MARK RICHARDSON - BEAR CREEK RANCH FOUNDER - "LIVED HIS DREAM" Mark passed away on Sunday, February 9 after a courageous two year battle with cancer with family and friends at his side. He was born an identical twin in Pittsfield Massachusetts on May 13, 1951. Mark was an entrepreneur who owned many businesses before starting the MDR Classic Carriage Company. This was one of the first carriage companies that provided horse drawn carriage rides in Denver. Mark also enjoyed competing in the professional rodeo circuit. He was the PRCA Grand National Champion Saddle Bronc rider in 1980. For nearly thirty years Mark owned and operated Bear Creek Ranch and Stables offering trail rides in the scenic foothills of Lakewood Colorado. During this time Mark contributed his time, energy and talent to a number of community events and loved introducing people to the way of life he embraced including horse day camps, riding lessons, show animals, and horse drawn wedding carriages and hayrides. Mark sponsored many charitable events to benefit organizations such as the Make A Wish Foundation and Children's Hospital. Mark was also proud of his partnership with David Killingsworth and their award winning bar and restaurant located in the small historic town of Morrison Colorado, the Morrison Holiday Bar. Among their many honors, Coors Brewing Company chose their establishment to film a TV commercial and most recently gave it the distinction of the "Best Banquet Bar in America" from over 2,000 locations. Mark looked forward to the annual National Western Stock Show in Denver. This year his photo booth, where children and adults are photographed sitting on Longhorn, Brahma bulls, and draft horses won "Best in Show" out of several hundred exhibits. His favorite entertainment venue was White Fence Farm where he offers horse drawn carriage rides and a petting zoo. Everyone he ever met was treated by him to dinner there. Mark leaves behind his son Jason who resides in Australia. He loved dearly as a son, Russ Hermanspan who manages Bear Creek Ranch Stables, and was proud of Gary Reiber whom he mentored in his business. Mark joins Robert Sean Scott, former business partner, in the trails of heaven along with his beloved Clydesdale, Sox. He also leaves his twin brother John and his wife Susan; his brother Owen and his wife Andrea; and sisters Ellen and Norma Richardson. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE: The family is having a private memorial service on Thursday. A celebration of Mark's life is being planned for July. This will be an annual event to benefit Children's Hospital. "HAPPY TRAILS" MARK!

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Published by Denver Post on Feb. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Richardson

35 Entries

Kellie Dillon

March 3, 2014

John & Sue,

So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Jack Belcher

February 26, 2014

Norma, Ellen, John and Owen,
I am sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Growing up in the neighborhood with all of you was a special time. I always looked up to Mark and John as the older guys that I aspired to be like. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

February 25, 2014

Ellen, so sorry to read of your brother Mark's passing~ Hugs to you~ Chris Nichols

Fran and Paula Jamross

February 21, 2014

John,
Paula and I were sorry to hear of your brother's passing. We really miss you and Sue and wish that we could be there in person to offer our condolences.

Brandy Cone

February 20, 2014

Happy Trails Mark, we all will miss you greatly!!! our hearts are with everyone.

Lisa Thompson

February 19, 2014

I had the opportunity to work with Mark for quite a few years at the National Western in the photo booth. Also some with the horses downtown. His big heart and kindness will be greatly missed. Be at peace Cowboy!

Kirsten Rocca

February 18, 2014

Norma, Amy, Ellen & families - I am sorry about the passing of Mark. I know this is a difficult time for all of you. With my deepest condolences.

Lorraine & Peter Choquette

February 17, 2014

John
So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Words cannot express the loss of a sibling.

February 17, 2014

John, Sue and family my prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

February 17, 2014

Ellen and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
With deepest sympathy
Barbara and Vin

Laurie Grube

February 17, 2014

Ellen, John, Norma and Owen,
So sorry to hear about Mark. I remember him riding Bo down Marcella Ave. He was always such a nice guy. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.

Robbie Harrington Brassard

February 17, 2014

John, Sue & family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jeanne Baccoli

February 16, 2014

To Ellen, Norma and the entire Richardson clan, my sincerest condolences on Mark's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With sympathy,

Neil Sklar

February 16, 2014

My deepest thoughts and prayers to John and the whole Richardson family.I grew up with the brothers in Pittsfield and have lots of great memories of those times and I saw Mark in Denver , Colo. in the 70s and I remember like it was yesterday how great it was to see each other and how wonderful and excited he was to be in Colorado.I remember seeing him with his cowboy hat on his head and his cowboy boots on his feet, and me and Nick DiSantis knew that he had truly found his place. God bless you brother, rest in peace. Neil and Chuchie Sklar

Scott D.

February 16, 2014

John,
Very sorry to hear of your brothers passing; my condolences to you and your family.

Scott D.

Kathryn Healy-Haley

February 16, 2014

John, sorry for the loss of your brother, my heart goes out to you, and your family..

Keith Barnes

February 16, 2014

Mark was a great person. May he rest in peace.

Don LeBlanc

February 16, 2014

To the Richardson family very sorry to read of Marks passing my thought and prayers go to your entire family Don LeBlanc

Barbara Bramer

February 16, 2014

So sorry too the Richardson Family for your lost my prayers and thoughts are with you
Barbara Martin Bramer

Barbara Fleischmann

February 16, 2014

John and Sue, We're so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Barb & Barry Fleischmann

Debbie & Bob Galvagni

February 16, 2014

John, I was so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Our deepest condolences to you & your family.

Debbi Ranti Lefebvre Beverly

February 16, 2014

Sorry to hear of Mark's passing.

John Warne

February 14, 2014

Enjoyed doing the horses with Mark. Wished he could of met my daughter, we still have our thoughts and prayers for Mark and Jason.

Kristen Malinowski

February 14, 2014

Mark was the best man at my parents' wedding and a cherished participant in my childhood years. I still have a photograph of him and me, sitting on a picnic table. My deepest sympathies to all who know and love him. Kristen Malinowski

Suzanne Laurion

February 14, 2014

Mark was a big ol' lovable cowboy who was a friend to many.. You will be missed kind sir..

john canino

February 14, 2014

R.I.p

February 13, 2014

Mark had a wonderful self-assuredness and bravado, and the posture of a proud cowboy; along with the softness and sincerity of a kind heart and creative soul. He was a legendary man in my eyes who changed my life and the lives of many others. He leaves behind many stories that will continue to be told and a legacy that will survive long after his death.

He was a pioneer and enthusiast of the West, and especially loved the great state of Colorado. I've always cherished this man deeply. It was so enriching to share in his lifestyle on my visits to Bear Creek Ranch. I will miss his wit and charm, truly a brand of his own. I love you Mark. -David

Ashley Salazar

February 13, 2014

I have known Mark for over three years working at his favorite bank Mutual of Omaha Bank. Russ, jake and mark all came into the bank on a daily if not twice a day basis, every stop in he always new how to put a smile on ur face and make you laugh. Mark was a very strong, pashinent, caring, and hilarious man. I am going to miss him dearly, he lead a great life and was an amazing man to look up to. Rest in peace Mark, we will think about you every day. But know you are up above watching over all of us.

Fred Turner

February 12, 2014

A good man....Miss Ya Friend

Joe'l Lambe

February 12, 2014

Mark was my friend for many years. I was driving carriages in downtown Denver when I met him at his sandwich shop on the Mall. We grew to be friends and I influenced and encouraged him to start a company himself, which he did. I am an identical twin too, so I know that twins are special. I will miss him very much! He was kind and generous to me on many occasions. Love to you Mark, I know you can hear my heart.

Ted Larrow

February 12, 2014

Mark was a great guy, growing up with Mark he was always fun to know and hang out with. Sad to see he's gone so soon.

Stephanie Jaggard

February 12, 2014

Mark will be truly missed as he was such a nice guy, always taking time for everyone he met to visit with & see how you were doing & occasionally get one of those famous bear hugs. I know Russ & the other young gentlemen that he mentored along the way will miss him like a father. They were a working ranch family, something that is rare in the city environment these days, but you are always there for each other. I know he is in a better place no matter how much he will be missed, but can't you see him ridding off in the sunset with that smile on his face? RIP Mark it was a pleasure to know you!

Debbie Millan

February 12, 2014

My heartfelt sympathy to Ellen, John, Norma and Owen and their families on Mark's passing. It hurts to lose a brother.

February 12, 2014

Mark has been such a part of our lives for so long it will be hard to think of life without his loving, giving ways and his never ending smile. We will hold dear all our many appearances with him providing horses and carriages for many events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and especially to Russ who was
always there with Mark for us. Our Love to you. Barb &
Ralph Melfi (Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill

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