Richard M Eslinger

It is with sorrow and sadness that we share the passing of our father and friend Richard 'Dick' Eslinger after a long struggle with Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia. How does one tell the story of a life so well lived?

Dick was born to Richard Lee Eslinger and Mary Fockele Eslinger. They raised him in Kansas but the family moved to Estes Park, Colorado in his teens, where one of his jobs was working in the Post Office. Showing his love of adventure early in life, he went to college for 2 years in Mexico City, which led him to many more adventures and a true lifelong love affair with both travel and the country of Mexico. After college, Dick joined the Army, where he was stationed in both Puerto Rico and Staunton, Virginia. He left his Military career as Captain Richard Eslinger. In the military, he taught English and Spanish while stationed in Puerto Rico. There was a short stint in government service before moving on to education. When the government agency he worked for wished him to learn Korean, he decided it was time for a change.

Dick married Elizabeth 'Liza' Gomperts, another of the great loves of his life. Over time, they made a family with 3 children. After Liza lost her battle with cancer, Dick continued to raise the 3 kids as a single parent- giving the kids the gift of a love of travel and education and attempting to instill some of the organization and discipline he was imbued with. He put himself through his Masters Program with the assistance of the GI Bill. He later applied himself to achieving a PhD. in Education Administration.

Education was at the forefront of his career most of his life- from working as a teacher at Staunton Military Academy, then counselor to principal and on up into the administration prior to finishing his career as the Principal of an elementary school. He spoke and wrote perfectly in both Spanish and English.

Throughout his life, both with Liza and after, Dick made friends with most people he came into contact with. He had the ability to make a friend anywhere, anytime. Dick and his friends had so many fabulous adventures, so many stories to be told. His friends crossed all lines of nationality, level of education and life experience. Not many can claim such a long and diverse list of friends, from activists and a dictator-to-be, a revolutionary, famous author, artists, doctors, restaurant workers, and people in many occupations from countries all over the world. In a list of qualities that described why Liza loved Dick, she included his strength of mind and soul, his systematic thinking and organization, positive outlook, graciousness and his willingness to dare to be different. While in some, this might sound cliché, those that knew and loved Dick Eslinger understood he really was an extrovert that was bold and made strong life choices with an open heart to all he met.

He loved to ski, play tennis and watch all sorts of sports, loved cultural activities including the symphony and of course travel and teaching. After retiring, Dick lived in both Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico for a disputed number of years. In time, he moved back to Colorado to spend time with his 3 grandchildren. He took the grandkids on multiple trips, gifting them as well with the love of travel. After moving back from Mexico, he got his beautiful dog Finn. He loved to show Finn in competitions and they acquired a huge stack of ribbons for their efforts. Dick will be remembered by many for his enthusiastic, gracious and fabulous hosting of dinner parties. He was a gourmand and loved to throw multi course gourmet meals. He has been remembered by many as dashing and dapper, generous, thoughtful, funny and gracious. He had an offbeat sense of humor that threw many off guard.

Later in life there was a burst of enthusiasm for growing a beard. It was on his bucket list and he quite succeeded, which some might see as a rebellion (and perhaps even redemption) for the pony tail and goatee years.

In lieu of flowers, please know that throughout his life, Dick was quietly supportive of multiple charities to include Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Cancer Society, the Colorado Symphony and assisted multiple friends through school. In his life, his wish to offer aid and assistance to all led to him being easy to take advantage of in his later years. Along with the aforementioned charities, please consider giving a small donation to Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and Abuse Prevention or support his love of helping others achieve an education through a donation to La Unidad Latina Foundation, Esperanza Education Fund Scholarships or Golden Door Scholars.

Dick is survived by his kids Hank and wife Lisa Eslinger, MJ Eslinger, Warren and wife Adriana Eslinger, 3 grand children: Janie, Emilio and Alex, and let us not forget his faithful dog Finn.

Dick’s remains will be interred in part in the Wilson Cemetery alongside his wife Liza, but he will travel one more time to Mexico to have a portion of his essence spread there. As in life, so in death, getting to spend eternity with 2 of his great loves.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Museo de las Americas, 861 N Sante Fe, Denver, 80204. On Wednesday, 07/31/2019 from 6pm-9pm, catered by Chuey Fu’s and including Manhattans, Martinis & Margaritas.