Ronald E. Rinker 1934-2020

4.24.20

BRS is heartbroken to share that co-founder of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture Ronald E. Rinker passed away on April 23 after a battle with cancer – He was 87. Ron believed that we are stronger together when he co-founded BRS in 1975 with Don Barker and Russ Seacat. He set out to build a socially responsible architecture firm that championed projects such as Writers Square, first mixed use project in lower downtown Denver; Westminster Recreation Center, first indoor leisure pool in the country; Mesa Verde National Park Far View Lodge and Far View Terrace, first BRS National Park Service project; The Dam, first zero lot line housing development in Denver; Copper Mountain Village Center and Mountain Plaza; Chaska Recreation Center in Minnesota, first out of state BRS project and a variety of civic projects. Ron was a talented designer who dreamed up ideas and identified the context of each individual project. He believed in creating a family culture at BRS and to be of service to the larger community. Ron had a genuine and caring manner, a gift for connecting with people and a fun sense of humor. Ron retired in 1993 in New Mexico. At our 40th anniversary his closing remarks were “I think it’s a really important time to be compassionate and grateful. There is a lot to be grateful for.” Our thoughts are with his husband Jay Geiger and family. We will miss our friend and colleague who made this world a better place.