Richard Leroy Conaway

Rich Conaway, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on February 19, 2023, in Windsor, Colorado, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 63 years old.

Rich was born on December 28, 1960, in Longmont, Colorado, to Archer Leroy Conaway and Janet Gomer. He grew up in Loveland, where he attended Loveland High School and developed a passion for football. Those who knew him well know that his Loveland Indian pride was among the greatest in the community.

After graduating high school, Rich helped coach the Loveland Indians to a state championship in their 1982-83 season. Spending most of his professional career managing various beverage companies from Coca-Cola to Pepsi, he realized that he had a love for hands-on work and finished out his life as a Service Technician for One Hour Heating and Air.

On November 15, 1986, Rich exchanged wedding vows with Barbara Kay Conaway at the Sylvan Dale Ranch in Loveland. Barb passed away on May 25, 2008, after a battle with cancer. Rich was a devoted husband and a pillar of strength for his family. Rich spent the last 11 years of his life with Carri Ballinger who he grew new loves and hobbies with.

Rich was also a proud father to his three children, Sean, Christian, and Lance. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and unwavering principles. He loved weekends at the lake on their boat, long rides on his Harley, shooting guns, traveling to Florida with Carri, and was always happy watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Denver Nuggets. In addition to his passion for Motorcycles, Rich was a dedicated community member where he served as Board of Director for multiple Non-Profits. He impacted everyone he came across. With a helping heart, he would go out of his way to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Rich will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and profound optimism. Despite facing adversity in his battle with ALS, he remained resilient and continued to inspire those around him with his courage and grace.

Rich is survived by his sons; Sean and Christian; his siblings, Pam Woodard, Greg Harris, and Kendra Salazar; his granddaughters; Hailey Conaway, Jayce Conaway, Iris Conaway, and Claira Bothwell and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Leroy Conaway and Janet Gomer, Stepmother Ernestine Conaway, Wife Barbara Conaway, and Son, Lance Bradley.

A memorial service to celebrate Rich's life will be held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on March 29, 2024, at Dreams and Dragonflies 5194 Co Rd 50 Johnstown, CO. Donations may be made to Rich’s granddaughter’s college fund in his memory. (Contact Christian Conaway at 970-685-8247 or Kendra Salazar at 623-330-9202)

If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Dreams and Dragonflies the morning of the service.