1932 – 2026
“Cowboys are born, not made. Their stories are true, even when they’re not.” – Baxter Black
On March 18, 2026, only 13 days short of his 94th birthday, dedicated and loving husband and father, horseman, outdoorsman and dog lover, Richard “Dick” Hilbert saddled up for his final ride.
Dick was born in Atchison, Kansas on March 30, 1932, to Josie and Lewis Hilbert. The family moved to Colorado when he was five and he fell in love with the state that would become his home for the next ~89 years. He graduated from high school in Steamboat Springs and enjoyed the company of his classmates, attending many high school reunions over the years. He was also a gifted sportsman and downhill ski enthusiast. In 1950, at the age of 18 he earned the title of national junior ski jumping champion in his age group. Dick continued to ski, winning several local and regional awards, and later competed in skijoring competitions in Breckenridge and Leadville.
Dick started working for the telephone company as a janitor at the age of 15 and worked his way up to management, with a two-year break to serve his country during the Korean war. Dick retired in 1982 and settled in Colorado Springs, where he remained active with various side ventures and wealth of hobbies and activities.
As a keen outdoorsman, some of Dick’s fondest and most vivid memories involved exploring and hunting in the mountains of Colorado, often with his brother Don and father Lewis. In addition to countless hours spend on horseback as a gifted horse trainer and participant in local competitions, Dick enjoyed building and renovating homes, and was a skillful craftsman and natural engineer. He loved a challenge when it came to repairing, building or designing anything around the house. He was also generous with his skills and eager to help friends and family.
In his later years, a good day for Dick often started with coffee at the donut shop with his buddies, sharing memories and telling a few tall tales. He cherished the time spent with his wife, Patricia and dogs CJ and Sophie at their mountain property in Guffey, Colorado. Together they enjoyed traveling the backroads and trails on their UTV and appreciating the magnificent vistas of the Colorado mountains. Dick and Patty were also popular figures on the dance floor at many local senior dance venues.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Josie and Lewis Hilbert, wives Virginia Hilbert and Ronda Hilbert, brother Don Hilbert and grandson Tyler Handerson. He is survived by his wife Patricia Schmidt-Hilbert, daughters Robyn Burgess, Jody Handerson and Ronella (Ryan) Noble, and grandchildren Gabe Burgess, Will Noble and Addie Noble.
A celebration of life will be held for Dick at 10:00 am on April 1, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance at 1730 East Fountain Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A reception will be held following the celebration at Dick and Patty’s Colorado Springs home.
Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to Blood Cancer United at https://bloodcancerunited.org/ or Blood Cancer United – Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090-8018.