Richard L. Bettinger

Richard Lee “Dick” Bettinger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 28th 2024 at the age of 89. Born in Denver, Colorado, on January 3, 1935, to Josephine and Clemens Bettinger, Dick’s life was a testament to love, faith, hard work, and passion for both his family and his many diverse interests.

Dick grew up in Denver, attending St. Francis High School and South High School. He later pursued higher education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he worked as a hasher in the KD sorority house. It was there that he met the love of his life, Norma Wade, sparking a beautiful love story that spanned over six decades. Dick later earned a degree in journalism from the University of Denver, setting the stage for a life dedicated to creative pursuits.

After graduation, Dick and Norma moved to Sterling, Colorado and onto Billings, Montana, where he worked at the Billings Gazette in advertising sales. In 1960, he started his photography business, Bettinger Creative Photography. It was in Montana that Dick’s lifelong love for the outdoors blossomed, leading him to spend his free time hiking and rock climbing and serving on ski patrol. The couple welcomed their first two of four sons during their time in Billings, marking the start of a growing and close-knit family.

In 1963, Dick and his family returned to Denver, where he worked for the Rocky Mountain News. In 1965, Dick made a bold career shift by purchasing Rork Photography Studio, which he transformed into Bettinger Photography, a highly regarded Denver institution. Over the decades, Dick became a prominent figure in the Professional Photographers of America, serving as local president and earning accolades for his dedication to the craft.

Family and faith were cornerstones of Dick’s life. A devout Catholic, he was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for most of his life. He coached countless Catholic Youth Baseball teams and was a Boy Scout leader, offering mentorship and fostering community among young men. He and Norma were long-time members of the choir, with a highlight of performing at Carnegie Hall.

His interests extended beyond work and faith. Dick was a lifelong learner and adventurer. He ran for public office, campaigning for Denver City Council and the Colorado House of Representatives. Though unsuccessful in these pursuits, his passion for politics and civic duty never waned, later in life he volunteered at the City and County of Denver Elections Division.

In midlife, sailing became a defining passion. Dick and Norma joined the Koralle Zef sailing club which had weekly summer races. This resulted on them embarking on numerous sailing adventures across the Caribbean, Europe, and South America. Dick earned his captain’s certification and led countless family and friends on unforgettable voyages. Even in his semi-retirement, when he wasn’t traveling, Dick took up cabinet making and lovingly handcrafted the cabinets for the dream home he and Norma built together. As a long-time golfer, Dick found joy on the golf course in his retirement years, where he held several different positions at Wellshire Golf Course, continuing to foster community connections.

Throughout his life, Dick’s proudest achievement was his family. He and Norma raised four sons with a strong sense of faith, family, and work ethic. Dick cherished every moment spent with his 12 grandchildren, and family gatherings were a joyful and regular part of life. Dick’s legacy lives on through his four sons, their families, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and love.

Dick is survived by his sons and their wives: Troy and Judy, Dan and Amy, James and Megan, and Rick and Angela. His beloved grandchildren include Emilie (Derek) Milton, Allie (Olivia) Bettinger, Daniel Bettinger, Helen Bettinger (Mike Rossell), Isabella (Jesse) Montavon, Luke Bettinger, Benjamin Bettinger, Marian (Nathan) Martin, Peter Bettinger, Henry Bettinger, Joe Bettinger, and Abigail Bettinger. Dick is also survived by his two great-granddaughters: Esme Milton and Eleanor Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Wade Bettinger; his sister, Margaret Ellen Weiland; and his brother, William James Bettinger.

A Visitation and Rosary will be on Monday October 7th at 6:30pm and a Mass celebration of Dick’s life will be held, October 8th at 10am at St Vincent de Paul, where family, friends, and the community will gather to honor a life well-lived. A Reception will follow at the Hilton Garden Inn Cherry Creek, 600 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale beginning at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dick’s memory to the St Vincent de Paul Parish & School Foundation for the Future Capital Campaign at https://saintvincents.org/give-to-the-campaign.