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Website History

July 15, 1941 - August 11, 2001

Wallace Richard (Rick) Colthurst died suddenly August 11, 2001 at age 60, while riding his bicycle near his home in Virginia Beach.  He died of a coronary insufficiency, acute₁.  Rick is the son of Wally and Marjorie Colthurst.  Rick is survived by his family, wife Pat, and children Jason and wife Dorcas, and Gillian, and grandchild Darby Ash Colthurst, all currently living in Virginia.  He is also survived by his sister Marjorie Ann and his two cousins that were his sisters and brothers, Monique (Madigan) Bonjour and Tom Madigan.  Funeral information,  obituary information (enter COLTHURST to access, or go direct) and a guest book that you can sign, what we all can do, vignettes, a special prayer written for Rick by John Beall, other prayers, Bob Beall's eulogy on behalf of the J.E.Colthurst family, Rick's cute Christmas card, things Rick shared w us, & the Funeral pictures. [This Memorial is brought to you by...]

[Photo courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001]

Rick - Commander in the Navy

Rick had a naval career.  He attended Santa Clara University, and after graduating, he went to officer candidate school and received a commission in the U.S. Navy.  He worked his way up from Ensign to Commander in the Surface Navy.  As a Lieutenant commander, he had command of the USS Chewaucan AOG 50.  After retiring from the Navy with 25 years of service, he became a technical consultant to the Navy as Senior Systems Engineer at INRI.

Naval awards: In April 1971, he received the Bronze Star Medal with V for 'meritorious' service in the Republic of Viet Nam from January 1970 to January 1971.  While he was in Viet Nam, he served as the Executive Officer of the USS Askari, Providing cover fire for various river craft while transiting the Mekong River.

[Photo courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001] -- CLICK TO SEE LARGER VIEW

Rick's command in the Navy - USS Chewaucan AOG 50

[Photo courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001]

Pat, Gillian, Jason, and Rick - 1980

While growing up, Wally and Marjorie never took a vacation, so Rick spent his summers with the Madigans and attended all Madigan vacations.  There was also a time when Wally, Marjorie, and Rick lived with the Madigans (Dorothy, Frank, Monique, and Tom).  So, Rick, Monique, and Tom became more of a family, rather than cousins.  Here are pictures of all of them in their younger years.  You can click on any of this pictures and make them larger.

[Photos courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001]

Front to back: Tom, Monique and Rick              L t R: Frank Madigan, Monique, Tom, Rick

[Photos courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001] -- CLICK TO MAKE PICTURES LARGER

L t R: Monique, Rick, Tom            L t R: Rick, Monique, Tom, Frank Madigan

[Photo courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001] -- CLICK TO SEE LARGER VIEW

Rick and Marjorie Ann

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[Photo courtesy of Monique Bonjour - August 11, 2001]

Jules, Monique and Rick - at Tommy and Trina Madigan's wedding March 2000

[Photo courtesy of Rick Colthurst - Nov 15, 1999]

Darby with Grandpa (Rick) 11-15-99 (few wks old)

[Photo courtesy of Rick Colthurst - Nov 2000]

Darby with mom Dorcas on 1st Birthday 11-2000

For more current pictures of Rick, here he is on a Game page and in the News on his 60th Birthday with the three Sterlings in southern CA.  Also, you can view Rick's Christmas card that he sent the family in 1998.  He talks about the family and what is going on with their lives.

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Funeral Information

Rick will have a Naval burial at sea per his wishes.  The visitation (rosary) is this Wednesday evening, July 15, from 7 to 9 PM EST (4-6 PM PST) at the Altmeyer Funeral Home Virginia Beach chapel.  The Mass is at 1:00 PM EST (10 AM PST) on Thursday at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Virginia.   You can view the Obituary information and sign their guest book.  Rick's Obituary information right here on this website will be preserved as part of our website.  After viewing, it will be moved to the 'Genealogy' side where it will be part of his family's web page.  Obituary was written by Rick's son, Jason Colthurst.

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What we all can do

Since Rick will be buried at sea, it would be nice if everyone chipped in for a flower wreath from the J.E. Colthurst family.  Any money left over will be donated to his favorite charity, the Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA.  Please send donations to Monique Bonjour at 25 Roble Road, Berkeley, CA 94705.  If you would like, you can send an email to Pat Colthurst gofrog@aol.com or send a card to the house at: 808 de la Fayette Ct., Virginia Beach, VA 23455-4715.  If you would like to share your thoughts, recollections, etc on Rick, email Suzanne at szazzi@jecolthurstfamily.com 

And here is what some other members of our family have done that I know of.....

Sterling Colthurst is having perpetual masses said for Rick

Diane (Colthurst) Moczar is having a Gregorian series (30 consecutive Masses) said for Rick

and Bob Beall is writing a eulogy on behalf of the J.E. Colthurst family to be read at the funeral

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Vignettes

After having lived and known you for fifty-seven years it is so hard to believe you are not in my life any more.  Thinking back, I remember the silly times we spent together as children and all the family vacations we spent together.  Remember that time in Yosemite when we thought a bear was shaking our tent and my Dad went out to see what was happening?  Major earthquake.  And then there were those special rides to school, when your car full of senior boys stopped to pick up this lowly freshman girl. What fun!   And of course, all those Christmas Eves when you were at the very least an hour late and yet still managed to charm everyone with your presence.  Also our famous tennis games were such fun.  And, fast forwarding to the recent timetable when your mom was ill and you stayed here almost on a monthly basis, our connection was still close. Those late night talks here at the house and your calls from your cell phone when you were troubled, were very special.  We were confidants and I will always treasure that.  When I think of you I think happy, fun, and I smile.  But I am happy I know the sensitive, loving person behind all that wonderful charm.  I love you and will always hold you close in my heart.   Monique' [Courtesy of Monique Madigan Bonjour - Aug 12, 2001]

'My pal Rick is gone. He was my friend forever.  He made us all laugh and could always make a bad situation a little better.  When my father passed away Rick flew out and met me with a hug and his giant Rick Colthurst smile.  He said, "lets get a drink." I said I was too depressed to drink.  Rick said, "Tom, you can never be too depressed to drink."  That made me laugh, he was always able to make people laugh and feel better.

Rick would drop by (always at the last minute).  We'd sit around and talk about anything and everything.  Lynne, Tommy, Alyson, Molly and Ryan loved visiting with Rick. He was a great role model and gave some excellent advice to both me and my family.  He always had the answer for any question- usually the right one too. Even our pets enjoyed his company (they actually told me so).  Frequently on Christmas Eve we'd call him COLLECT-always fun to call cousin Rick at 3:00AM (his time) when you were half in the bag- just to say merry Christmas.

I remember how very nice he was to me when I was growing up.  I'd stay at his house when my parents would go to conventions. I remember a time when I was about twelve (which would have made him seventeen), we were in his garage with his friends working on his car.  Everyone including me was drinking beer.  I'm sure his friends must have thought, " Who the hell is this little dork."   I'm sure Rick had told them, "that's my little cousin, so cut him some slack." That was just Rick. He made me feel like I was a part of the group and I'll never forget that- that's a big deal when you're twelve.

My family and I are very sad that we will never see Rick again (at least in this world), we'll miss his surprise visits, his laughter and the fun guy he was. I believe in heaven and I'm sure he's there visiting with all the relatives and friends who went before him. I can picture him standing at heaven's gate holding a beverage (of some kind), laughing and waiting to greet the rest of his family and friends.

p.s. Rick you were a PRINCE of a guy, we will miss you forever and please put a good word in for me.   your pal Tom'  [Courtesy of Tom Madigan - August 14, 2001]

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'The passing of Rick Colthurst was a passing of a bit of each one of us.  A check of his computer, Cell phone and Palm Pilot were the ritual of this busy GUY… Yet he would be the first one to drop you an e-mail, phone call, or stop by your home for a visit… Rick’s love of personal and extended family was legendary.  Rick was the Guy who would flash into your life and create smiles and laughs and dart off to another business meeting cell.  Rick was our family moth and each one of our lives was his fire as he was a fire to us.  The suddenness of this tragic loss of Friend, relative, husband, and father is like getting a shot of Novocain.  It leaves one numb.  As our numbness wears off the hurt will return BUT REMEMBER!! The deeper our pain… The stronger our love for Rick.  Our lives are different and better because we shared time and love with This Real Friend called…Rick Colthurst.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Pat, Jason, Dorcas, Darby and Gillian…and just a thought...Rick left us to join the party being held on the other side with those who made us all ONE FAMILY  .Love Bob Beall & Family' [ Courtesy of Bob and Jerri Beall - Aug 12, 2001]

'Rick was an integral part of our family.  He was to be one of our Master of Ceremonies, along with Bob Beall, at the family reunion in Napa on September 22, 2001.  He has been instrumental in keeping the family together by visiting all of us frequently, telling us wonderful stories of the family (the famous 8) and he built the first distribution list for the family.  Although all he ever sent us was his itinerary for a long time, he did keep in touch with all of us and even managed to send us all an email Christmas card one year from his family, complete with colored fonts.  And he also managed to send us pictures of the family on occasion.  I thought that was really wonderful of him.  We got to see Tommy and Trina Madigan's wedding as well as other family photos, including the house they live in.  Rick also helped out with the website.  He and I worked together back in April to get it started.  He was the one who named the website and I was the one who built it.  Rick was not only my cousin, but my friend.  Whether it was working together or just plain visiting with each other and having a great time, I always felt like I was important in his life.  He made sure he put me on his itinerary list to visit, and several times, he'd spend the night.  He, with lap top in hand, could give me any piece of information at any time.  But the best information were his stories of the family.  He had everyone laughing and sometimes hung in suspense until he finally told us the end to a true story.  He had an amazing talent for telling stories and keeping his audience captive.  Even my son was captivated.  When he apologized for talking too much and started asking questions about my son, we all told him to continue because he was so interesting.  My son Andrew said that that was the first time that the extended family had come to life for him.  He was beaming with enthusiasm to learn more.  This is who and what Rick was all about.  He made everyone feel important and took the time to visit all of us, as well as constantly keeping in touch with us all through email.  He told stories of the family that made the past come alive as if it was today.  And, he was so much fun to be around.  We love you Rick and miss you already.  We will continue with this reunion, as you would have wanted, but please give us the strength to make it happen without you.  You and Bob B. were the center, the heart, and the glue as Master of Ceremonies for this reunion.  My sincere condolences to Pat, Jason, Dorcas, Gillian, and little Darby.  May you all know that your Dad was a center part of this family and was loved and respected by all of us, young and old.'  [ Courtesy of Suzanne Chatigny Zazzi - Aug 12, 2001]

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'It is an understatement to say Rick will be missed. I will miss his itineraries and his quick smiles. Whenever Rick was around, I always felt comfortable, and no matter where I was I always felt I was at home. He was the link to anyone and everyone in the family. His ties seemed to be with everyone. Just talking to him I realized that messages spread quickly via Rick. This came in handy on more than one occasion. While he will not be with us at the family reunion, we will have the pleasure of reaping the benefits of his efforts. Rick is now at home with his Mom and Dad and we will see him again one day. We love you Rick!'  [ Courtesy of Mary Chatigny Harding - Aug 11, 2001]

'I am saddened by the sudden loss of one of my favorite cousins. Rick was legendary not only in his charm and warming smile, but in his propensity to drop in unexpectedly--visits that were full of laughter, love and good cheer. This past Spring I had the privilege of reuniting with Jason, (Rick's son) and meeting for the first time Dorcas and Darby. I found in Jason the spirit of his father, the same love of family, and the quick wit and smile. Truly Rick will live on through his children and will remain in my heart forever.'  [Courtesy of Cathy Carson Anderegg - Aug 13, 2001]

[A letter that is being circulated at Rick's work, INRI, drafted by Dr. Frank P. Engel - 8/14/01]

'I heard Sunday of Rick Colthurst’s tragic death and wanted to convey my heartfelt sympathies to his family and those of INRI and recently Logicon-INRI that knew Rick. We will all remember Rick’s loyalty to all that the company tried to do and so many of us will remember and reflect on the specific things he did on our behalf through the years. Rick joined us early in our growth in 1987 coming on a direct recommendation from Admiral Tuttle who was O1 at CINCLANTFLT at that time. Rick in fact was the operational officer for our contract work at CLF prior to joining the company as a Navy Commander. I knew through this relationship of working for Rick for a year what an asset he would be to our organization. Rick had an understanding for how revolutionary and pervasive our work was to prove for DOD and wanted to be a leader in the pursuit of this goal. He fit right in at the outset leading our fleet support management needs, while adding to our cadre of operational folks that fed the mill with requirements to build our software upon. In addition he was a continual positive source of mental and physical support at all levels at the company, especially to me personally. He was especially effective at running necessary interference with shipboard commanders and staffs to break through incredible adversity and pave the way for our people to do their work. How many of our fleet support people have been backed by Rick at crucial times in their careers? If you never had the chance to watch Rick lay low some military official(s) who would bad mouth our products, company, or personnel then you missed the chance to see a true master at work. Rick’s loyalty and commitment to our goals were never questioned and he surely would top an impressive list of names that worked the highest percentage of their waking hours in our behalf, never complaining or losing intensity and focus for whatever the job may be. Rick and I used to joke about how doing the task at hand was the important thing regardless of one’s job description – we could each drive a package to the airport, take a customer support call, duplicate tapes, or perform some QA function on software – whatever the urgency of the moment was the most important thing to do and do well.  Through the years, Rick touched so many lives at INRI and Logicon-INRI that it would be impossible to recount the specifics of the countless ways that Rick impacted our company. But I am confident that everyone would agree that Rick’s influence was fundamental to our growth, retention, and success. Who will forget Rick driving down 64 with a cell phone balanced on his ear, writing on his dash pad, keeping a conversation with his fellow travelers, while trying to make it to some ship at the base in 20 minutes from Newport News. I recall in particular the first INRI golf tournament when Rick could not take the time to unshoulder his bag when executing his shots and also kept his cell phone conversation going during the shot. I wondered what the recipient on the call thought of the ball hitting sounds – but for Rick business never waited for pleasure. I know that this company commitment was hard on his home life and family, yet I know of fewer people more committed to his wife and children. The success of his children and marriage was the pride of his life and he spoke so often of Pat’s and the children’s activities with me. My last conversation with Rick was Wednesday after the INRI Golf tournament as we shared the process of company assimilation into the Logicon Corporation. Rick had an excellent grasp of what was happening and in particular he understood the various motivations that led to this merger in the first place – we had just never had the chance to share these thoughts together before. By the way I was able to watch Rick calmly drop a 20 foot putt on number 11, while holding a conversation on his cell. Rick has finally achieved a well deserved rest that he never achieved in the past 15 years and he will be remembered fondly by all of the compatriots he left behind.  Frank Engel.'  [Dr. Frank P. Engel at INRI - 8/14/01] [courtesy of son, Jed R. Engel at Logicon INRI - Newport News, Virginia]

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[Memories of Rick from Patrick A Germain - 8/14/2001]

'After leaving the Navy, I came to work for INRI Newport News in 1992 and I worked for Rick off and on over the years. I recently relocated to Colorado Springs. Yesterday Judy Lewis called and informed me of Rick's passing. I am very sorry for your loss. I would like to share with you a few of my memories of Rick.

As a living example of multi-tasking with the persona of Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit and a bit of the Mad Hatter, Rick was affectionately known in the Navy systems community as "Captain Chaos". With cell phone, palm-top and a memo pad on his steering wheel, Rick breezed from meetings to phone calls to more meetings always eager for the next project.

As a computer Systems Support technician, I occasionally worked for Rick on special projects. Typically, his assignments were short on notice and long on tasking. Working for Rick was always challenging and rewarding at the same time. As a navy veteran myself, I could see his Navy commanding officer years come through as he grilled me when things didn't go as planned, then offered anything I needed to get the job done. Be it on a personal or professional level, I never saw Rick's whirlwind of activity cease to pause in order to offer support and assistance to anyone in need.

In flurries of daily business, Rick maintained a keen sense of humor. He often took the time to send positive reviews for my email writings of office humor and travel observations. He especially liked my comparison of an office petty theft scandal to a Brady Bunch episode.

As a Cold War comrade and an IT professional peer, I will miss Rick and his whirlwind of activity, his keen humor, yes even his grillings, as well as his constant support both at and away from the office.  Sincerely, Pat Germain'   [Patrick A Germain - 8/14/2001]

[Memories of Rick by Henry (Hank) Maze - Aug 18, 2001]

'We were 6 yr. old when we met in the First Grade at Our Lady of Lourdes grammar school. You were the tallest kid by far. I remember your mom's yellow Buick and getting rides on rainy days. I remember visits to the first house on Santa Ray Ave...esp. the  time we had a "friendly" fight until neither of us could stand. I remember staying over night at the second house on Santa Ray, a bigger, nicer place. I especially remember your trip to Tahiti and all the stuff your parents brought back. Your mom was a fastidious housekeeper and we had to be very careful not to mess things up! How about all those Oakland Oaks ballgames we went to, esp. the Sunday doubleheaders at the old Emeryville ballpark. We'd go under the stands, sneak down the runway to the dugout and listen to the players yelling and swearing until we got thrown out.

Your dad was a great guy, such patience with us. When we were older but before we could drive, he'd chauffeur us and our friends around to gatherings and when going home we'd lead him on wild chases just to extend the evening a little. Remember the time he took us fishing to the delta? Speaking of fishing, how about the time we went fishing on the old Berkeley pier, caught nothing, and when your mom picked us up we showed her the bait and told her it was our catch. I was never sure she really believed us, but we had allot of laughs over that one. I remember subbing a few times for you on your paper route. One of the deliveries was to Mary Lou's house.. we were rivals over her. I think we both lost out to someone else.

I remember before our Junior year at O'Dowd, when you got that '50 Ford and we changed the clutch on the street in front of your house. We didn't know what we were doing and it took us forever to do it, but mostly because of your persistence we finished the job. Let's see, who rode with us to school most days in that little car..Pat Burke, Tom Oliver, Jerry Peters, Chuck Finigan?..I'm not sure on him, but we all smoked like chimneys except for Burke. Did we ever reek of smoke when we got to school! Those years were special..I remember how you helped me get into the "in crowd." It sure seemed important at the time. I remember the time I got dead drunk and you got me back to your house safely. Thanks for not letting me drive (and maybe much more).

Like most friends we drifted apart after graduation, until you looked me up a few years ago on a trip out here for business and to see Marjorie who was by then fatally ill. We played golf, and on other times golfed or went to ballgames. We're both A's fans and it was great to see them finally playing good ball. I tuned in the game yesterday, but I just didn't feel like watching.

I could go on with other memories, but I'll stop here. I'll have them always.

Rick you were a great guy and a true friend. Thanks for that friendship and all you did for me. Marlene's and my prayers will be for your family and friends to whom our hearts go out.

Your friend always,

Henry (Hank) Maze.'

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Special Prayer for Rick by John Beall

God of all consolation, in your unending love and mercy for us you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.  Show compassion to us, the Colthurst family, in our sorrow.  Be our refuge and our strength to lift us from the darkness of this grief to the peace and light of your presence.  Thank you God for the gift of Rick to our family.

In the days ahead, help us to focus within our hearts, on the joy in the events and memories of Rick which eternally surrounds us.  May this truth of love sustain us in the days to come.  Take our sad and aching hearts and comfort us.  Comfort us, for we can only feel hollowness and emptiness.  God of the sorrowing, draw near!  Amen. The Lord Yahweh will wipe away the tears from every cheek. Is 25:1-10

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This web page is brought to you by: Monique Bonjour, Bob Beall and Suzanne Zazzi

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₁ coronary insufficiency, acute - A heart attach 'out of the blue'.  In other words, a heart attack by someone who is not under a doctor's care for heart trouble.  [Courtesy of Pat Colthurst, 8/20/2001]