Name: Celebration of Life for Richard Wynn Richard Wynn Jordan
Start: 2018-07-21T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-07-21T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Washington Park DOS Chappell Bathhouse

Richard Wynn "Dick" Jordan, cherished husband, beloved father, caring grandfather, and respected educator, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Dick was born in Weatherford, Texas, on Aug. 13, 1939, grew up in Albuquerque, N. M. and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1961. In 1962, he began a career in education that spanned more than four decades. Beginning with his first class at Denver's George Washington High School, he asked his students to meet him outside the Denver Public Library at noon January 1, 2000. To his surprise, hundreds of his former students showed up that day out of respect and admiration for Mr. Jordan. The "Y2J" reunion received national and international media coverage. Dick also taught at Manual High School, was an assistant principal at Abraham Lincoln High School and principal at Baker Middle School. He retired from Denver Public Schools in 1993 and later served as principal of Yeshiva Toras Chaim High School. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Hazel Jordan and his sisters Jeanette Kelly and Jamie Kyriakos. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Irene, his daughter Jennifer Antonio (Jim) of Denver and son Michael Muñoz (Melissa) of Paonia, Colo., as well as grandchildren Zachary, Gage, Jordan, Sammi, Essiah, Sharky and Marley; his brother Edwin Moore III of Albuquerque, numerous nieces and nephews. Dick touched many people during his life and loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at 2 - 5 p.m. July 21 at the Washington Park DOS Chappell Bathhouse, 600 S. Marion Parkway. Please bring a written memory or mail it to Jordan/Munoz, PO Box 838 Paonia, CO 81428. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Dick Jordan's honor.

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Published by Denver Post from Jun. 24 to Jul. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Jordan

Sponsored by The Denver Post.

19 Entries

WAYNE BUTKOVICH

June 18, 2025

CONDOLENCES IRENE and MICHEAL: DICK WAS ONE OF THE MOST GENUINE
PEOPLE I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING. HE WAS A GREAT EDUCATOR AS I WITNESSED WHEN HE AND I WORKED TOGETHER AT DENVER
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. HE LOVED IRENE MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF, AND I KNOW
HE LOOKS DOWN FROM HEAVEN ON ALL HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY, ALWAYS. MISS YOU HERE ON EARTH DICK JORDAN BUT WE SHALL MEET AGAIN.

Wayne Butkovich

June 19, 2020

Dick is still sorely missed, knowing what a great man and educator he was I still think of him often. I think back to the days that he and I worked together at North High School and what a team we were. I was the organizer and Dick was the doer. Rest in peace Dick Jordan.

Claudia Anderson

August 20, 2019

He never forgot a student. I had him all 3 years I was at GW (and must note that he always gave me B's until the final quarter, then I got an A, but somehow made that average out to an A for the semester). I called him nearly 30 years later when he was at Lincoln, simply giving the secretary my name and the fact I'd had him as a teacher. He remembered me, and the grades. Goodbye RJ, you did well.

Adrienne Golden Fuks

June 18, 2019

As Judy Paley so eloquently said:
Best. Teacher. Ever. In my heart always. More than 50 years have gone by and I still miss him.

Thomas Edwards

June 18, 2019

I truly enjoyed having him as a teacher and becoming more aware of important events that changed our lives.

Eli Morgenstern

March 27, 2019

Mr. Jordan was my high school principal. He always encouraged me to read more. There was a computer in his office that he would let me use to reserve library books. He had a tremendously positive impact on my life and I will always be grateful.

Judy Paley

August 17, 2018

Best. Teacher. Ever. Will always remember him. Y2K celebration at the library said it all; mobbed with former students who will never ever forget. In my heart always,

July 10, 2018

As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your treasured memories continue to bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.

THOMAS EDWARDS

July 2, 2018

Sorry to hear of your passing, I will always your making of history classes at George Washington High School most interesting. Rest in Peace.

Adrienne Golden

July 1, 2018

I remember Mr. Jordan as the first teacher to share his humanity as well as his knowledge, treating his students as equals who deserved much of his attention, which is why I never forgot him and am very sad he is gone. From what I've read about his loving family and from his students, he was loved by many. A very special man.

Ralph Albi

July 1, 2018

Eternal rest grant unto Dick oh Lord, let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.

Elly Valas

June 30, 2018

I learned about the importance of peaceful protest from Mr. Jordan's ongoing battle with the DPS administration over his refusal to wear a tie.

He saved my brother' David's life by mediating a truce between my father and David. He helped David find a place to live and made him finish high school after leaving home. I am forever grateful for the help he gave my family.

Elly Valas

(And wouldn't you know it? His obit pix has him in a tie!)

June 30, 2018

I was fortunate enough to have been a student of Richard Jordan's at George Washington. That was 53 years ago, and the fact that I was extremely saddened to learn of his passing, is a tribute and testimony on the profound impact that he had not only on my life but on all those lives he touched. His passion and love of education were an example of the dedication of a true professional. In the words of William Shakespeare, His life was gentle, and the elements mixed so well in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was a man.'

June 29, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences dear family and friends. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. And may you find hope and comfort in God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17).

Terrie Kramish Weeks

June 26, 2018

Dick Jordan was the teacher who had the greatest impact on my life. He taught me how to think critically and to question the status quo. I majored in History because of him. What he taught me is one of the reasons I am a community activist and will continue to fight for social and economic justice. I wish everyone could have had a teacher like him. The country would be better off.

Beth

June 25, 2018

I am sorry for the loss of a man who loved education. Our own education tells of a time when the knowledge of God will fill the earth. What Peace! Isaiah 11:9

June 24, 2018

Condolences Irene, Michael and all family members.

Dick was such a special person and a super educator. We were

blessed to have had him work for the Denver Public Schools all of

those years.

May he rest in peace and continue his work from heaven.

God bless you Irene, I know how much the two of you were in love.

Dick will be missed by all he came in contact with.

Wayne Butkovich

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