June 5, 1937 – September 17, 2025

Rich Levengood, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025 in Moscow, Idaho. Born in Butte, Montana on June 5, 1937, his parents were Harold E and Bess Payne Levengood. Rich’s journey through life was marked by resilience, dedication, and a passion for public service.

He was raised and graduated High School (1955) in Anaconda, Montana. After High School, Rich attended the University of Montana in Missoula where he received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. In 1959, he took a summer job in Yellowstone, where he met Jan Barnes. In 1960, he and Jan were married and began a new life together, filled with shared experiences, that spanned 65 years.

In 1966, they moved to Denver, where Rich worked as a principal analyst for the nonpartisan Colorado Legislative Council. While in Denver, their son, Stephen was born, followed by the adoption of their daughter, Susan, from South Korea.

In 1974, Rich took a job as the Grand County, Colorado County Manager. In 1976, he was hired as the Breckenridge, Colorado Town Manager, where he oversaw the transformation of Main Street with new sidewalks and landscaping. He supported the implementation of the Breckenridge Land Use Guidance System, which replaced traditional zoning. During his tenure, the town government moved from the Colorado Mountain College building to the newly constructed Breckenridge Town Hall. He also supported the development of the Breckenridge Home Rule Charter. His leadership was pivotal in transforming Breckenridge into the world‐class resort it is today.

Rich’s commitment to public service continued as he served on the Summit County Planning Commission. 1985, he was appointed to fill a vacancy as a Summit County Commissioner and was elected to serve a full term in 1986. As Commissioner, he took the lead on water issues, resulting in the Denver‐Summit County agreement to maintain lake levels in Dillon Reservoir.
He was also committed to public transportation and was Commissioner when the voters of Summit County approved a measure to fund the Summit Stage with sales tax revenue. While serving as Commissioner, Rich was appointed by Governor Romer to chair the Advisory Committee to the State Property Tax Administrator and served in this position for several years.

Leaving Breckenridge in 1996, Rich and Jan moved first to Klickitat County, WA and then to Moscow, Idaho, where he eventually retired. Rich was a former member of the Rotary Club of Summit County and a member of the Rotary Club of Moscow.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Bess and Harold Levengood, and by his two brothers, Chris Levengood and Hal Levengood.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, son, Steve Levengood (Amy), daughter Susan Luttrell (Mike), grandson, Sam Luttrell (Amber), and two granddaughters, Lynni Levengood and Hazel Levengood. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Bruce Barnes (Dianne), Rev. Charles D. Barnes (Nancy), sisters-in-law, Arlene Levengood and Linda B. Cromer, and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 15, at 11AM, at the 1912 Building in Moscow. Memorial donations may be made to the Palouse Habitat for Humanity, your local food bank, or the charity of your choice.