Obituary: Richard Boice Esser
August 9, 1946 – November 16, 2024
Richard Boice Esser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Evergreen, CO on November 16th, 2024, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 9th, 1946, in Bronxville, NY, to Mr. and Mrs. Pratt Boice Esser. He was a 1964 graduate of The Choate School, a 1968 graduate of The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, a 1970 MBA graduate of University of Denver, and a life-long member of Phi Kappa Sigma.
On April 19th, 1986, Richard married the love of his life, Julia Alden Keough, in Frisco, CO. They later moved to Evergreen where together, they shared 38 years of love, laughter, and adventure. He had a 30 year career in mining, starting as a day laborer underground at the Climax Mine, in Leadville, CO. He continued to work in the mining industry at the Henderson Mine, AMAX Gold, and as a Corporate Officer and Chief Labor Negotiator for AMAX Mining world wide. Upon retirement, he was an on-site H. R. Consultant for the Minera Antamina in Peru, S.A, for several years. Along-side his career, he served as a Municipal Court Judge in Breckenridge, Colorado, and was an early investor in Breckenridge Brewery.
Outside of his professional life, Dickie was a “glass half full” kinda guy. He was the man everyone wanted as a friend, and he was a great friend to many. He loved Old Dillon Inn softball, golfing, tennis, skiing, backpacking, and traveling with friends and family all over the world. He had a great sense of adventure and desire to live in the moment. He seized every opportunity that came his way and never worried too much about the details, as long as everyone was having fun!
Some of his greatest joys came from raising his three kids, being the cheerleader to their every sporting event, enjoying all that Colorado has to offer, and championing his alma mater: the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to take full advantage of every moment, and to fill your life with friends and memories. The man had no regrets.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Esser, daughters Lauren Agee and Megan Esser, son Henry Esser, and two grandchildren, Jaxon and Cali Agee. Richard’s legacy will live on through his family, his friends, and the many lives he touched with his kindness, sense of humor and wisdom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association- Colorado Chapter at 455 N. Sherman St., #500, Denver, CO 80203. http://www.Alz.org/CO.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.
Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. The full project is expected to cost about $165,000. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.