Richard L. McKisson

Richard Leonard McKisson passed away on October 8, 2024, crossing the finish line in a race well-run. He was deeply loved by his family and is greatly missed. 

Dick was born to Robert Martin McKisson and Charlotte Mabel Freeman McKisson on April 21, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended high school in Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD and a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. 

A lifelong athlete, Dick was a Track and Field athlete at the University of Maryland. Track and Field was a sport he returned to later in life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Kay to compete in various Masters track meets and Senior Games. He also enjoyed competing in local meets with his grandson, Andrew. Dick won numerous national championships in sprinting and hurdling events. One of his greatest achievements was becoming the World Champion in the 60 Meter Hurdles for Men over age 70 in Kamloops, Canada. Dick also enjoyed Nordic skiing, competing in numerous racing events around Colorado as well as traveling to compete in the American Birkebeiner in 1995. Additionally, Dick was an avid cyclist and enjoyed both racing and riding in “Century” rides. 

He instilled a love for the outdoors in his children by taking them on hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing trips in the Rocky Mountains as well as to the beaches of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia for family vacations. His family treasures these memories with him. 

Dick served in the U. S. Army Reserve from 1960-65. He had a 37-year civil service career working as a Civil Engineer for the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. One of the major projects he worked on was designing and building the Flaming Gorge Dam in Wyoming. Later in his career, he worked in engineering computing. 

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Kay Marie Moorehead McKisson. He is also survived by his three children: Holly Barker of Lakewood, Colorado, Teresa McKisson of Arvada, Colorado, and Kenneth McKisson of Fruita, Colorado. In addition, he was well-loved by his son-in-law, Kevin Barker and his four grandchildren: Andrew, Davis and Charlotte Barker and Tyler McKisson. 

Richard’s life will be celebrated by family in a private memorial service.