It all started for the Urbans back in Meade, Kansas, the small hometown where they grew up together. They knew each other during their high school years, and over time, an affection for each other developed. Then, in June 1964, Rick and Janet Urban tied the knot. It’s now been 61 years, and these two love birds are now enjoying some of the best years of their lives, RETIREMENT.

 

The Urbans have two grown children, son Cory (wife Riki) and daughter Joeli (husband Derek Smotherman), who have blessed Rick and Janet with five grandchildren. Cory and his family live in Wellington, while Joeli and her family reside in Fort Collins.

 

Rick, at 84, retired in May 1998 from a successful career in teaching and coaching. Wife Janet followed nine years later, retiring in October 2007, also completing a very successful career in administration for the Fort Collins Park and Recreation Department.

 

Rick was a math, driver education, and physical education teacher during his 35-year teaching career, which spanned eight years in Kansas and 27 in Fort Collins. Those included two years at Blevins Middle School and 25 at Fort Collins High School. As a high school teacher and coach in Kansas, Rick served as the head football coach for eight years, in addition to being the head track coach. At Fort Collins High School, Urban served as an assistant coach for football, boys’ basketball, and baseball.

 

Janet’s career spanned over 32 years before retiring. Her position was an administrative support supervisor for the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department. In her supervisory position, she oversaw and managed registration and day-to-day office operations, while also serving as the editor in charge of marketing print publications for programs designed for all ages, from infants to senior citizens.

 

“So, now in full-time retirement, what are the Urbans’ hobbies and what do you enjoy during these retirement years?” I asked. Rick spends a considerable amount of his time in front of the computer creating digital slideshows. These slide shows include family, sports figures, Colorado landscape scenery, and a variety of music artists. Gathering visuals from the internet, the scenery could include scenes from ghost towns, abandoned farms, mountains, prairies, and deserts. The music Rick collects could include artists featuring rock ‘n roll, jazz, blues, big bands, country, and music from Rick’s generation that he can relate to. Many sports figures and memorable championship professional games are fun for Rick to access. All of these categories Rick finds in his search on the internet. This is his own entertainment, intended for anyone interested in viewing and listening. None of his productions are for profit, only for enjoyment. Before and after retirement, Urban had a paid “hobby” as a football official and a baseball umpire. He did that gig for 22 years before officially retiring several years ago from both officiating and umpiring. In 2009, Rick was inducted into the Colorado Football Officials Association’s Hall of Fame.  

 

Meanwhile, Janet seems to be constantly on the go, as one would never realize that she keeps up with the best of them at 80 years young.  Janet, you could say, is the social butterfly of the family. It would be challenging to keep up with Janet or follow her around, as she is involved in numerous activities. You might find her playing golf in a weekly women’s league at Southridge Golf Course, playing bridge, bunco, or bowling with her friends. In her earlier retirement years, Janet would often be found providing childcare for the grandkids, as well as transportation to their various activities.

 

Various travel is still on their list, while the Urbans are still in good shape and healthy. Their most memorable travel adventure was taking a 10-day Mediterranean cruise in September 2007, just before Janet’s retirement. They have enjoyed spending time in Palm Desert, California,  Scottsdale, Arizona, Mexico, the Bahamas, and shorter adventures in and around Colorado. Every year during a long Memorial Day weekend, the Urbans have a tradition of revisiting their roots in Meade, Kansas, gathering with family and friends.

 

According to Rick and Janet Urban, retirement has been at its best. It’s everything they dreamed about while they pursued their successful careers and love for each other during 61 years of marriage.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the Urbans!