Tribute

On August 26, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO, ten days after his 69th birthday, Richard Douglas Orr (aka Rick) died due to Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), a very rare form of dementia. PCA started affecting his beautiful mind at only 57 years old, and he lost his job due to PCA at age 61. Nicole, Rick’s stepdaughter, expressed her love for him in this heartfelt message: “Nerd (as I called him) was the best stepdad a girl could ask for. He always had my back, made me feel truly appreciated, respected, cared for, protected, and genuinely loved. He was always playful and upbeat, joking around with me and my friends all the time. In his presence, I felt like I could just be me, no worrying about any agenda/control/criticism, etc.; he just always felt emotionally safe to be around like a powerlifting Buddha who was here to hold space without judgment of people. His presence was such a beautiful gift to many. Being with him often felt like being surrounded by an energy bubble full of unconditional, lighthearted love. As a child, it was sweet to witness my mom, Aileen, and Rick fall in love and truly keep their love alive throughout their 33 years together. They’d always celebrate together, dance through the halls of our house together, snuggle every night on the couch together, and help each other grow in so many ways. They supported each other and never held each other back. They were true adventure buddies, too, always trying something new. Rick held space as my mom ventured into more passion-filled career opportunities. They had their quarrels like all couples do, but ultimately always loved and cared for each other through it all. I have amazing memories to cherish due to their deep love for each other. My Nerd was a brilliant man who excelled at pretty much anything he attempted. He truly was one of those people who followed his bliss in life and did whatever made him happy. He always told me he loved his job as a software architect; he loved the challenges and creativity it took to solve various issues. He absolutely loved powerlifting, winning lifting competitions even in his late 40s. He was so strong that he let me and my friends climb up him like he was a jungle gym. He took such good care of himself, ate healthily, exercised daily, didn’t smoke, rarely drank, and was such a great role model in so many ways. Nerd absolutely loved music so much that he installed speakers in almost every room of our home, and outside, too. He was always down for adventure of any kind, and together with my mom, they caved, repelled, hiked, scuba dived, swam with dolphins, joined me in a shark cage, biked intense roads even in their 50s, and so much more. Nerd loved riding his Harley, especially when my mom was his passenger, and joined friends in Sturgis one year. He was game for anything as he traveled the world (New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and more)! He had an incredible life journey!”

Friends & Family