Richard John Thornton

In loving memory of Richard John Thornton, loving husband, incredible dad, fun-loving Papa, supportive sibling, and loyal son. After a brief and courageous battle with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, Rick passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024 surrounded by his Colorado family.  He was 76 years old.   

Born on January 27, 1948, in Kingston, NY, Rick was the eldest child of Richard and Marion Thornton. Rick was a rambunctious child with a streak of mischief, once taking the screws out of the kitchen cabinets and giggling as the cabinet door came entirely off when his mother went to open it.  Rick was a proud big brother to Janet and Steve.

After graduating high school, Rick went on to achieve a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Northeastern University and later, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado.  He spent most of his engineering career with Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. (now known as CDM Smith) where his responsibilities grew from project engineer to Senior Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Region.  Rick also enjoyed singing with the “Camp Tones,” CDM’s “world famous” acapella group.

In 1967, while attending Northeastern University, Rick met the love of his life, Wendy.  Rick recently described the day he met Wendy as one of the most magical moments of his lifetime.  Rick and Wendy married on October 10, 1970, in North Andover, Massachusetts. Rick and Wendy built a loving family and enjoyed a 54-year marriage filled with adventure, joy, and love.  

In 1972, Rick and Wendy welcomed their son, Ryan.  Soon after, in 1973, Rick accepted an opportunity to move to Colorado as part of CDM’s new Denver office.  The move was a brave, adventurous, and fruitful transition for the family.  Within a few years of the move, Rick’s daughter, Jill, was born.  Despite the distance from their extended families, Rick and Wendy traveled out east with Ryan and Jill most summers to visit, enjoying 4th of July parades in Saugerties with Rick’s family and soaking up the sun with Wendy’s family at east coast beaches.

In 2002, Rick was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Cassie, followed by Colin in 2004, Aedan and Sage in 2006, and Cara in 2007.  Rick was lovingly called “Papa” and was the apple of his grandchildren’s eyes, playing with the choo-choo trains, making silly jokes, sharing his secret stash of cookies with them, “helping” them settle down and go to sleep in Westcliffe by “telling Papa a story” (Papa was the one to fall asleep), helping them learn to drive, and supporting their dreams.

Rick loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hikes and breathing the mountain air in Westcliffe, Colorado.  He loved to travel, visiting countries on all seven continents, experiencing a wide range of cultures, and nurturing his sense of adventure.

Rick was also a train collector extraordinaire, beginning in his childhood.  Lionel trains were his favorite.  He loved to create complex train layouts, with lots of buildings, bells, and whistles.  Rick was a loyal member of the Colorado Toy Train Foundation, where he enjoyed camaraderie and friendship with fellow train lovers.

Most of all, Rick loved his family and friends. He joyfully welcomed visitors with a Martini, glass of wine, or other “libation”.  Rick had a witty and fun sense of humor, always creating jovial laughter and good memories. 

Rick was steadfast and unconditionally supportive.  He provided for, protected, and loved us all well.  He will be deeply missed, always remembered, and eternally loved and held close in our hearts.  May he rest in peace…with a little bit of mischief.

Rick’s family will host a celebration of life in Spring 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s name to the Colorado Toy Train Foundation: 171 South Van Gordon, Unit A; Lakewood, CO 80228.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard John Thornton, please visit our floral store.