Dick O'Grady  
Richard Joseph O'Grady
Single
Children: Michael O'Grady, Frederick, CO, Jim O'Grady, Nashville, TN, Jeff O'Grady, Thornton, CO, Lynn Sibley, Thornton, CO. Twelve Grandchildren
WORK: 1956-1960? Attended Regis University in Denver, CO - Rec'd BA degree with a divisional major in psychology and elementary education. 1960-1992 Mapleton Public Schools - teacher and principal at the elementary level. Served as principal of a K-4 school with a student enrollment of 1376 and a staff of 84. (very unique and challenging!) Retired in 1992. 1964 MA degree in Elementary Education, Colorado State College in Greeley, CO. 1966 Rec'd a grant to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
Politically and Professionally active - Leadership Positions- Elected to Northglenn city council - two terms, Served as secretary/treasurer of Denver Regional Council of Governments, Appointed by the governor to the Urban Services Authority Commission Appointed and later elected to the North Metro Fire Rescue District Board of Directors. I have served 22 years and have been Board president for eighteen of those years. President of the Northglenn Optimist Club, Chairman of the Northglenn Urban Renewal Authority, President of the Mapleton Education Association, Appointed to the Colorado Education Association Professional Rights and Responsibilities Commission, Chairman of the Healing Field Memorial Committee
Continue to Work: Held a Colorado Real Estate license and was a property manager for approximately 24 years. (retired) Had a home improvement company. Built patios, finished basements, and painted homes. Retired in 1992
Interests: Hobbies include golf and home maintenance. I have a very special love and interest in landscaping and plant propagation. I plan to pursue the possibility of doing voice-overs for radio and television and would also like to become proficient at fly fishing. I also plan to develop tapes and read for the blind.
Other Things...to share with classmates: I've been told that no one other than myself ever rec'd a Lincoln High credit on their transcript identified as "green house attendant"........Resulting from some fast talking and some special thanks to Mr. Manthey and Mr. Bogar.
Significant Event in my life: The struggle and ultimate death at age 30 of the daughter of a very close friend had a very significant impact on my life and values. She was the recipient of organ transplants three different times. (both lungs, heart, and right lung). She taught us about love and living each day to the fullest. She greeted everyone and every day with the brightest of smiles and with profound gratitude for the gift of another day. If only the rest of the world could have witnessed her courage, it truly would be a better place.
Life Changes: The 50's reflect a time of simplicity. We were not confronted daily with the pressures of drugs, sex, and the random, senseless violence that we see today. As I reflect back, I remember it as an era of wonderful music with thoughtful messages and with a wonderful beat. I remember Links Friday night football, flat tops, poodle skirts, and after-game dances at the Antelope Pavilion. I can clearly visualize the school parking lot with barely enough cars in it to justify the space. I recall too, how my family had only one car. Negotiations with my older sister for the car on a given night were sometimes very difficult. I needed the skills and finesse of a Henry Kissinger. My memories are of wonderful moments, and most important of all, great friends.
Reflections: I wonder too, if Malou Parrot has ever forgiven me for hysterically laughing when we went to see someone named "Elvis." I witnessed women both young and old running with reckless abandon, attempting to crash the stage at the Coliseum, if only to touch his shoes. I realize only now how sheltered my life had been.