Richard Paul Felski

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

Obituary

Richard Paul Felski was a man of great humor who always had a story to tell and time for conversation.  Richard passed away peacefully in Colorado on May 9, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by family he loved.  He fought many health battles over recent years, and due to the complex nature of current diagnosis, his fight sadly ended.

Born on June 29, 1940, in Amsterdam, NY, Richard lived a life defined by humor, travel, and a passion for the military.  He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard not long after graduating high school. His active-duty years were spent in the Great Lakes region, living in places like Charlevoix, MI, Milwaukee, WI and Menominee, WI. His reserve duty stations took him to waterfronts in Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida, allowing for continual travel and camaraderie. He eventually retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as an E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer.

While in Wisconsin, he attended Stout State University graduating with an engineering degree. Over the course of his career, he successfully led and supported manufacturing operations with multiple companies including Continental Can (Lima, OH); Buschman Conveyers (Westminster, CO); and Clearwater Paper (Las Vegas, NV). Richard knew how to have fun as well!  Favorite past-times included camping with his family at Jellystone campground in Indiana, bowling with friends and coworkers, enjoying time on the water while boating, and snow skiing across the country.  

During his retirement years, Richard was happy living in Las Vegas and was fortunate to spend time with friends and family creating memories.  He embarked on many travels to national parks across the country and cherished international experiences when visiting, SE Asia, China, Mexico, and cruising. However, nothing made him happier than his beloved BINGO at South Point Casino, where he was known as King Richard. O-69...BINGO!!

Throughout his lifetime, Richard built lasting connections and touched many lives through simple acts of kindness, encouragement, and friendship. His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, yet the memories we shared will continue to live forever in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Richard will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.   

Richard is survived by his three daughters, Denine (Kurt) McClaren, Darline (Dennis) Blea, and Diane (Jack) Bishop, along with his nine grandchildren Mitchell (Samantha), Alex, Rich, Jacob, Hunter, Rachel, Payton, Shane, Blake, and one great-grandchild Genevieve.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. Felski and Sophie Elizabeth (Gosciminski) Felski.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, followed by a reception.

The family extends a special thanks to the incredible people working in the health care industry whose compassion and care were deeply felt during Richard's final days.

Gallery

Memory wall

June 19, 2026

Dick is one of the few people I've met that I can tell you the exact date and time we met. November 9, 1992, at 8:00am. That's the day we started work together at Potlatch Corporation. We were sent to training together, and paired up on shift together, and became good, fast friends, due to his extraordinary personality. We had a lot of fun and adventure in and out of work. We helped each other deal with our divorces and other significant setbacks in life. Through it all, he was always resilient and smiling, and brought cheerfulness to everyone around. In retirement, we continued our friendship with brunches and beers every few weeks. He was always enthusiastic about a good time! This photo was from the last group gathering he attended, when we had 10 co-workers show up. God bless you Dick! It is an honor to have known you and called you my friend. Rest in peace, Brother Potlatch!

Blane Bujalski

May 28, 2026

Dad Felski, as I lovingly called him, always showed his zest for life! I will always remember how every time I’d see him he would bring up the time I was in that charity concert in Lima, Ohio in the 80’s and ask me to sing him “that song” (it was Melissa Manchester’s “You Should Hear How She Talks About You”) He will be missed!💜

Lora (Beining) DeLong

May 26, 2026

My prayers & condolences go out to the family🙏🏼 for their loss. Mr. Felski was such a kind hearted person I have had the pleasure of knowing thru the years. May he always wear his favorite orange sneakers in heaven as he looks down upon the Bronco’s football games every season🤗. He will be truly missed. May his soul rest forever in heavenly peace ☦️. Love Gabriele

Gabriele Watson

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