Rickey Duane Clark

After a lengthy illness, Rickey Duane Clark, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, comforted by his loving wife at his side, at the Veterans Community Living Center in Aurora, Colorado.

Born in Denver on October 30, 1947, Rickey was the first of two sons born to the late Frank and Vernie Clark.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1966, Rick joined the Navy, training at Port Hueneme in Ventura County, California. He served two years active duty in Da Nang, Vietnam and in Okinawa, Japan, as a member of the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees. For his honorable service, he earned his Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze star. His name appears on the Orange Heart Memorial in Springfield, Tennessee.

Returning home, he met the love of his life, Anita, in Denver in 1970. They were married at Bethany Lutheran Church and honeymooned in Glenwood Springs—a favorite place that they would return to annually with their family of three daughters. Rick and Anita enjoyed 54 loving years together.

He trained in a variety of technical trades including aircraft mechanics, soil tech and drilling, and HVAC. Later, Rick became one of Royal Crest Dairy's longest-serving employees, running trucks and working in production at the plant in Denver for 29 years. Over the years, he also worked overtime to help to found and operate successful family businesses, including a childcare center in Texas and an arts-based nonprofit in Colorado.

As a descendant of mountain man Pierre Louis Vasquez, Rick was a fan of history and the pioneer days of the Old West. Camping in the mountains and fishing were among his favorite ways to spend time. He also enjoyed gardening, travel, museums, horse races, dancing, and cooking BBQ. Most of all, he loved to make people smile and laugh.

He is survived by his wife Anita, daughters Rebecca, Julie, and Kari, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother Dale. All of whom he loved deeply. He would love to be remembered with fun and joyful stories that celebrate all that was good and blessed in his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Rickey Clark's name to the following:
Orange Heart Medal Foundation Click Here to donate online

and to The Denver Hospice Click Here to donate online.