Richard "Rick" William Chappell

Richard “Rick” Chappell passed away on September 10, 2021 just shy of his 66th birthday. He fought a tough battle after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm in December of 2019. Despite the pain, Rick showed great strength and an incredible will to survive. Rick was born to William (Bill) and Norma Jean Chappell on September 20, 1955. He found a love for science and geology at a young age and eventually pursued a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern Colorado and a PhD in Geochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines. He is survived by his three children whom he shared with his ex wife Ronda: Rachael and her husband Kris, Rianna, and Royce and his wife Crystal; nine grandchildren: Hayden, Maddox, Palmer, Rowyn, Lakyn, Shelby, Richard, Slater and William; his mother Norma Jean and his two brothers: David and Gary. He is preceded in death by his father Bill. Rick loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling. The mountains were special to him and drew him to move to Colorado from Indiana for college. He was a gifted athlete in high school and college then became an avid golfer which he enjoyed playing with his dad, brother and son. He is described by loved ones and colleagues as brilliant, methodical, kind hearted, and enjoyed a slow pace of life. He made a difference in this world with his work in environmental science and he will be greatly missed. An open house will be held in celebration of Rick’s life at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster, CO from 10am -1pm on Thursday October 14th, 2021.