Obituary of Brian A. Rich

Brian A. Rich

1939 – 2023

Brian Abbott Rich of Arvada, Colorado passed away on February 16, 2023 at the age of 83 from Interstitial Lung Disease. Brian is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie Rich, Brent Rich (son), Lori Lantz (daughter), Jon Lantz (father of Grace and Brian Lantz), Grace Lantz (granddaughter) and Brian Lantz (grandson), Norman Rich (brother), Nan Rich (sister-in-law).

Originally from Falmouth Foreside, Maine, Brian served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960 and spent most of his service stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. After the Army, Brian attended Dana College in Nebraska where he received a scholarship as a pitcher, and proudly threw a rare no-hitter. It is also where he met Connie and they were married in 1962. After he graduated, they moved to Rosendale, NY for his first job teaching high school science. They moved to Colorado in 1965 where he started his career teaching in the Mapleton school district. He began as a physical education and science teacher at Valley View Elementary. After receiving his Masters of Science degree in School Administration at the University of Northern Colorado in 1970, he became the Principal at Valley View Elementary. He moved to high school administration when he became the Assistant Principal at Highland High School, and later the Principal of Mapleton High School. He retired from education in 1986 and enjoyed several fun jobs in his retirement. The longest being his 25 years as a part time employee at the West Woods Golf Course in Arvada.

While Brian was passionate about his career which impacted the lives of hundreds of students and teachers, he also had many hobbies and personal passions. He was fiercely loyal to his many circles of friends and planned many events, parties and travel adventures with them. He coached little league football where he made life long friends. He was very active in the Holy Cross Lutheran Church congregation where he gave of his time and talent in numerous ways. He was a “song and dance man” who loved singing Barbershop music in a chorus and a quartet. He loved to sail and travel across the U.S. in his travel trailer. He enjoyed many years at the A-Frame in Leadville, CO. He never lost his love for the state of Maine and spent a majority of his summers there. Many friends and family experienced the beauty, culture and cuisine of Maine as his travel companions. He was a talented oil painter who loved sharing his art with friends and family. He loved playing golf and organized the O’Rich’inal Golf Tournament for 24 years. He adored his grandchildren, Grace and Brian (his namesake) and dedicated so much of his time to their care and supporting their many activities. He was a beloved and fun Poppy.

Brian was an inspiration to so many people who loved him and were loved by him. His family is so grateful for the thousands of happy memories of him. So much laughter. He loved his life and all the people in it, and lived his 83 years fully to the end.

Not long ago, Brian wrote, “My spirit will forever wander with the gentle breezes through the aspens at Leadville a-frame and along the coast of Maine with the calm waters at Town Landing to the crashing surf at Pemaquid Point. That is where you’ll find me.”

Brian’s Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 2:00pm with a reception immediately following. 4500 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Please note there is extensive construction on Wadsworth so please allow extra time. If you wish to make a donation his memory, please donate to the Mapleton Education Foundation at https://mapletonedfoundation.org/donate.html or mail to 6951 Fox Way, Denver, CO 80221.