Richard A. Helmuth

Born July 5th, 1954, New York City, Died January 5th, 2026, Ft. Collins, CO

Richie loved nature and geography and spoke of geographic features of places far and wide.

He knew a lot about mountains, oceans, rivers, deserts and high plains, Northeastern forests and Rocky Mountain landscapes. Topography and meteorology of countries and locations of interest were well-studied, and he was conversant about this to those whom he encountered, particularly with me—and I marveled at his depth of interest.

It was easy to understand why Richie obtained his respective bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University and the University of Wyoming, majoring in his beloved science of geography. He was a forever Bobcat and Cowboy sports fan…and he stayed in touch with university updates on sports teams, campus developments, and educational areas of his interest in Athens and Laramie, a community he lived in for years and frequently visited. He loved tracking the four seasons in those places, especially the often dramatic, frequently cold and windy days year-around in Laramie’s high-altitude plains between the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bows to the west and the Laramie Range east—and their respective rivers and streams, where he fished, hiked, and explored.

My brother’s occupational pursuits over the years focused on areas of his interest and enjoyment, most notably as a travel consultant and landscape maintenance coordinator for residential properties and corporate campuses. Occasionally, his conversational depth of geography when favoring an English driving cap around town left an eclectic professorial first impression on those he’d encounter.

Richie much preferred baseball caps as his day-to-day headwear with fishing or outdoor logos, complimenting his usual jeans and polo shirt attire. He didn’t seek a spotlight or to stand out in a crowd. He was bright, up to date on national and global affairs, and would share his opinion on matters when asked or unsolicited if he felt a conversation warranted his contribution. That included all sports and all things related to geography, weather, and demographics.

When I check music calendars & events, I often think of Richie. He enjoyed a broad range of music across multiple genres, rooted in classic rock, jam band, blues and jazz…In later years, he enjoyed low-end body beats, looping and transitions of EDM—finding a sense of community with like-minded fans. Richie was “always up for” and enthusiastic about going

to concerts in small and large venues alike. I greatly miss him joining me, wishing he was around to continue sharing the joy! We celebrated his 71st birthday last year at the Phish concert at Folsom Field, University of Colorado, in Boulder—terrific setlist and amazing energy!

He loved vintage bars wherever he traveled, especially in historic Western towns and in big city neighborhoods with storied histories. He limited himself to “nursing” only one beer during his visits—while appreciating homestyle cooking and authentic regional cuisine representative of the places he traveled. He especially enjoyed seafood at locations like Chincoteague Island (VA), Ogunquit (ME), and Akumal (MX); steaks and burgers throughout CO, WY and NM. His favorite restaurants featured traditional Mexican and Italian food.

Our most immediate plans were to enjoy sushi again on Pearl Street in Boulder, prior to another concert at the Fox or Boulder theater. While that will not happen, I’ll toast my brother during many of my future meals and adventures I know he would have enjoyed with me.

Though usually agreeing with my detailed critiques of “outstanding” cuisine and ambiance, Richie would simply state “very good” for those eating experiences. That was his way of steering away from superlatives I’m prone to, while very good served as his highest compliment for all things he’d enjoy…

Richie had fond memories of growing up in the leafy suburban town of Tenafly, NJ, just up the Hudson River from New York City, where he and I shared an idyllic childhood. Our parents, John and Penny, were loving, nurturing—and we were their priority number one—something for which we were always grateful. They wanted the best for us—always!

Stillman Elementary School, Tenafly Junior High and Tenafly High School were memorable for Richie as anchors to his formative years—as were hiking trails in nearby parks, including Tenafly Nature Center and Greenwood Nature Sanctuary…We were both Eagle Scouts and experienced backpackers in the Catskills and Adirondacks of New York, rugged parts of Central Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the Park and Medicine Bow Ranges of Colorado and Wyoming. Star-studded evening skies at altitude, warmed by pack stove provisions, never failed to pull two suburban brothers into appreciating the enormity and gifts of solitude in the wild natural world.

As Richie and I aged we shared stories of family beach time—Montauk Point for vacations and Jones Beach for day trips, both east of NYC on Long Island; Cape May, NJ; and, for our most memorable times, in Ogunquit…that included cold ocean swims, rocky coastline explorations, and lobster dinners with steamers…and, always, Maine blueberry pie for dessert. There were also beach visits with our parents to family in Miami when the city’s character was vibrant, but slow paced as a Southern, sub-tropical destination. Richie also joined our parents for island adventures in Nassau and Jamaica. Taking after our father, he loved exploring tidal pools, shell-collecting and fishing off rocks with handlines. The cross-country trip by family car to sightsee America was also memorable for Richie—and we both recalled how our backseat antics were “handfuls” for our parents, who barely survived the experience of managing two energetic pre-teens!

During recent winters here in Colorado, Richie escaped often frigid conditions for a week or so to enjoy all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. He would find opportunities for deep sea fishing, touring historic sites—and relaxing within the welcome change of scenery and temperature.

A most memorable excursion for Richie and me—and the last significant one enjoyed together—was an early fall trip two years ago, beginning in the historic, outdoor adventure town of Livingston, Montana prior to hiking and exploring in Yellowstone National Park. We were captivated by abundant wildlife of Lamar Valley (America’s Serengeti) and invigorated by crisp early mornings and late afternoons when layering clothes was a necessity, though warm sunny mid-day temps required only flannel shirts, maybe a vest. It was a wonderful time for brothers to connect and feel easy-going comfort of our companionship. Richie and I did not have to acknowledge how grateful we were for that opportunity—we were simply “present” together in a beautiful place.

My wife, Nancy, and I always offered warm welcomes and comfort during Richie’s frequent visits to our Boulder County home, located just north of Niwot. He appreciated amazing meals Nancy cooked and I often grilled, whether he was our only guest to watch football or basketball games or part of a larger contingent of friends and family during holiday feasts and party events we’d host. Over the years, he’d always ask me and Nancy about how family and friends he conversed with over the years were doing and what was going on in their lives. Designated leftovers could be counted on for storage in his backpack for the return home to Ft. Collins.

Richie distinguished himself to those that knew him well in his determination to confront a diagnosis of schizophrenia (in his late-20s) with resolute focus in his mid-40s, accepting therapy and medication that transformed his life to positivity during over 30 years as a Ft. Collins resident. He became empowered, self-sustaining and independent—always staying on-track with his healthcare appointments. He’s indeed an inspiration to so many, often in denial, who finally take advantage of available services designed to enhance quality of life…Thank you to so many Ft. Collins human service organizations and providers who are dedicated change agents for those in need!

The friends and acquaintances Richie made over the years in places he called home—and those he visited—remained deeply etched in his mind and memories were valued throughout his days. I believe he is remembered by friends and family as a good person, respectful to all…

Richie passed away suddenly on January 5th of this year (2026)—of cardiac arrest—at his home in Ft. Collins. He did not suffer long and was asymptomatic up until that evening. I’m going to be proud using his geologist hammer to hunt for geodes in the rocky hills and outcroppings between Ft. Collins and Laramie. I’ll treasure his having been my brother—and will keep the memories going strong!

Bob Helmuth, Brother