Jason "Rick" Richardson Arter

Jason (Rick) Richardson Arter IV, 67, of Evans, CO passed away January 3, 2015 at Hospice of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, at North Colorado Medical Center. He was born September 13, 1947 in Boulder, Colorado, to Jason and Lorraine Arter. He is survived by his wife, Susan; mother, Lorraine; brother, Douglas; children and their spouses, Lisa and Michael Hulet, Scott and Joyce Arter, and Erik and Tina Arter. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Nicole, Hannah, Rebekah, Joseph, Jonathan, Brecken, Sawyer, Ethan, Sadie, Mitchell, and Gwyneth. He was preceded in death by his father, Jason; and sister, Patricia. Rick spent the majority of his formative years in New Mexico, where he graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque. He enjoyed playing base clarinet in the high school band and being on the swim team until cars took precedence. After several semesters attending the University of New Mexico and being on an International dance team, but desiring a change of scenery, he moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas to attend Henderson State College where he would meet his sweetheart, Susan Woodson. They married August 12, 1972, the day after Rick graduated from college. Both desiring to honeymoon to New Mexico, Rick began a career in retail for over 12 years, moving up to management of the main Gibson’s Products Company and warehouse over 7 stores in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. While in New Mexico they were blessed with three wonderful children, Lisa, Scott and Erik. When their youngest was two, their young family moved to Washington State where Rick joined his brother, Doug, to build a milk distribution business. While out on his milk route one autumn morning, Rick was involved in a traumatic accident that nearly took his life and definitely changed the course of his and his family’s life. During a long recovery, he returned to school to earn his teaching certificate. Teaching elementary school was truly one of the highlights of his life. Additionally, his faith was increased by the countless miracles surrounding the accident. His subsequent activation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided many opportunities to serve. Though he served in many capacities, one of the highlights of his church service was being ward clerk under 6 bishoprics, 15 years worth. He also enjoyed serving as a ward missionary with his wife, Susan for several years, teaching the basics of the gospel to investigators, new member’s discussions, teaching temple prep classes and attending the temple. Declining in health after teaching for nearly 19 years resulted in early retirement when he and Susan moved to Portland, Oregon to fulfill a family need. At the completion of their time in Oregon, his parent’s needs called them to Colorado, the place of his birth only two weeks before his father’s death. The greatest way to put a smile on Rick’s face as his health declined was one on one time with his children, eleven grandchildren and his mom. He enjoyed good movies, detective shows, cross word puzzles, comic strips, books on tape, classic cars, and Pirate Radio Oldies, 104.7. It was his faith that carried him through the physically challenging years that finally resulted in his death 28 years later, ironically, in the state where he was born. He would be buried in the plot of land his grandfather purchased in 1932. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of perseverance, determination, and loyalty will live on forever. Viewing 12 to 1:30p.m., Friday, January 23, 2015 at Adamson Chapel, with a Graveside Service at 3:00p.m. at Linn Grove Cemetery, Greeley, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 4:30p.m.at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2116 23rd Avenue, Greeley, CO. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the "Rick Arter Memorial Fund” at any Wells Fargo branch Acct#6792917236 or in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.