Richard S Labuda

Richard S. "Rich" Labuda, 90, Passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in 1935, he was one of five children-four brothers and one sister- born to Anna (Staron) and Stephen Labuda and grew up in Freedom, PA just outside of Pittsburgh.

Rich proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958 and later earned his degree from California State Teachers College in Pennsylvania. He started his professional life as an educator, teaching in Cortez, Colorado. He later moved to Boulder where he began a decades-long career with IBM, quickly gaining respect for his steady leadership, and gift for mentoring others. While at IBM, he earned his master's degree in adult education.

Never one to sit still, Rich continued working in his 70's after his retirement form IBM- substitute teaching, managing construction projects, and volunteering for a national park. Rich embraced every opportunity to stay engaged throughout his life. 

Rich's passions were wide- ranging and lifelong: he was an avid reader and traveler, a motorcyclist, a meticulous restorer of classic cars, a golf enthusiast, and he obtained his private pilot's license. Above all, he treasured time with the people he loved. He was a devoted husband to his wife Shirlee, a supportive father, friend, and mentor to Laurie Labuda (Washington D.C.), Anne Howe (Moab, UT), and Mark Howe (Heidi) along with granddaughters Stella, Ruby, and grandson Otis also of Moab, UT.

By his own measure, Rich lived a wonderful life- full of curiosity, adventure, hard work, faith and deep friendship. His family and friends will forever miss him, his stories, and his reassuring presence.

Arrangements have been made by Brown's Cremation and Funeral Home with a VA Honors Ceremony on Monday, December 22nd at 1:00 P.M. at the Grand Junction VA Cemetery, Grand Junction, Co.