Christopher Richard Rowcliffe

Christopher Richard Rowcliffe, 79, a longtime Denver resident, passed away on September 19, 2026, from complications related to West Nile virus, with his family by his side.

Born December 11, 1946, in Torquay, England, he was the son of Charles W. A. Rowcliffe, an Englishman, and Patricia Mary Rowcliffe, a South African.

As a boy, while his parents resided in the Caribbean, he attended Forton House Preparatory School in Somerset, UK, and later Carol Morgan School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State College of Colorado. Although an English citizen, he proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during the Vietnam War era. He went on to a long career with Denver International Airport in ground transportation, retiring in 2006.

Proud of his family, Christopher was intensely competitive—an attribute that served him well throughout his life. He was an excellent swimmer and surfer. He was also an avid cyclist and took great pleasure in constantly improving his already fast cars. He lived a fast life but embraced moderation as he aged. Most importantly, he was a devoted mentor to his grandsons and to his nephews and niece.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline; stepchildren Jenny Longacre and Chris Longacre (and his wife Nicole); brother Charles (and his wife Milissa); grandsons Bradley and Tyler; and nephews William and Christian and niece Mara.