse in Pueblo, Colorado. He graduated from Pueblo Central High School class of 1973. Out of high school he worked construction before becoming a scuba instructor, eventually leading him to live in San Diego while teaching before returning to Denver to continue in the scuba industry. Rich had a brief stint as a Fire Paramedic before founding his own company Heartsmart, Inc. in 1988, eventually he would serve on the board of directors for North Metro Fire Department before founding his own non-profit Play With Heart to help identify abnormal heart conditions in young athletes nationwide.

Rich married Nancy Near in August of 1990. They loved travelling, in their thirty years together they travelled all over the world, early on going to places like St. Lucia, Cozumel, Bonaire and Honduras to scuba dive. They went to Alaska twice, one being a cruise. Most recently they took a two-week cross-country trip in a rented RV for their thirtieth wedding anniversary. Rich was heavily involved in the community, most recently he was asked to join the board of directors for the Broomfield Veterans Museum. He loved to participate in the coaching of his son’s sports teams while they were growing up. Once they were in high school, he never missed a game and continued that when his youngest played football in college, travelling to every game regardless of the location. He was very proud of his oldest son’s service in the Marine Corps, going as far as painting the front door Marine Corps dress blue colors. Suzanne, his daughter, his little girl, was such a source of pride to him. He adored her so much. Rich was a great “Pops” to his grandchildren, always trying to make them laugh whether it was buying the top-of-the-line super soaker to battle them with or “accidentally” falling into the pool with them. Rich was always a dog lover, most recently spoiling Mambo, Eddy, and Remington daily. The Perse residence was a second home to many of his son’s friends as they were growing up thanks to Rich, he welcomed everyone with open arms and a witty joke when they came in the front door. Rich loved all sports and was a devoted fan to the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, Nuggets, and the Democratic Party.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Nancy Near-Perse; children Suzanne (Geoff), Matthew, and Daniel; grandchildren Zack, and Alaina; brothers Greg, Kurt (Anna) and Marc (deceased); brothers-in-law Dave (Karen) and Eric; nieces and nephews Justin (Lauren), Aimee, Adam, Taylor (deceased), Luke (Michelle), Lauryn (Nick), Devon and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Horan & McConaty, 7577 W. 80th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 5675 Field St. Arvada, CO 80002. Funeral Service will be live-streamed – please go to the homepage at peacelutheran.net and click on the TV-shaped icon with the word “Live” in the upper right corner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Rich’s honor to the Play With Heart Foundation by either: Venmo: @PlayWithHeart – once you search the account be sure to click on “Business” tab on the top of the screen. Checks can be sent to, P.O. Box 526 Broomfield, CO 80038