The design profession and construction industry recently lost a valued and distinguished member when engineer Richard Weingardt died on Sept. 24 at the age of 75.
Weingardt started his own structural engineering firm, Richard Weingardt Consultants Inc. (RWC) at the age of 27. To date, he and his firm have completed engineering for more than 5,000 projects. They include major engineering work on Denver International Airport, the Jefferson County Courthouse and projects throughout the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Korea. RWC continues its practice as one of Colorado's leading structural engineering firms.
Weingardt served as the national president of the American Consulting Engineers Council and as an officer and member of numerous engineering and engineering-related organizations throughout the country. He made speeches and gave presentations throughout the United States, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, China, Taipei and Belgium.
Weingardt’s dedication to community was evidenced by his many writings and lectures. He advocated professionalism and the need for the engineering community to be more involved and recognized in civic and social work beyond the profession. His influence can be seen in the numerous awards he received for both his engineering and social achievements.
Weingardt expanded his reach well beyond engineering. He authored several books, including a biography of engineer George Ferris, known for the Ferris wheel; as well as books and papers that include a history book on the Plains Indians of eastern Colorado. He was also a highly skilled oil painter.
Weingardt was eulogized at his funeral by long-time friends Jerry Seracuse and Jack Lawler, whose architectural firm, Seracuse & Lawler, was a long-time client of RWC. It was not a coincidence that Weingardt’s funeral was at the Mt. Olivet Funeral Home, and the reception at the Arvada Arts Center, both buildings engineered by Richard Weingardt Consultants Inc.
Weingardt is survived by his wife, Evie, of 53 years, two daughters and a son.
