Richard F. Carrillo

Richard F. Carrillo passed away on September 21, 2014, at his home in La Junta. He was 69 years of age. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the good fortune to know him. Richard was born in La Junta on April 2, 1945, to Trinidad Carrillo and Esperanza Magana-Carrillo, and attended local schools. As a young man, he developed a keen interest in historical archaeology at Bent’s Fort in the mid-1960s, and went on to receive a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Kansas in 1971. He worked for the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, where he first met his mentor, eminent historical archaeologist Stanley South. In 1978, Richard married Norma Bedard. Richard and Norma remained good friends after their divorce in 1987, working together to raise their three sons, with whom Richard was very close.  A talented musician, Richard shared his love of music with family and friends alike.  
 
Following his return to Colorado in 1981, Richard performed historical archaeological studies throughout the American West, becoming recognized as one of the foremost regional scholars on the history of southeastern Colorado and the Santa Fe Trail. He founded Cuartelejo HP Associates, Inc., and was owner and principal of the firm until his death.  For many years he spearheaded the research and management of the historic site of Boggsville.
 
Richard authored and co-authored numerous reports and academic papers, and was a contributing author of several notable publications. He shared passion for archaeology and historic research with many friends and colleagues, as well as students at a number of Colorado colleges and universities, regularly teaching classes at Otero Junior College and Lamar Community College. He served on the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board,  as well as on boards and committees for many archaeology and preservation related organizations in the state.  His outstanding contributions to the field of archaeology were recognized by the Colorado Council of Professional Archaeologists, who named Richard a Fellow in 2013, and in 2014 he received the Stephen Hart Award  for Archaeology from History Colorado.   
 
Richard was a lifelong member of the La Junta Catholic Parish. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Andrew Carrillo. Richard is survived by his sons, Pierre Richard Carrillo of Denver, Richard Matthew Carrillo of Los Angeles, and Nicholas Carrillo of La Junta. He is also survived by his siblings Gilbert (Guadalupe) Carrillo of La Junta, Florence (Chris) Flores of Rocky Ford, Cecelia Miera of La Junta, and Margaret Carrillo of La Junta; his aunt, Hortencia Carrillo; sister-in-law, Cordy Carrillo; and Buddy and Girl as his loving dogs and companions.
 
Donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Boggsville Historic Site, PO Box 68, Las Animas, CO 81054.
 

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Monday, September 29, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Matthew Wertin officiating.