Richard Lee Evans

Richard “Dick” Evans, 85, died at his home in Windsor, Colorado on April 10, 2023, after the chaos of rare mantle cell lymphoma.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Evans, and the love of his life, his wife Judy Evans. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Spencer) Rice, and grandchildren, Devon and Griffin Rice, his brother Ronald Evans, and his sister Janet Bax, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Dick liked to remind his daughter that he was the one born in a barn, so she should learn to close the doors. His grandmother, a midwife, delivered Dick and his brother, Ron, in her home and birthing center, a converted barn, in Englewood, Colorado. Raised in Englewood, Dick went to Hawthorne Elementary and then to Englewood Junior High and Englewood Senior High School. After graduating from high school, Dick went to the University of Colorado in Boulder. After spending a year at CU, Dick decided to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. During his time in the Coast Guard, Dick was stationed in the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, and California. After being honorably discharged, Dick returned to CU and earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Dick returned to Englewood and began his career working as an engineer in the telecommunications industry for Western Electric, Mountain Bell, and A.T.&T. While living and working in Englewood, Dick’s best friend, Ray Wegener, introduced him to Judy Crowell. Four months later, Dick and Judy were married, and they really did live happily ever after. Dick enjoyed his bowling league and he and Judy were active in the local Jeep Club. After nearly two years of marriage, they welcomed their only child, Pam. With the addition of a daughter, Dick took on many new roles. One of his favorites was that of soccer coach. From the Orange Ponies to the Shooting Stars, Dick spent countless hours learning the game of soccer. He learned the best drills, the newest line ups, and latest strategies. He read books on how to coach and learned how to support quixotic young girls through all manner of challenges. He also loved to play tennis and taught Pam how to play, as well. Weekends playing tennis with Ray O’Leary and bonus daughter, Colleen O’Leary (Finch), was a favorite activity. As activities expanded, Dick found himself busy as a Band Booster for the high school bands and attending games, concerts, and any number of events, always cheering for “his kids” as he and Judy thought of all the kids who made their way through the always open door at their home.

When Dick was in the Coast Guard, he picked up a bagpipe practice chanter somewhere along the way. The local community college had a “learn to play” class, so he decided he should learn. That was the beginning of the most colorful chapter yet. Dick loved to play the bagpipes and was very proud of his Scottish heritage. Dick was introduced to the City of Denver Pipe Band, and found himself surrounded by kindred, beautiful souls. Playing in Scotland at the Edinburgh Tattoo with these friends was one of his proudest moments.

After multiple back surgeries made playing the bagpipes too difficult, Dick returned to playing classical guitar. During COVID, he discovered YouTube classical guitar tutorials and online lessons, which helped him to continually learn and grow as a musician. In addition to music, Dick loved woodworking, making elaborate and complicated carvings, and was a voracious reader. After reluctantly learning how to use a Kindle during COVID days, Dick discovered he actually loved it. As he had read nearly all the hard copy books in the local library, this new Kindle threw open the doors to a nearly endless supply of books of every kind.

A memorial celebration of life followed by a reception will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Broomfield Community Center, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM.