Richard M. (Rick) Denmark died suddenly at the age of 64 on May 16, 2009. Mr. Denmark was born in Palo Alto, Calif., on Jan. 2, 1945, to Grant Denmark and Barbara Towne McClain. He served two tours in Vietnam after enlisting voluntarily as a Bolson mate in the Navy, protecting our country for six years and earning various medals and decorations for his service.

Mr. Denmark met the love of his life, Susan, while working in Lake Tahoe, and they were married on April 8, 1973. He graduated from UC Berkeley and they moved abroad and spent time living in both the Philippines and Indonesia before returning to California. They moved to Washington, and Mr. Denmark went on to spend most of his adult life as a CFO, gaining the respect of both friends and colleagues with his hard work and dedication.

Mr. Denmark was an avid fisherman, car racer and a fervent athlete. He ran marathons in the Philippines, Indonesia, Hawaii, California and Washington. On June 25, 2006, he completed his first Ironman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He went on to complete his second Ironman the following year at the age of 62.

Mr. Denmark was not only filled with adventure and humor, but he was steadfast in his dedication to his work and his triathlon teams, and with his love for his wife and children. Mr. Denmark is survived by his children, Jordan and Brooke; beloved stepmother, Bonnie Denmark; brothers, Grant and Dick; three sisters, Drew, Dana and Katie; and many more loved family and friends.

Mr. Denmark was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was admired for not only his hard work, but for the way he lived his life and the passion in which he loved his family. He ran his life like a marathon, he was steady and true in the way he lived and loved, and was smiling all the way to the finish line. He will be deeply missed and, more importantly, always remembered.