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Richard "Dick" Elder

1927 - 2022

BORN

1927

DIED

2022

About

Ohio State University

Richard Elder Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Richard "Dick" Elder
Location: Colorado Trails Ranch

Long time La Plata County resident Dick Elder passed away July 4, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Virginia Chase Elder, his brother Howard Elder, his four children, Nancy, Hashim, Lauren and Brad and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Born in 1927, Dick grew up in Ohio. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy, serving as a Combat Air Crewman (radioman/gunner) during WW II. After the war he attended The Ohio State University, graduating in 1949 with a BA degree and pursued a career in business until 1959.

During the fifties, Dick was active in horse training, showing, and teaching riding. In 1960, along with two partners, he purchased 500 acres of land near the town of Durango, Colorado and built Colorado Trails Ranch from the ground up. He ran the ranch for 37 years. Dick was well known and respected throughout the dude ranch industry. He blessed the lives of many guests and staff as both mentor and friend.

During that time he also managed a cow/calf and hunting operation. He developed the food and beverage concession at Purgatory when it first opened and was a local Durango DJ at KRSJ.

Since his high school days, Dick wrote poetry and was often called upon to recite from memory the soliloquies of Shakespeare, the ballads of Robert Service and others which he amazingly continued to do at ninety-five. He performed at the Durango Cowboy Gathering and other music and poetry gatherings for more than twenty-five years and wrote over forty songs, and close to a hundred poems. He played piano and guitar

Working with The American Humane Association, he and Ginny founded the National Horse Abuse Investigators School. Dick was the AHA officer on a number of films including City Slickers and The Horse Whisperer. Dick lectured and taught riding at Monty Robert's International Learning Center.

His published books include Which Way is West, Lovers & Liars, It Sure Beats Working, The Way Out, Changing My Mind, Danny, Noah's Arc and Lucky Numbers.

It was his wish that his friends and family get together for a celebration which has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday October the 9, 2022 at Colorado Trails Ranch.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jul. 12, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Elder

12 Entries

Ashley Peeke

December 11, 2024

I was moved by this gentlemens words, his attitude, his presence. I actually had never had the pleasure of meeting him, but to follow the trail of comments on Facebook, books he wrote. Ride easy cowboy.

Dennis Brandon

July 6, 2023

Dick was my boss and mentor during the 1968 and 1969 Colorado Trails Ranch season when I served as a wrangler and occasional square dance partner. He was stern and fair, and helped me become a man

Joe Matheu

June 13, 2023

Dick and his wife Ginny-out-standing people!
Joe and Ginny Matheu

Ed Bruening

December 22, 2022

I worked as a wrangler along with Shorty Mars, George, jeannie,Ginny and so many great people. We had 66 head of horses and met many families in 4 years. Dick even sent me to horse shoeing school to help Frey the expense of a blacksmith. What a loss to everyone. I will miss him very much. Condolences to you Ginny. I'm thankful that I have so many picture to look back on. I even made a movie with Dick that he used for promoting Colorado Trail's ranch. The best 4 yrs. Of my life!!! RIP my dear friend.

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Diane E Boush for Boush Family

Planted Trees

Diane E Boush

November 19, 2022

I was so lucky to have known you, Richard D Elder. When my family arrived at Colorado Trails Ranch in the rain one July, a promising start of a friendship with you and your family started. You were so talented and insightful teaching us well as our boss when I worked at the ranch and promising of a good life to come as we keep making the best. I still hear your voice singing as you did at the ranch, your composed songs were very charming, I hear you telling stories at the Durango Story Telling event and being such a good friend over the years. Thank you very much for bringing your gifts and making our lives better. Rest in Peace.

Bruce Begley

October 9, 2022

My family and I were privileged to enjoy 50 years of friendship with Dick. I was especially fortunate to also enjoy a summer with Dick as a wrangler getting to see his love of people and the outdoors. He was like a second father to me after my father passed away many years ago. I will miss him greatly and especially his willingness to always take the time for others.
RIP Dick. With love, Bruce Begley

Michelle

September 22, 2022

I was just a kid when when you became my boss who taught me to embrace life and what it had to offer. What a great role model! Then you became my friend as we both moved on in life. I enjoyed our talks and visits through out that time. You are a star in heaven now and I can still hear you singing You are my Sunshine. Rest in peace my friend!

Rob English

July 20, 2022

Many memories of your helping me with my horse way back around 1957. The horse that broke your leg. Also your mentoring with the Geauga County Sheriff's Posse. Enjoyed meeting up with you again a few years ago at the Durango Cowboy Gathering. Trust you are reunited with your favorite horse.