Nicholas Adam Richling

Nicholas (Nick) Adam Richling, age 26, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on August 28, 2016 as a result of a hit and run traffic accident near his home. He was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 8, 1990 to David and Mary Richling. He was a 2008 graduate of Poudre High School and at the time of his death was a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver, majoring in Art and minoring in Anthropology. His love for Anthropology led him on a journey that became one of the highlights of his short life - interning and working on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation in Southern Colorado, where he spent a total of six summers. During these years, he developed lasting friendships and touched so many lives. In the summer of 2016, he served as a Field Supervisor to other student interns participating in the Metropolitan State University Student Intern Program, a role that brought him profound pleasure.

Nick was a free spirited young man with a heart as big as the mountains he loved. He touched the lives of so many as evidenced by the multitude of friendships he made not only in Colorado, but across the nation and beyond. His deep love of family, friends, animals and life's adventures are what defined him. He was the type of person that would light up a room by his mere presence and would do anything for anyone without question. He was generous of himself and his talents beyond imagination. His true passions were drawing and art, which shone through in every piece he produced. He was meticulous and took great pride in every finished piece, no matter how big or small.

Nick is survived by his parents, David (Carol) Richling of Nunn, Colorado; Mary Richling-Schultz (Jack) of Fort Collins, Colorado; his older brothers, Christopher (Erin) and their children, Natalie, Moira, Logan and Liam of Maple Valley, Washington, and Justin of Fort Collins, Colorado; stepsisters, Mindi Sewell and Chasity Camphouse; stepbrothers, Steve Schultz (Jane); Rob Schultz (Jennifer); stepsister, Jill Valdez (Zach); his grandmother, Joyce Richling, of Horton, Kansas, along with loving aunts, uncles, cousins and more friends than can ever be tallied. He leaves behind his endearing "second family", Kathy Johnson, Dillon, Jessica, Miriam and Zac Cromley, who took him on their own journeys from the time they began caring for him at age 3 months up to the time of his death. Lastly, Nick leaves his beloved Ute Mountain rescue pups, Sage and Sam ("Sammo"), who miss him dearly, in the loving hands of his family. Nick was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold ("Hinky") Richling, and grandparents, Alvin and Rosanna Siebenmorgen, all of Horton, Kansas, and his stepbrother and dear friend, Richard Schultz, of Fort Collins, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, Nick's family requests that you consider a donation to The Animal House Pets and Grooming of Fort Collins, Larimer County Humane Society or an art program or animal shelter close to your heart.

With a large hole in our hearts, Rest in Peace, Nick. We will love you forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Greenbriar Park, 730 E. Willox Lane.