Richard Leroy Conaway

December 28th, 1960 - February 19th, 2024

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.

We Entrusted Richard Conaway's Care To

Viegut Funeral Home

Since 2000, Viegut Funeral Home has stood as a pillar of comfort for Loveland families. Our commitment goes beyond the essential funeral services – our dedicated team also extends support with catered events, from traditional funerals to themed celebrations of life in our beautiful chapel and inviting reception room. Additionally, our convenient location in Northern Colorado is within walking distance of Loveland Burial Park, offering ease and accessibility for those who choose this final resting place for their loved ones. At Viegut, we go beyond expectations to ensure that every aspect of your commemoration is handled with the utmost care and consideration.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Richard’s life with a heartfelt message.

Janie A

My dear friend Rich, we were classmates, friends and so honored to have had you in my life. In high school you were highly regarded as a very athletic person, handsome with your blond hair and a friend too many. After HS we became closer as we spent many weekend nights playing cards/games and shooting the breeze as couples, you and Barb were in our close circle of friends. We even got to take a couple vacations to the Bahamas and Jamaica, what fun we all had. The weekends hanging out with our couple friends were memorable times. Then life happened and we drifted apart, but whenever we saw each other it’s was like time never passed between us. I missed Barb when she was called home and now I will you miss you friend. Thankful, you didn’t have to endure many years of suffering and pain and are free of those debilitating chains. Rest in heavenly peace my dear friend. Until we meet again. 🕊❤️

Published March 22nd, 2024

Jessica Gonzalez

My Uncle Rich was one of my best friends. Seeing how many people he touched so deeply is not a surprise and is very comforting. He was one heck of a man and is missed so much.

Published March 15th, 2024

Kendra Salazar

My Brother, My Hero, My Rock Words can't capture the immense void left by my brother, He wasn't just my sibling; he was my protector, my teacher, and the Best Brother. Always keeping life fun with his infectious sense of humor . He loved to pull a prank. I always looked up to Richard, His passion for life was limitless. He instilled so many lessons in me that continue to shape me today. I remember when he taught me to parallel park in Barb’ Firebbird, throw a spiral Football when I was little and he was the one who taught me how to tie my shoes , the list goes on and on. Richard's love was unconditional. He never wavered in his support, his love was constant. And his hugs? The best.They were full of Love, you always felt better after one. Richards spirit, his humor, and his zest for life live on in my heart. The memories we shared, the lessons he taught, the way he made me laugh until my sides hurt, and the warmth of his hugs – these are treasures I'll carry with me forever. I love you forever brother ❤️ride free

Published March 15th, 2024

Lauri Lewis

How did you meet Richard?

I played with Richard (Rick) when we were kids in Longmont. Pam and Greg and I knew Richard as Rick then played around a pond, around the dairy farm and many times games upstairs at their home. We had a treehouse in Longmont that was struck by lightning and the inside trunk was hollowed out. My Dad put a hinged door with steps inside the trunk up to the treehouse. We could lock the inside so no one could come up once you were inside. Summer’s were so much fun in those days with the Conaway’s. I so loved Leroy and Janet. You might say that I stayed closer to Leroy, but wish life could have kept me closer to my friends Richard, Pam and Greg. My mother and Janet were great friends and were very close when she passed. Love you all. Rest in Peace Richard!🙏🏻🙏🏻

Published March 17th, 2024

Christian Conaway

Such an amazing and caring man.

Published March 15th, 2024

Janiss McCamish

I am so sorry to hear this and it hit me hard. My prayers with his family and Greg. I met Richard at a time in high school when it was not an easy experience for me. He was and always will be one of the best individuals I have had the privilege of knowing. We stayed in and out of touch throughout the years. He had hardships but was a warrior and he endured through it all. This is a great loss for humanity. I will truly miss him. God Bless.

Published March 13th, 2024

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