Richard dall Lee Shanholtzer

Ken was born on July 7, 1935 in Augusta, West Virginia and was called home on December 1, 2010 in Littleton, Colorado. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughter, Kristin and son-in-law, Jeff; siblings Reggie, John, and Donna; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly. Preceded in death by his parents, George William and Martha Ellen Topper Shanholtzer; five brothers, Chuck, George, Jr., Lester, Jim, and Kenneth; and four sisters, Jean, Eileen, Norma, and Gladys. Ken served in the United States Air Force for ten years, during which time he and Pat were married on December 10, 1960. In 1963, they moved to Colorado where he began a new career in cosmetology, working with his brother Reggie. In February of 1971, Ken and Pat welcomed their precious daughter, Kristin, into their lives. Kristin and Pat were the light of his life, and he showered them with his love. He loved Kristin and Jeff's ""puppies,"" Monty and Libby, and always wanted to know when they would be coming to stay for a few days. Growing up in the hills of West Virginia, Ken developed a life-long love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He was very knowledgeable about airplanes and enjoyed sharing his love of aviation with family and friends. Ken visited air museums whenever he had an opportunity. He was an avid reader, in particular of American history and anything about the military, especially fiction by W.E.B. Griffin. Growing up on a farm in West Virginia, he had a natural ""green thumb"" and was very happy when he had his hands in the soil. We want to express our love and special thanks to everyone who showed their love for Ken through their visits, phone calls, cards, and especially prayers. We were blessed with visits from many family members (most from out-of-state and some who came many times) to be part of this journey and who brought their individual love and encouragement to us. Ken had a special love for each one of them and never hesitated to let them know. We want to single out and acknowledge two family members. First, brother Reggie. They worked, fished, hunted, camped and joked together these past 47 years. When they were in the same room you were guaranteed a ""unique"" experience. They shared many special times during this journey - going out to breakfast, visiting with a cup of coffee and talking about their lives. Their brothers' bond could not be broken. Second, a very special and devoted young man in Ken's life, one whom he called ""my boy"" and who brought enormous joy to him, great nephew, Chuckie, from Front Royal, Virginia, and a student at Virginia Tech. He was at Ken's side on many occasions, including two Christmas holidays during the last three and one-half years from the onset of his illness until two days before he went home. They joked, laughed, cried, and shared their love for each other and for the outdoors and nature. We think of Chuckie as our ""grandson."" In addition to his very large family, Ken developed life-long friendships through his and Pat's work, neighbors, and hunting and fishing activities. Ken called all of them ""his people"" and he always said in parting, ""God bless you!"" A Memorial Service followed by a Reception to be held Thursday, December 9, 2010, 10:00 a.m., both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (one block to the west of Holly Street), in Centennial, Colorado. Military Interment follows at 1:15 p.m., Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, in Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are being suggested to the charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Ken and condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below.