Obituary of Richard Oxford Kennedy

Richard “Toby” Kennedy was born in Springfield, CO to William Clarence Kennedy and Elva

Oxford Kennedy in 1941. He died April 10, 2023 in Greeley, CO.

Toby grew up in Springfield with one brother and three sisters and he graduated with the class of 1959. He liked growing up in a small town and his childhood was full of adventures which he recalled fondly. He had a sharp memory and was a good storyteller. Most of his good times included his dog Tuffy. He enjoyed camping in the Cedars and Two Buttes, driving his 1955 Ford Crown Victoria (when it was running) and listening to the stories from the old timers at the pool hall (a place his dad disapproved of). His first job was at Jett Hardware in Springfield, where he worked alongside his dad. He had a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his

life.

He attended college in Lamar where he met his wife Joan. They married in Boulder, CO in 1962. After the birth of their first daughter Heidi, he joined his brother Bill to work for a seismograph crew with Amerada Petroleum which took them to Utah, North Dakota and Wyoming. Liking Sheridan, WY, they settled there where their second daughter Jodi was born. He worked for a carpenter building cabinets and doing construction. Missing family and their beloved Colorado they returned. He was hired by United Airlines at Stapleton where he worked for ground maintenance. They purchased their first home in Aurora where they lived 12 years. Longing for the small town life they moved to Strasburg, CO where he continued to work at United, now operating at DIA. While in Strasburg, Joan learned the trade of boot repair and together they operated a leather and boot repair shop. He was able to have a large garden and loved having animals at their property - horses, mules, a pig, dog, cat and guinea hens.

After 35 years he retired from United. Wanting to have more acreage, he and Joan moved to Kimball, NE where he had more land, a barn, another tractor and the wind. While there he worked for the Kimball School District and did some farm work. They enjoyed their time there but again family and their hearts called them back to Colorado where they settled in Kersey.

His hobbies and travels reflected his love of the old west, Colorado history and the cowboy way. His favorite times were spent in the rocky mountains camping, fishing, going to rodeos, museums and music festivals. Some favorite places were Taylor Park and Fairplay.

He was an original DIY’er and wasn't afraid to tackle anything. He did carpentry, woodwork, leatherwork, blacksmithing, welding, gunsmithing, fly tying, taxidermy and gardening. He made several miniature wagons and his proudest project was building a full sized sheep herders wagon. He made improvements to the homes and land wherever he lived. He was a hard worker and always provided for his family.

Toby was kind, generous to others and humble. He lived a full life. He was a family man first and foremost. He loved his wife Joan, his kids and especially his two grandkids. We love you back Pop! He will be missed dearly by Joan Kennedy, Heidi, Kelly and Connor Swanson, Jodi Kennedy and Milia Heen.