Richard V. Mckinley

Richard V. "Dick" McKinley, 78, a lifelong Colorado resident, died January 29, 2010 at Lutheran Medical Center's Collier Hospice Center.

He succumbed after a three month battle with cancer. Family members were with him from the time he entered St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment.

He was born in Denver to Theron and Ethel McKinley on November 21, 1931. He attended South High School and the University of Denver.

Long interested in mechanics, automobiles, trains, and trucks, he began with technical training in aircraft mechanics and later, became well-versed in engines of all types. He enjoyed model-making, cooking, collecting and construction of unique creations that relatives and friends admired.

His father died when he was twelve and he spent considerable time assisting and caring for his mother through her life. He called her everyday, almost always about 6:00 p.m.

Dick worked in sales specializing in floor coverings and mattress products. In later years, he owned and operated heavy equipment. He was skilled in work with backhoes, front-end loaders, and large trucks.

He was a well-loved father by his two children, Laurie Tatlock, and Bill McKinley, both of Denver, whom he had with his first wife, Peg.

In 1993, he married Diane Overton in Casper, Wyoming, and was devoted to her and her four daughters. They had 23 years of an uplifting life together and he was very close to her children, grandchildren, and family.

He is survived by his wife Diane; brother Don and his wife Ruth; daughter Laurie and her husband John and daughters Beth and Erin; and his son Bill. He is also survived by Diane's daughters Michelle Kranker and her husband Steve and children Keith and his wife Dayna and daughter Lindsay; Brenda Wallner and her husband Mike and children Taylor and Katie; Kelly Haase and her children Jordan, Henry and Dylan; and Stephanie Gulbranson and her husband Tim and daughter Ashley.