It is with great sadness that we convey the passing of our dear Son, Brother, and Uncle Richard (Rick) Duane Blatt. Rick passed peacefully at Eben Ezer on September 4, 2023, due to cumulative health issues. He is survived by his mother, Marge; sisters, Lynette (Randy) Rockwell, and Mary Kay (Terry) Ferracini; and brother, Mark. He also had 8 nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews who loved to laugh with him. Rick was born February 28, 1955, and will be cremated with inurnment at Brush Memorial Cemetery.

We also rejoice at this time, because we know that God has taken him home and will restore him with a new body, and he will suffer no more.

As time has passed, many may have forgotten, or may not have known that Rick was hit by a car in April 1977. He was comatose for six months and then required extensive physical therapy to help him regain the use of his limbs. He never fully regained his mental or physical capacities, but ultimately was able to "live on his own" for a period. After which, he resided at Eben Ezer.

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to all those at Eben Ezer, East Morgan County Hospital, and various doctors who have attended to his needs through the years. In addition, we want to thank all the Brush residents who looked out for or extended kindness toward Rick. You see, Rick simply wanted to be a regular person who was useful, helpful, and well-liked. He didn't want sympathy and didn't want to be viewed as having disabilities. He enjoyed and gained fulfillment in constructions. Even though his limitations would not allow such, various residents helped him fulfill his desire either by hiring him for small jobs or helping him do the work. The Lions Club and Brush Volunteer Fire Department welcomed him and made him feel very special. The community became extended family and surrounded him with love.

We write this to "reveal" Rick to you, but it serves us more so in remembering how special a person he truly was. He would always tell us how much he loved us and would wink to add emphasis of his sincerity. He always was looking for an opportunity to make us laugh. Often, he would introduce himself as Richard "Duane the bathtub I'm drowning" Blatt – his middle name being a play on "drain." We all believe that through laughter he let others know he was OK and didn't need sympathy. God provided us, through Rick, an example of how we can all smile and laugh through hardship.

One of his "true loves" was the Denver Broncos. We all know how happy or sad the outcome of their games can make us feel. If they lost, Rick simply needed to get out and "walk out" his frustration. Fortunately, in the years the Broncos were winning he didn't need to walk as much.

Rick often would recall distant memories but had trouble remembering recent events. We often felt sad, because he could remember how he was before his accident – being so full of life. He was trapped in an earthly body and simply had to persevere. We don't know why life turns out this way, but we know that God has a plan for our good. We hope that if you knew Rick, you too might have been blessed knowing him.

We know that God has already embraced Rick and now is trying to provide all those insights on how the Broncos could have been better coached or had better insight on drafting players. We look forward to seeing you soon, Rest in God's peace, Rick! We love you!