Richard "Rick" Bernard Ignatowski

Richard “Rick” Bernard Ignatowski, 73, began his new journey on October 16, 2017 at Collier Hospice in Arvada Colorado. He was born on August 15, 1944 in Wilmington, DE, to Bernard “Ben” and Helen Ignatowski. Rick grew up in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from Wilmington High School in Wilmington, DE. After high school he joined the United States Air Force in 1962 and served in a remote location in Alaska that stood watch for national security during the Cold War. After his tour of duty, Rick attended the university at Morning Side College, Sioux City, IA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. In 1972 he moved to Colorado where he would eventually begin work for Wagner Equipment Company in 1974 until his retirement after 35 years of dedicated faithful service in 2009. Rick married Judith Ann Smith in 1965 in Sioux City, IA. They were happily married for 41 years until Judy’s untimely death in 2006. Rick and Judy had three children, daughter Michelle Austin (Bill) of Crestview FL, and sons Mike (Laurie) of Denver CO., and Mark of Denver, CO. Rick and Judy had two grandchildren, Ashley Austin of Denver CO and Megan Austin of Crestview FL. Rick is survived by his brother Joseph “Joe” Ignatowski of Cincinnati, OH. Rick was also preceded in death by his father Bernard and mother Helen of Wilmington, DE. With good fortune and joy, Rick met and married Vicki Nichols in 2008. Rick is survived by Vicki of Arvada, CO, and extended blended family to include sons Matthew Nichols of Long Beach, CA, Scott Nichols of Aurora, CO, Kevin Nichols of Aurora, CO, and daughter Jeni Elliott (Kevin), Aurora CO. Also a part of this extended family included his beloved grandchildren Hendrick, Landon and Makayla, Levi. Rick lived an honorable, fruitful life. To all who knew Rick, he was a true character and consummate “foodie.” Rick was a man of intellect with many interest that ranged from art, hunting, fishing, outdoorsman, traveling, adventurer, Egyptology, music, avid coin/stamp collector – actually a collector of many things. Rick was also a community leader who devoted nearly a lifetime of service as a Boy Scout leader, influencing young lives in building character and fostering citizenship. If Rick was your friend or family, you knew him to be a compassionate, generous, and very open and interested in others – always a friend. The kind of man who would do anything for you if you were in need. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a family man that always made time for those he loved. A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 5675 Field St, Arvada, CO 80002, on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with visitation from 9:15 AM with service to follow at 10:00 AM. A reception to follow will be held at Bennett’s Barbeque, 7490 W. 52nd Ave.