A faithful pastor, he was also actively involved in local ministries and various positions in Rocky Mountain Presbytery. He served on the board of Evangelical Christian Academy (ECA), including a number of terms as chairman of board. He was an adjunct professor at New Geneva Seminary in Colorado Springs where he was a popular instructor in homiletics.

The Rev. Richard B. Fite, 67, was called home to glory on June 22, 2013 after a long series of illnesses. Fite served Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Colorado Springs, Colo., as pastor for 28 years.

Rick Fite was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn. He graduated from Covenant College in 1968 and from Covenant Seminary in 1974. After serving as an assistant pastor of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Mo., Fite was called to Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs (the church changed its name to Grace early in his ministry there).

A faithful pastor, he was also actively involved in local ministries and various positions in Rocky Mountain Presbytery. He served on the board of Evangelical Christian Academy (ECA), including a number of terms as chairman of board. He was an adjunct professor at New Geneva Seminary in Colorado Springs where he was a popular instructor in homiletics.  In recognition of his long and faithful serve, New Geneva Seminary awarded Rick a honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

Dr. Dominic Aquila, President of New Geneva Seminary, commented, “Rick was faithful in all that he did. He greeted everyone with a smile and with his large hands extended to grasp yours. He was exemplary as a pastor, loving and caring for his members. As a preacher he was student of Scripture, presented his points clearly, always with an aim of feeding the flock. He was stalwart in his commitment to the essential truths of the faith, applying them personally and pastorally. The seminary students loved his classes and he maintained close relationships with them after they graduated. Rick exemplifies what a life looks like that consciously serves the purposes of God.”

Rick is survived by his wife Shayne, to whom he was married for 44 years; and two children, Bowen and Amanda, and one grandchild.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, at 2: p.m., at Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs.