John Paul Richter of Fort Collins, Colorado, died Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Poudre Valley Hospital, following a six-month battle with lung cancer. He was born Feb. 15, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, to John H. Richter and Barbara V. Richter (née Voight).
John grew up in Bryan, the eldest of eight children. He attended Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. In the 1980s John moved to Colorado to join his mother and siblings.
John is survived by his wife, Judi Beebe; brothers, Ralph and Eric; sisters, Laurel, Diane, Jeanne and Rebecca; stepsons, Stephen and Michael Beebe; and several amazing nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents and his youngest brother, Patrick.
John was an eclectic soul, with interests ranging from harmonicas to didgeridoos, jewelry-making to knives and books and music of all kinds, including playing violin in the Bryan High School orchestra.
John also received a certificate in therapeutic massage in 1999 and practiced healing massage for a number of years in addition to his managerial job at a Fort Collins subcontracting company. At any given time, collections of musical instruments, knives for throwing and cooking, beads and stones, and walking sticks might be found throughout the house.
John was a caring husband, loyal friend, protective brother and devoted son. John’s devotions extended to all animals as well. A number of pets shared his and Judi’s home throughout the years.
John’s warmth and somewhat dark sense of humor will be sorely missed by those who knew him. He was much loved by his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly and often.
No service has been planned at this time, but John would love it if you would raise a glass to him with a toast to send him on his way.