PONCZEK, Richard Andrew (Rick)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, January 12, 2014 Richard Andrew Ponczek arrived in cowboy heaven on Jan. 2, 2014, after his heart stopped beating. He was rounding up horses on his small ranch in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Rick truly loved the land, his horse Cisco, and his Labrador retriever Cowboy, who still lies in the driveway waiting for him to come home. Rick was 66 years young. Rick was a decorated police officer in Lakewood, Colo., and retired after 30 years of service. After he and his wife Darlene moved to Prescott to begin a new life, Rick became a social worker at Child Protective Services. Although he liked his job, his heart belonged to Darlene and their small ranch, where he enjoyed riding with his wife, playing with their seven dogs, and watching the coyotes meander across the property. He loved this place "where the antelope play." Rick was not without fault, but to his wife, best friend and sidekick on the trail, he was the sunrise in the morning, the stars in the sky, and her best friend, and she was proud to call him her husband. Rick had the most romantic and loving heart and the sweetest voice, and always found joy in simply being alive - waking in the morning to embrace a brand-new day. He is missed terribly not only by his wife, but by everyone who knew him. Rick was a loving and honorable man, a friend to all. Rick leaves behind his loving wife Darlene; family members; and good friends. A private celebration of his life is planned for Feb. 8, 2014, at Rick and Darlene's ranch in Prescott Valley. Invitations will follow. Cremation has taken place. Information provided by survivors.