Pete Betka, 70, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away March 18, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.
Pete was born in Denver, Colorado, the youngest of eleven children to Edwin and Beatrice Betka, and grew up in the close-knit Park Hill neighborhood. In fifth grade, he joined a ski club that bused Denver children to Loveland Ski Area—an experience that ignited a lifelong love of skiing and the mountains.
Pete helped build the Coors brand from the ground up, beginning as a delivery truck driver and later serving as a Coors executive. In 1999, he and two partners founded RMC Distributing in Colorado Springs, growing the company into a trusted beer distributor serving Southern Colorado and earning premier industry recognition year after year.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; and children: Zach Betka, Alex Betka, Matthew (Christian) Friesen, Bekah (Mike) DiFelice, and Rachel (Nathan) Gibson. His six grandchildren—Kate, Molly, Paige, Conrad, Nolan, and Khai—will always remember “Pops” for taking them on food runs to donate to the local food bank and helping them learn how to ski.
Motivated by his deep Christian faith, Pete was known for his practical kindness and prolific generosity. Displayed on the wall of his office was a quote by W.E.B. Du Bois that reflected the way he approached life:
“Let us seize the day and the opportunity… and strive for greatness of spirit that measures life not by its disappointments, but by its possibilities.”
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 10, 2026, at The World Prayer Center, 11025 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. A reception will follow from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Keg 1 Colorado, 1525 Newport Rd, Colorado Springs, Colorado, the distributorship Pete helped build.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nancy’s Hope, a charity Pete founded to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable women and children in the Colorado Springs area.
Was so glad I got to spend so much time with this great man
Cheers my friend our love and prayers
I am so sorry to hear this. Pete was an amazing man! Our interactions started as professionals, but became more than just a client and business relationship. Since the day I met him, I considered him my friend. He will be missed.
To Pete’s family. I have only known Pete for one year, we are in a Thursday Morning Bible Study together. Pete’s deep study into our scriptures impacted me greatly. It is with deep sympathy I give my condolences for your loss, but the angels have one of God’s best creations—- May God give you His grace and Mercy and find memories of Pete’s time with us. God Bless You always
I’m David’s wife (from the Band of Brothers) I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. I enjoyed him greatly when he visited us.
To Patti and extended family, our sincere condolences….
Hey Pedro!
I ‘m sure you probably don’t get email in heaven (God forbid)
But if you do, I want to let you know I can’t stop thinking about you & the good times we had since first meeting you ice skating at City Park (when skating was still allowed there back in the 60’s). Many happy memories!
Rest in peace Buddy.
Luv ya forever
Rich & Patty
Pete was an inspiration to whoever was blessed to meet him. While I will miss spending time with him here, I find comfort in knowing we will be together in eternity.
When I heard the news that Pete had passed, I felt like someone had just ripped my heart out of my chest. I have known Pete for 18 years and had worked for him for 10 years. Pete was a big part of my life and he will be missed. My condolences to Patti and all the family! Hugs and prayers from the Taylor family
My condolences to the greater Betka family.
I knew a few Pete’s; brewery Pete, distributor Pete, and then “just” Pete.
Just Pete was the culmination of a man’s progression in life. His love for Patti, family, friends and his reinvigorated love for Jesus. This was the best Pete, the real deal. An example for us all.
Such a loss for so many, again my condolences.
I had the pleasure of being one of Pete’s employees. Pete wasn’t just an owner — he was the kind of leader you remember for the rest of your life. When he established R.M.C. Distributing, he didn’t sit behind a desk and watch the work happen. He was right there with us, shoulder to shoulder, especially during those wild holiday peaks when the beer volume was off the charts.
He threw cases, outworked half of us on some days, and still made time to buy us lunch and check in on the crew. He never hesitated to get his hands dirty, and he never forgot the people who kept the wheels turning. That kind of leadership is rare. That kind of heart is even rarer.
Pete was a pillar — for the company, for the community, and for every one of us who had the privilege to work with him. Men like him don’t come around often.
Much respect, Pete. Your impact lives on. Rest easy sir.
Peter was one of our neighbors in that Park Hill neighborhood so many years ago. We all had a great childhood and spent many a day sharing each other’s homes and backyards with a variety of activities. It’s heartwarming to know that Pete has such a nice family and had a great career
He’ll be missed by all.
Peggy (Tobin) Hearne
I have fond memories of growing up with Pete as part of our Birch Street gang in Park Hill… We had epic games of hide and go seek and kickball during warm summer evenings! God Bless you Pete and I’m sending prayers for your family.
I first met Pete when we served on the board of directors for NBWA. In our meetings and interactions I always felt he was of the smartest people in the room. Our friendship grew over the years even though we lived quite a distance apart. One of the best things about Pete was his humility and overall friendliness to everybody. He and his wife Patti were two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. My wife Judy and Pete shared the same birthday and to show how thoughtful he was, he always went out of his way to call her wishing happy birthday. The beer industry has lost one of its best players, but even more importantly, so has mankind. Pete was one of the very best at everything.
I first met Pete in early 2002. I was employed at another distributor at that time and he happened to be at the same place I was delivering to. He started to recruit me and I ultimately ended up being welcome to RMC later. Pete was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. He was such a great person. Pete was right out there working with the “crew” during busy times. He was truly a great mentor and friend and he has left an indelible mark on my life. My sincere condolences to Patti and family upon the sudden loss of Pete. Watch over us Pete!!! Rest in Power my friend
I had the great privilege of sharing what would be Pete’s last ski day. It snowed 18″ at Grand Targhee over the previous two days and we woke up to bright blue skies with no wind–a rarity in those parts. Pete and I were joined by a local friend of mine and we all said it was by far the best day of the year. By mid afternoon our legs were burning so we stopped in the bar at the mountain base which was packed because a band was about to play. Pete quickly made friends and some people invited us to share their table. We ordered Coors Banquets and our new friends said “Man, I haven’t had one of those in awhile,” and ordered the same. Pete beamed with pride and insisted on buying the round. It was, by all accounts, a perfect and, in hindsight, fitting day. And while skiing and the beer business were clearly great passions of Pete’s, he was always very clear that his deep love of family and faith were his purpose in life and Pete never blinked. He was as solid as they come and his kindness and candor is something the world needs a whole lot more of and something all of us will sorely miss.
Pete was a beer industry leader and served on NBWA’s board and management committee. He was one of those rare leaders that truly was 360 degrees. He cared about people in many ways. Of course, as a former brewery exec and hard-working distributor he cared about performance. Understanding the mission and common purpose was a touchstone. But he also cared about you personally. He always wanted to make certain that you had what you needed to succeed and that you had the tools and the resources to take care of yourself. He was a true servant, leader, and he will be missed.
Pete was truly special in so many wonderful ways. Pete embraced me early in my career as both a friend and mentor which I am forever grateful. His deep faith was abundant (Matthew 19:26 – With God all things are possible). He made an impact on so many with his heart led ways both personally and professionally. Forever missed and always remembered.
Pete was a complete person who never stopped improving himself. I especially appreciate his generosity with his time and advice. He truly cared about people and was invested to see each person maximize his/her potential. God took a really good one with Pete, but not before he could make a good and lasting impact on those of us fortunate enough to know him. RIP brother!
I am Pete’s brother-in-law. When I heard of his sudden death, I told my sister, oh God, no words, no words. But from my Jewish friends, I do have one word, actually. Mensch. Pete was a Mensch. Miss you buddy.
“To Pete’s family and lifelong friends:
Pete’s passing is deeply felt by everyone who walked alongside him in the industry over the decades. He was part of my career for many years, beginning when I first met Pete 43 years ago. Pete built friendships the way he lived—steadily, faithfully, and with a generosity that asked for nothing in return. We grieve with you and honor the legacy he leaves behind in the stories, laughter, and loyalty he gave so freely. To his family, “may you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.”
My condolences to Pete’s family and friends. I met Pete in San Jose del Cabo Mexico,he came with a dear friend of mine. Pete had a big heart to help others and I am so grateful for all that he did down here in Mexico. Blessings to all his family and Loved ones.
This is a tremendous loss for all who had the opportunity to know him. Pete had a huge impact on my career. I learned so much about the business, but also about life, from him. Sending love and strength to his family, blood and beer. I will raise a glass to this good man and think about the many great memories and be thankful for all he taught me.
Many Prayers of peace, comfort, and Love on Pete’s passing for his family
I was fortunate to meet Pete early in my career as a Coors Distributor in South Carolina. He taught me so much during his brewery visits. Later in my career, we would see each other at all of the brewery sales meetings around the country. I always enjoyed seeing Pete a few times a year and catching up on all things beer and family. It has been about five years since I last saw Pete, but I always think of Pete when I hear the word Colorado Springs. Rest easy, my friend. May his memory be Eternal