Denver native Richard Conklin died peacefully at his home surrounded by family. It was heartwarming to know he was reunited with his wife of 73 years, Bev (Nash) Conklin – a true love story – as he still mourned her death 20 days earlier. Rich and his wife, Bev, had been classmates since they met in 3rd grade. They graduated from South High School in 1949, where Rich was head boy and state wrestling champion. Rich and his identical twin brother, Rob, served in the Navy in Korea, then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while attending the University of Denver. Rich and Bev raised their four children in Denver. Rich dedicated his career to the Denver Public Schools. He was an active leader who valued all students and staff equally. He started as a physical education teacher at Columbine Elementary and taught physical education and American history and coached in wrestling, gymnastics, tennis and golf at Kepner Jr. High and Manual High School. A former wrestler, Rich especially enjoyed working as a wrestling coach at Manual, leading the team to success at the state level. Rich later became an assistant principal and principal at Gove Jr. High and North, John F. Kennedy, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson High Schools. He was inducted into the Denver Prep League Hall of Fame and served on the board of the Denver Teachers’ Club. Rich was witty, charismatic and personable, stopping to shake hands and have warm conversations with anyone who crossed his path. Rich and Bev lived in Tucson and Prescott Valley, AZ in their retirement years and returned to Denver in 2020 to spend time with family, reconnect with friends and make new friends at Brookdale Tamarac Square. Rich was preceded in death by his wife Bev, son David, brother and sister-in-law Rob and Shirley Conklin, sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Ray McNeley, and sister-in-law Katy Conklin. He is survived by his daughters Debby, Brenda and Sharon, brother Ken, grandchildren Eric, Melinda, Nick and Anthony, brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Sandy Nash, several nieces and nephews, and longtime family friend Laverne Williams. Special thanks go to Rich and Bev’s experienced and compassionate caregivers Vanessa Maestas, Yolanda Adams and Ericka Lozano and the hospice staff. Donations may be sent to the Denver Teachers’ Club Assistance Fund, 1617 S. Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223. A public memorial service with military honors for Rich and Bev will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. prompt at the Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Shelter B. Please assemble in the Staging Area B parking lot by 11:15 a.m. Following this service, friends and colleagues of Rich and Bev are invited to a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. in the lounge at Brookdale Tamarac Square, 8030 E. Girard Ave.