Alan Raymond Rice

Alan Raymond Rice
July 27, 1937 – December 15, 2024

Alan Raymond Rice, a devoted father, respected veterinarian, and passionate local historian, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 87.

Alan was born on July 27, 1937, in Denver, Colorado, and was raised on the family’s Soda Creek Ranch in Dillon, Colorado, where he developed a lifelong love of the mountains and a deep connection to the history of Summit County. He later made his home in Brighton, Colorado, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Inspired by a childhood love of cows, Alan pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning his degree from Colorado State University in 1961. He was a member of the Farmhouse fraternity during his time at CSU. After graduation, he worked as a Federal Veterinarian in Wyoming for one year before joining Brighton Animal Clinic in 1963, where he built a long and respected career dedicated to the care of animals, retiring after 40 years.

In 1965, Alan married Carole Delventhal, with whom he shared many years of love and partnership until her passing in 2017.

Beyond his professional life, Alan was a man of many interests. He was a member of the Brighton Rotary Club and enjoyed camping, reading, and exploring history—especially that of his beloved Summit County. He gave numerous lectures and presentations on the region's history and took special pride in the preservation of the “Rice Barn,” built by his grandfather, father, and uncles in 1918, now listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.

Alan was preceded in death by both his parents and beloved wife, Carole. He is survived by his brothers Larry Rice of San Antonio, Texas and Bob Rice of Casa Grande, Arizona, daughters Christine (Kevin) Delventhal of Brighton, Colorado and Charlene (Darren) Lazaruk of Calgary, Alberta, son Matt (Kelley) Rice of Bonita Springs, Florida, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his deep love of learning, his compassionate care for animals, his devotion to family and community, and his enduring connection to the land and history that shaped his life.

A memorial service will be held at Tabor Funeral Home, located at 75 South 13th Avenue, Brighton, Colorado, at 11:00 a.m. on July 26, 2025, followed by a gathering at the Alli Event Center located at 100 South 3rd Street, Brighton.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the historic Rice Barn, located at 357 Cove Boulevard, Dillon, Colorado, to celebrate his life where it began and where his legacy continues. A private family ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m. on July 27, 2025, followed by a public ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Please RSVP at https://summithistorical.org/events/celebration-of-life-for-alan-rice-summit-county-pioneer/ for the public event as attendance is limited.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Summit Historical Society (https://summithistorical.org/donate/).

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