Richard Valencia

Richard Valencia, 61, passed away on Nov. 17, 2022, at home surrounded by family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Survived by his wife of 23 years, Rebecca Valencia; brothers, Steve (Marty) and Brian (Shawn) Valencia; children, Scott Valencia, Ryan (Rose) Valencia, Eric (Brianna) Valencia, Briana (Mitch Emmer) Belisle, and Dannie Valencia; grandchildren, Sapphira Valencia, Adison Valencia, Aiden Valencia, Aliana Valencia, Alivia Valencia, Ashton Valencia, Arik Valencia, Adeline Cabrera, Ashton Emmer; nieces and nephews, Chris (Nicole) Valencia, Matt (Amber) Valencia, Thai (Jennifer) Dabney, Rhea Belisle, Cole Belisle, and Ava Belisle as well as his in-laws, Rev. David Belisle (who will be officiating the service) and Lynda Belisle; brothers-in-law, Ryan (Caitie Taylor) Belisle and Randy (Jessica) Belisle.
Preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Dannie Valencia and Patsy Valencia; and his mother and step-father, Nancy Brooks and George Brooks. Rick was born on July 7, 1961, in Pueblo, Colorado. He worked for the Pueblo Police Department from November 1995 until his retirement in May 2010. After retirement, he worked for the State of Colorado at Lake Pueblo, the Pueblo West Metro District and was working for Pueblo County School D70 at the time of his passing.
Rick loved spending time outside. Hunting and fishing were some of his favorite past times. Whether fishing the Arkansas with Eric, on the boat with Briana and Mitch or hunting waterfowl in the Arkansas Valley or elk in the Rocky Mountains, he was an avid outdoorsman. He was known to all as a perpetual prankster, always telling jokes and stories, having everyone around him always laughing and enthralled with his escapades. He had a heart that never hardened despite all the trials, and hands that never hurt, always willing to help anyone out. Above all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids who brought such joy to his life.
Memorial service will be held, 10 AM, Dec. 16, 2022, at Pueblo First Church of the Nazarene, 84 Stanford Avenue, Pueblo. No graveside service. Reception to follow at the church. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com