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Richard Colston

Richard Colston

Veterans Funeral Care Richard Colston

Richard Brent Colston (Brent) passed away on February 5, 2013, in his home in Parkland, Florida, with his family and beloved golden retriever Max by his side. Born in Coffeeville, Kansas on October 7, 1949, Brent moved to Sarasota, Florida while in Junior High School. He grew up in Sarasota, and attended Sarasota High School, where he excelled at sports. Enlisting in the Army at 18, he served two tours in Viet Nam, where his military bravery earned him a purple heart. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to South Florida, and attended Manatee Jr. College. As a young father, continuing his education at that time was beyond his financial reach, so he entered the business world. It was within the office equipment industry that he found his calling, and spent the next 35 years building a very successful career. He retired from Konica Minolta Business Solutions as President, South Region.

Brent overcame tremendous childhood adversity to achieve success. When asked for his medical history, he might say “How much time do you have?” Overcoming polio at 8, rheumatic fever at 11, being injured at 19 in Viet Nam, and incurring numerous injuries playing ball, etc. never provided Brent with an excuse to be anything but a success. From a very young age, he worked and contributed to his family’s household income. Those early childhood experiences fueled his determination to change his life and the lives of his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

With their children in tow, Brent and his wife, Lucy, moved the Colston household frequently in support of his career, but they were most excited to return to South Florida in 2001. Brent’s position as President of a major office equipment’s Florida operation afforded Brent and Lucy the opportunity to become very active in the corporate community and to play a significant philanthropic role by supporting many non-profit organizations. Together they felt privileged to share their good fortune with those who were struggling. Brent’s passion for helping others was contagious and he built many long-lasting friendships while, at the same time, raising millions of dollars for charitable causes.

Brent loved all sports. He appreciated and admired the collaborative effort that is imperative to win in baseball, basketball, and football, as well as the individual accomplishments of his favorite athletes – professional golfers. He applied many “coaches’ winning philosophies” to his own business practices and management style. An avid golfer, he was eternally thankful that his charitable endeavors had him teeing off with so many PGA and LPGA professional golfers.
Brent is survived by his wife Lucy, sons Will Colston, Brent Colston, Jr., daughter in law Lori Colston, daughter Katie Colston, granddaughters Savannah Colston and Gracelyn Comans, grandson, Calvin Comans & sisters Kristy Ray and Diane DiStasio, and many adoring nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Brent’s younger brother Terry and Terry’s young son Robert predeceased Brent in a tragic car accident July 28, 2011.

He will be remembered by family and friends at 2:00 p.m. on February 23, 2013 with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at Junior Achievement World, on the campus of Broward Community College in Coconut Creek, Florida. A private burial with Military honors is planned at Arlington National Cemetery. A local philanthropist, Brent enjoyed mentoring people both young and old on how to achieve success. His family will continue this legacy. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations to the Colston Family Foundation may be mailed to 1858 Sunrise Boulevard., Clearwater, FL 33760. 

 

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