Wallace ”Rick” Colthurst

A true “Hail Fellow Well Met,” Rick loved people of all kinds and ages. He would be friends with each of the strangers on an elevator by the time he reached his floor – and have a few new business contacts as well. Rick loved gadgets and “techie toys” as he called them. The three of us had a sort of contest going to see who could find the neatest new piece of software or hardware every month. Although it was the two of us against him, he won a lot of times! He’s probably telling St. Peter right now about new Heaven’s Gates Security Software.

Rick especially loved the Navy. Nothing gave him as much pride and satisfaction as delivering an important piece of software or a complete new system to a Navy site. Many times that meant staying up all night with the INRI team to get a system configured and running, then driving it and the INRI engineer to the site to install it. He once talked a cop into escorting him to base instead of giving him a ticket because the package he was carrying was so important to the Carrier getting underway.

Family was the center of Rick’s life. He was proud of Pat finishing her degree while holding a job and managing a household, and talked often about the opportunities for his children, his hopes for their success, and how delightful his grandson is. He loved his “in-laws” as much as his own family, and spoke with pleasure about visiting them, doing “techie things” with them, and just generally sharing their company. And of course, he stayed in constant contact with his own cousins and family. He told us more than once that he’d been able to wheedle a seat onto an overbooked flight just so he could go up to Oakland from San Diego to visit his cousin Tom. And he did it while paying the cheapest fare!

Most of all, Rick loved Life and looked forward to each new day. His joy and energy were freely shared, and his optimism never flagged. Rick was a close personal friend to both of us, and we will always miss him.

As part of the California Colthursts, we were separated by an entire continent and yet Rick’s visits to the family were legendary. He and his smile will be greatly missed.

Dear Pat, I knew he was a kind and sweet man, but I had no idea how much he had accomplished in the Navy. You must be very proud to have had him in your life. God bless you.

Love and fond memories,

Pat and Mrs. Rapp

Extending our deepest sympathies on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with each member of Rick’s family.

I had the priviledge of working for Rick for many years.

He was a good friend and Mentor. I will always

remember him as always on the go and always

able to overcome any new challenge. He was

the most resourceful man I’ve ever met.

My heart and prayers go out to Pat, and his

children. May God Bless and Keep you.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Rick here in our San Diego office. I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that your family will be in my prayers.

I worked with Rick from the start of my career with what is now SPAWAR Systems Center. Back then we were working the JOTS system in which INRI was the software developer. Rick was instrumental in our success in supporting the program

It was a pleasure working with and knowing Rick.

May you and your family find peace with your

sudden loss. God bless and keep you.

Mark Hartgrove and I worked the JOTS program in the early days 1987 with Frank and Rick. It was always a challenge trying to be in the right place at the right time to support the fleet. Rick never let us down. We always knew that he was on the other side of the world ready to move mountains if needed so we could get the job done. Even though I worked for EDO and not INRI, Rick always helped me and looked out for me so we could accomplish our goals. He always gave 110% in everything I saw him do. I truly sorry to learn of his passing and can say that our country has lost a real American hero. God BlessÖ..

My condolences and prayers are with Rick’s family. I feel I am blessed to have known him and to have great memories of working with him. I miss you Rick – your great laugh and your friendship.

My deepest condolences. Rick was a great person to work with and a true national asset.

My deepest sympathies to Patricia and family.

Rick crewed for me when we won the All Navy Sailing Championships in Norfolk while stationed aboard the USS Hyades.

Rick Grajirena

My deepest sympathy to Rick’s family. He was

a great person who always made time for you in

his hectic schedule. I don’t think he really knew

how much I appreciated all the support and

friendship he gave me over the years we worked

together. We are all going to miss him. You’re in

my prayers.

My sincerest condolences to the Colthurst family.

In my eleven years with INRI and now Logicon INRI Rick and I had several occasions to work together. My most recent and perhaps most memorable experience with Rick was on the golf course in a tournament Wednesday August 8, 2001. I was fortunate enough to play on his team and enjoyed his company, humor, and sportsmanship. I will miss him.

Our deepest sympathies to patricia and her family

Pat,

Our condolscences to the entire family. Ann & I are in shock. How ironic to see you, both, just last Thursday. If there is any help you need, we are right around the corner.

Love, Joe & Ann

Patti and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Pat and

the family. Rick was a great friend at

INRI where I “served” with him for 12 years.

With Rick, service was a religious experience, with

a smile and a bounce. It was a

great honor and priveledge to work with

him and know him as a friend.

Rick was a great co-worker and friend at INRI. I will always remember his dedication and steadfast committment to getting support for a JOTS user. The best time was when I stayed overnight at the Colthurst’s residence and saw his great wife and family. The Navy C4I community really owes alot to Rick Colthurst…

r/ Jim Pietrocini

Rick was a very intregal part of our family. We celebrated his 60th birthday with him. We will miss his wonderful smile and all the joy he brought to our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat & all of the family. Love, Jerri & Bob Beall cousins in California

Rick will be greatly missed.

Our sympathy and prayers are

with Rick’s family this week.

Rick’s sudden death has been very difficult on many members of his family. However, as we look back on his life, he was fun, interesting, friendly and personable. He was not only our cousin, but our friend.

No, no more last minute visits from Rick. They were fun, werenít they? Heíd just be in town and decide to stop by. Sometimes dinner, or dinner and spend the evening and off heíd go in the morning. And whether it was last minute or not, he was just FUN. Sometimes heíd double book. Heíd be here and I would get a call from his Mom asking when heíd be over there, or someone else would call. Same thing. Double booked. But, Iíd have to hand it to him. He did the personable thing and spent quality time with each one of us. Iím grateful for the time we did have with him. And now, I know to be more appreciative of each passing day and all the people around me, for life is truly short.

We love you Rick, and miss you already.

The family’s memorial to Rick is at http://www.jecolthurstfamily and click on the ‘Important notice regarding Rick Colthurst’ at the top of the home page in red.

With love, Suzanne

There’s little anyone can say, Pat, about your loss, and the loss your whole family now feels. I can offer only what another has already said.

The Last Invocation

At the last, tenderly,

From the walls of the

powerful, fortress’d house,

From the clasp of the knitted

locks–from the keep of the

well-closed doors,

Let me be wafted.

Let me glide noiselessly

forth;

With the key of softness

unlock the locks–with a

whisper,

Set ope the doors, O soul!

Tenderly! be not impatient!

Strong is your hold, O

mortal flesh.

Strong is your hold, O love.

Walt Whitman

To Rick’s family, I want to express my deepest sympathy. It is my prayer that God will provide comfort and peace now and in the days to come.

Though I’ve known of Rick for some time here at INRI, I’ve only had the privilege of working closely with him for the past year. During that time, what struck me most about him was his leadership but also his willingness to do even the most menial task if it would help the team. He was always busy doing whatever was needed to get the job done. Thanks, Rick. I will greatly miss your friendship and sense of humor and vocabulary!

To Ricks Family. Rick always had a smile on his face was willing to share his latest and greatest in technology. He will be sorely missed. Your family is in my prayers.

When Frank and I started INRI, we set out to find those few individuals who put honor and integrity above all else; people who lead through actions and not words; people who are friends first and employees second. Rick was among the elite of this group.

His leadership, his compassion for people, his principles will never be equalled. I shall miss him dearly and keep his memory as a gift to treasure the rest of my life.