Richard Callahan

“I’m a tax lawyer. Nothing I’ve ever done in my life comes close to being as important or rewarding as the volunteer work at the rec center with these kids.” – Rick Callahan Rick was born in Galesburg, Illinois and after a stellar high school career, accepted a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Denver (DU). He played for the DU Pioneers from 1964-1968 during which time he received numerous athletic and academic awards, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After his collegiate career, Rick was awarded an NCAA post-graduate scholarship which he used to attend law school at DU, earning his Juris Doctorate in law in 1972. Throughout his academic career, Rick served as a United States Army Reservist. After law school, Rick held several prestigious positions including working as a tax accountant at the accounting firm of Arthur Anderson, an associate at the law firm of Roath and Brega, and Director of the Hogan Foundation. It was Rick’s caring and love for kids that led him into coaching where he served as a volunteer basketball coach at Skyland Recreation Center (now Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center). Rick was a staunch supporter of youth athletics and his coaching career spanned over 20 years coaching youngsters in grades 4 through 8. During those years and over the years to follow, he touched the lives of countless young men and women in a positive way. He was not interested in personal or political achievement. His involvement reached far beyond the basketball court, as Rick and Sue would regularly pile his team of players in the back of his 1982 Bronco, driving the kids to games throughout the State of Colorado. Rick and Sue would often buy his players hamburgers and milkshakes, much to their delight. His dedication to kids spanned far beyond the athletic field as Rick served for 3 years as a 5th grade teacher in the Denver Public School system and also ran for a position with the Denver School Board. What set Rick apart was his endless commitment on a deep personal level to develop each and every kid both academically and professionally and to instill in them a high sense of morality and desire to make positive contributions to their communities. Today, many of the kids Rick coached and mentored continue his wonderful legacy by giving back to kids in their own communities in the same committed and loving way that Rick had done for them. In 1995, after over 25 years of coaching and teaching, Rick and Sue opened a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in Tabernash, Colorado. This would be the start of another amazing adventure in their lives as they managed B&B’s on the California coast. In 2012, they returned to Denver where Rick helped Sue as she served as General Manager at the Patterson Historic Inn. Richard (Rick) Callahan passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014. He is survived by his wife Sue of 37 years, brother Roger, sister Marcia and 12 nieces and nephews. A memorial service in Rick’s honor will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014, beginning at 1:00 PM (MST) at St. Thomas Episcopal Church (2201 Dexter, Denver, CO). Immediately following the memorial service, a reception will be held at the historic Patterson Inn (420 E. 11th Avenue, Denver, CO). In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family welcomes donations to the Rick’s Kids Memorial Fund to benefit disadvantaged and at-risk youth in the metro Denver area who want to participate in youth basketball and other sports. Those wishing to contribute can mail check(s) payable to “Rick’s Kids Memorial Fund” or visit any local Wells Fargo Bank location as follows: Mail Check Check payable to: “Rick’s Kids Memorial Fund” Wells Fargo Bank Teller P.O. Box 5247 Denver, CO 80217-9927 In Person Account Name: Rick’s Kids Memorial Fund Any local Wells Fargo Bank