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Rike Wootten OBITUARY

Rike Ditzler Wootten, a proud Marine Corps pilot, prominent Denver businessman, dedicated civic leader, passionate fisherman, and avid gardener, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He leaves a legacy of service, cultural stewardship, and visionary leadership that permanently shaped the city of Denver.

Born in 1932 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Henry and Ella Gayle Wootten, Rike relocated to Denver as a child with his mother and stepfather, Ray Jenkins. He attended Grayland Country Day School, Colorado Military Academy, and Kemper Military School before graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Following graduation, he served four years as a Marine Corps pilot during a period of global peace. While on leave in 1957, Rike met the love of his life, Barbara Stearns. They married after a whirlwind six-month romance, and he subsequently attended Harvard Business School.

Returning to Denver, Rike joined Colorado National Bank, later establishing the Mentor Corporation, a successful multi-industry conglomerate, and serving as an investment advisor at Cohig & Associates. A visionary civic leader, he was an original investor in Larimer Square alongside Dana Crawford, led the committee that formed the Arapahoe County (now Centennial) Airport, and, as President and Chair of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, co-led the historic effort to fund and construct Boettcher Concert Hall. Rike also dedicated his time as a Trustee at Loretto Heights College, a lifelong member of the Denver Rotary Club, and a member of the vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Rike was an avid family man who loved skiing, fly fishing with his son Chris, and harvesting homegrown vegetables with his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Stearns Wootten. He is survived by his three devoted sons, Rike, Chris, and Tom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Denver Rotary Club Foundation.