Richard Gene Broom, 90, died on Saturday, May 14, at Pine Ridge Care Center. Rich was born in Effingham, Ill., to Albert and Wilhelmina Broom on Aug. 20, 1931. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Michael and William Broom. Rich leaves a son, Terrance (Mary Jane) Broom, of Grand Junction, Colo. In addition, he leaves two grandsons, Jason and Jeffery Broom, and two nephews, Timothy and Scott Broom.
Rich graduated from Effingham High School and the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He worked for the railroad, in the switching tower, while attending college. He spent most of his professional years designing pump and screen systems for mining operations in the western part of the United States and Mexico. After college, he moved to Milwaukee, Wis., for a short while and then moved to the Denver, Colo., area to pursue his career. In 2000, he permanently moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Rich enjoyed biking, and participated in “Ride the Rockies” several years. He was a hunter and professionally competed in marksmanship with the National Guard. He was a HAM radio operator. Rich enthusiastically played golf and was a member of the Tex Wilson Golf Club in Pagosa Springs. He was a pilot and owned his own plane, which he used for work and pleasure. He also spent months staying in the beach resorts in Mazatlan, Mexico. He enjoyed many cruises in the Caribbean and South America. Rich loved to watch both college and professional football. He also rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Rich was a faithful church member and longtime member of the Vestry Committee. Memorial services will be held at the Trinity Anglican Church in Harman Park, Pagosa Springs, on Saturday June 4, at 10 a.m. Cremation. Please keep Richard and his family in your prayers. Contributions may be made to Trinity Anglican Church in Pagosa Springs.
