Richard Duane Beesley

Richard Duane Beesley of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully in hospice care at 1:56 am on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, four days short of his 73rd birthday. Rich succumbed to cancer after a valiant, two year battle with the disease. Rich was a Christian and accepted the Lord as his savior.

Rich was the son of Angela and Lisle Beesley, brother of Leon Beesley, husband of Pam Beesley, father of Rick Beesley, grandfather to Rich's children, a great grandfather, and an uncle to his brother's children.

Rich was also a friend to many and those who knew him will no doubt miss his 6'4" tall frame, his generosity, his character, and his sense of humor. Rich had an opinion about everything and he wasn't shy about sharing it with anyone.

Rich was born in Denver but grew up in Downey, California with his parents until he joined the United States Navy. He served honorably aboard an aircraft carrier in the late 1960's, carrying on a tradition set forth by his father who served in the Navy during WW2.

Rich moved to Colorado after leaving the Navy where he began work as a groundsman at Crown Hill Cemetery. He soon left Crown Hill and went to work for the city of Arvada's street department, where he retired with 39 years of service as head of the department.

Rich was a family history buff, a fisherman, bottle digger, and a gold miner. He loved his wife, son and grandkids and he dearly loved the many dogs who lived with him over the years.

Rich was truly a unique individual, a character to say the least, a jokester, a prankster, and one of the most generous guys you'd ever meet. For those who knew him, we all have tears in our eyes at his passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make donations to the American Cancer Society or Collier Hospice.