Rick Del Merrill

Rick Del Merrill March 28, 1963 †" August 16, 2018 Rick D. Merrill, son of Richard and Pat Merrill of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away August 16, 2018; his parents were by his side. Rick was preceded in death by his oldest brother in Nov. of 2006, Terry Lee Merrill. Surviving siblings are; Susan Lynn Merrill, Steven Douglas Merrill and his younger sister, Angela Kay Vanderwerff, many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Rick loved his family very much. Rick graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1981; attended one year of college at Western State and earned numerous Computer Science certificates from Red Rocks Community College. He was employed with U.S. Govt. office of NBC fourteen years, along with other computer positions over a span of time. Rick eventually made the decision, the high stress level of computer work, was not for him. The last few years, he was employed at Dominos, enjoying the workplace, with a great team. Rick loved music, and playing his guitar, even writing a song or two. Although he loved a variety of music and artists, his favorite music was always that of John Denver. He began playing his guitar in elementary school, for the most part, teaching himself, later taking lessons. One summer while working at a German Restaurant at Heritage Square, he had the pleasure of being able to sing and play his guitar to entertain guests. Growing up, Rick played both little league baseball and football, starting at the age of eight, through high school, with one year of baseball at Western State College. When he became too old to participate, he was a football referee and a baseball umpire several years with Jeffco Sports. Rick, actually lead a very busy life, putting as much as he could get into every day. He was in scouting for many years, loved camping, hiking, anything outdoors. Rick loved fishing, driving great distances, hiking, etc. to find that perfect spot. He loved Colorado, the mountains, the quiet and serenity and comfort he received from these times. Rick had been in Life Care/Hospice of Westminster since July 17th. On May 29th he was in an automobile accident; taken by ambulance to Denver Health, where he was diagnosed with multiple Melanoma of the brain, lungs and in his right hip that was broken in the accident. The cancer had spread through his entire body. He had two brain surgeries to remove the tumors. When released from Denver Health, he was given 3-6 months life expectancy, beginning with the May 29th accident. Thanks be to God, he was not in pain; perhaps it was all part of God†™s plan, and also had something to do with the brain surgery making him void of pain. For that we are very grateful. Celebration of Life service will be held on Sept. 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm, Our Saviors Corner of Hope, corner of Jewell and Garrison, Lakewood, Co. Pastors Gene Pearson, and Chaplain Steve Peterson of Granby, Co. will be officiating at the service. Please, in lieu of flowers, spend time with your family and those you love, do something special for them; let them know how much you love and cherish them. We will always remember Rick†™s †œhi, Mom & Dad, I†™m home†�. Richard, Pat Merrill and family