Richard MacEwen Obituary

On January 7, 2023 Durango lost a friend. Richard "Rick'" MacEwen passed away at Mercy Hospital from pneumonia and chronic lung disease.

Rick was born in Cleveland Ohio, on Dec. 9 1948 of parents Frank and Marilyn MacEwen. As a youngster the family moved to Anaheim, CA. There his passion for surfing began. He also rode and raced motorcycles. He even competed on the Pro Motorcycle Tour. He graduated from Anaheim H.S. in 1967 and enlisted in the Army in 1970. He was a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. There he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart. After the Army, Rick worked for United Airlines in Hawaii.

He was married in 1984 and had a son in 1987. He lived in Az. for a while before he moved to Durango in 1995 where he resided until his passing. For 27 years he wore several hats. He was a long-time employee of Ski Barn and Hillcrest Golf Course. He loved golf and worked hard to improve his game. Unfortunately, because of back problems, he couldn't play this past year. He was a ski instructor and ski racer at Purgatory Ski Resort. He was the caretaker for Brands Crossing for all those years. There he was a builder, a fixer, and a gardener. When not working he enjoyed fishing and of course golfing.

He continued to keep close friends in California, and his passion for surfing. These are some memories of Tracy Sizemore: "Smiling and recalling how close friends in San Onofre on epic surf trips, they would call him Hillbilly Rick because he looked like he had on white socks when exiting the surfline because of all the gardening he did in Co. He had a section in our garage with his board in the rafters and his wetsuit hanging waiting for his next visit. Remembering a ski trip with my boys to Co. and all the packages of homemade party mix each Christmas. No more weekly phone calls to check on ski conditions or surf reports or trips to Fisherman's Restaurant on visits. RIP Co. Rick. You were a lifelong friend. With water-fall tears in my eyes, you will be missed."

Rick was the first to offer to help you if he was in a position to solve a problem or help in any way. He was a friend and a companion. He will be missed more than anyone could know.

He is survived by a brother Rob, sister- in -law Michele, niece Kristii, son Christopher, granddaughter Lillie now 4, Donna Brand and family, Maggie and Benny his two cats, Buddy and Cookie. His puppy Abby has found a new home.