Richard L. Toland

Richard L. Toland, 76, of Littleton. Passed away May 13, 2008. He was a Martin-Marietta retiree. Husband of Iona. Father of 4, grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 2, with one on the way.

Rich was an engineer for Martin Marietta for 32 years and worked on some of our countries greatest space exploration projects. He was a part of the Titan Launch Vehicle program, Sky Lab, The Astronauts jet maneuvering backpack and most notable is the Mars Viking explorer. There is a Viking in the Smithsonian museum that is part of the 3 unit set. Two are on Mars as planned and this one has his finger prints on it as he was part of the team that during stress testing broke the extension arm making it the one selected to stay home.

He was an avid outdoorsman. Fishing and hunting at every opportunity. Always you would find him with a gun or fishing ole heading out with his sons in tow. As his father before him he said "take your boys fishing and hunting and you never have to hunt for your boys"

He loved the Rocky Mountains and said many times that they were as close to heaven as he could get in this life. The mountains showed him the grace and majesty of God.

A man of deep faith and family values. His tenacity to achieve what he set out to do is was what held his family together in hard times and especially in the good ones. His depth of character is reflected in the life he lived and shows in the lives and character of his children, grand children and is already evident in his great grand children.

His wife, Iona of 55 years was the love of his life. She is surrounded by their family and friends in this time of great sorrow.

It is difficult for us all to not have him with us each day. Knowing he has moved onto to a greater place helps especially knowing that rather than seeing God through his creation he can now see his face fully, up close and in person.

Celebration of Rich's life will be at 11:00AM Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Newcomer Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel. Officiating will be Mr. Donald Dale Toland. Interment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, with Military Honors by the U. S. Navy and the All Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers are his grandsons, Nathan R. Toland, Richard R. Toland, Matthew R. Toland and Patrick R. Toland.