Rick L. Cypher

Fredrick “Rick” Louis Cypher passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Thornton, CO on October 12, 2023.  He was 76 years old.  

Rick was born July 2, 1947, in Paterson, NJ to Bertram and Rosalie Cypher.  

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in January 1966.  He completed two tours of service during the Vietnam War and received an Honorable Discharge in December 1968.  He would later serve in the Nevada Army National Guard.  

He spent three decades building a successful and respected career in law enforcement, beginning as a Police Officer with the Ontario, CA Police Department and retiring as the Deputy Chief of Investigation for the State of Nevada in 2002.  One of his most notable accomplishments was graduating from the FBI National Academy (Session 172) in Quantico, Virginia.  When retirement proved too slow for his liking, he pursued a second career in massage therapy, and spent the next decade as a neuromuscular massage therapist.  

Rick’s greatest pride was his family.  He married the love of his life, Michelle, in 2002 and they were happiest as long as the other was near. They found joy traveling, boating on Lake Tahoe, enjoying the sunshine in their beautiful backyard, and cooking together.  He was endlessly proud of his two sons, and he loved his three stepchildren as his own.  All his children agree he was the best dad: present, fun-loving, and wise.  A grandfather to six (and a seventh due in December), there was no smile like those when his grandchildren were around. 

Rick is survived by his loving wife Michelle, younger brothers Clifford (Barbara) and Brian (Ellen), sons Jason and Daniel (Lori), stepchildren Brooke (Adam), Justin (Ana) and Lauren (Craig), grandchildren Makena, Anthony, Owen, Beckett, Maria, and Colston, and best friend of 40 years John.  

“Of all the places I’ve been…This is one of them.”

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