Richard James Edelen

Richard James Edelen, aged 69 passed away on November 28, 2023 in his home with his family beside him. Rick was born February 25, 1954 in Denver, Co to Beulah and Gerald Edelen.

Rick met the love of his life, Donna, while attending Golden High School. They met on Donna’s first day of high school and the two married July 1, 1972. Rick and Donna have built a beautiful life raising three wonderful children, Jim, 50 (Tammy), Shane 48 (Ashley), and Victoria, 44 (Nate). Fourteen beautiful grandchildren and 4 great grand babies and as Rick would say, and 1 in the hopper.

Rick began his career in concrete flatwork, starting at J&D Concrete then to All States Concrete Pumping with his father in law and Nissen Concrete before a long standing career at Peterson Concrete for many successful years. In 1995, Rick took a leap of faith by following his dreams and opened his own business, Denver Concrete Services. The business was ran from his home until he saved enough money to buy land, build an office and shop in 2000. DCS became the largest residential flatwork company in Colorado, which is still fully operational and ran by his sons.

“Just picking strawberries”

In 2000 Rick attended his first of many SCI conventions which blossomed his passion for hunting around the world. In 2013 he earned the Hunting Award for achieving well over 220 species, and in 2017, Rick was honored with the Safari Club International World Conservation Hunting Award and also presented with one of six World Hunting Rings, in Las Vegas. He also has received many awards including 2 Grand Slams, Animals of Africa - Gold and 5 - Diamond Awards. Rick was asked to share what got him into hunting; I first became interested in hunting as a young boy, I went out with my dad every chance I could. Before I was old enough to drive, my mom would take me out to a field and leave me there so I could hunt small game. I took a long break from hunting while raising my family. My children and some of my grandchildren have hunted with me numerous times. Hunting has allowed me to travel the world and to see things that a tourist would never see, I love the adventure of it. I have completed the Capra 30, Ovis 20 and the North American 29. My favorite hunts are mountain hunts for sheep and goats. I am a life member of Grand Slam, Ovis, Wild Sheep and SCI.

In 2018, Rick chose to try photography and as he would say he was a photo hobbyist who dabbled in photography and has a lot to learn. Needless to say, his family, friends and strangers from around the world strongly disagreed as his photos captured the way of life many will never see. As one guide stated, when Rick would enter a remote village, or crowded marketplace, he instantly greeted strangers with his beaming smile. In the markets, he’d hug the vendors and joke around with people. He was like the Pied Piper with kids in every country he visited, with a multitude of fans in tow. Often times he’d he’d buy a round of sodas or ice cream for the kids that gathered around him.

Rick visited 115 of 195 countries. Since 2003 he traveled to Africa 29 times. He built a stunning home for Donna in Mazatlan, Mexico. No matter where his travels took him, he always remained connected to his family at home as he was a devoted family man and loved them most. He made a goal to create a family that grew together. His family is his treasure. He lit up a room while speaking of them.

Rick is proceeded in death by his father Gerald, mother Beulah and brother Bill Edelen. He is survived by his sister Judy (Ron) brother Donald (Jan) and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews.

Rick loved to get together with the ones he loved, sharing stories and creating memories. We will be celebrating the life of our beloved hero on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Castle Event Center 83 E 120th Ave, Denver, Co. from 2-4pm. We would love for you to share how Rick made an impact on your life by visiting

In lieu of flowers Rick, Donna and family would prefer donations to

Denver Santa Claus Shop - A family friend runs this amazing program to enhance the holiday season for children that may otherwise receive nothing. https://www.denversantaclausshop.org/donate/

Center Of Health and Hope - Dad and Mom traveled throughout Africa and witnessed the life and hardships of many family and tribes. This organization purchases a family goat to help provide milk and hard labor to the families. http://www.centerforhealthandhope.org/