The President of our lodge recently passed away. We feel this loss deeply in our souls. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family as we grieve with them during this time. In honor to him, we reprint his obituary here.

Richard Allen “Rich” Ward passed away at home on October 22, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Rich was born in Colorado Springs on September 15, 1970, and attended Mitchell High School and was a member of the class of 1989 where he played football and wrestled. He also attended Western State College where he played football, wrestled, and got his start in radio at KWSB.

Rich’s local radio history includes KWSB, 98.9 Magic FM, and KKFM.

He married his best friend Erika in 1996 and they traveled around the country for the first two years of their marriage for radio jobs. Radio was his passion and the outlet where he met many of his oldest friends. Although they all live in different areas of the country, Rich was the one that kept everyone together whether it be on Facetime or inviting them all to his house. They had their beautiful daughter, Reese, in 2001 and she quickly became the apple of her daddy’s eye.

Rich bonded with Reese over Friends and the Price is Right, and loved to watch the Broncos and Packers with Erika. He loved to play golf because to him, it was about bonding with buddies with a cigar and a plastic cup of whiskey.

Rich was the President of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy of the Pikes Peak Region #2870 and has been a member for over a decade.

He is survived by his wife Erika; daughter Reese; mother Geraldine; brother John (Cheri); nephew Evan; and nieces Holly and Heather.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to The Sons and Daughters of Italy of the Pikes Peak Region #2870 scholarship fund, Misfits Dog Rescue, or Happy Cats Haven cat rescue.

Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.