Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Richard Louis Spirek Jr.
Richard Louis Spirek Jr.
Obituaries
By News Staff, on July 2, 2020
Richard Louis Spirek Jr.

Richard Louis Spirek Jr. (Dick) was born on July 10, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Richard Louis Spirek Sr. and Ruth E. (nee Schirmer) Spirek.

He passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen (M-E) (nee Ratajik) Spirek; his daughters Lisa (Sean) McCaleb and Lori (Kevin) Bayerle; and his grandchildren Myles McCaleb and Sara and Ryan Bayerle. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick and M-E married in Chicago and raised their family in Arlington Heights, IL. They owned and operated a Bicycle Shop in Arlington Heights called Bikes Plus. Dick and M-E traveled by bicycle in many countries around the world. They had a strong passion for adventure all their life. Dick loved to fish and golf. When they retired, they moved to Ridgway, Colorado. They had 26 wonderful years in Ridgway. They loved having their family come visit especially their three grandchildren. Dick was a member of the Ouray Elks Club and was very active in their town and community. Dick was always a cowboy at heart. He was a member of the Legends of the West, Wild West Show. He and M-E founded the Second Chance second-hand store, part of the Second Chance Humane Society in Ridgway. Dick and M-E organized the annual Elks Club toy drive for the less fortunate and Dick was Santa, delivering gifts door to door all over Ouray County. They had a passion for volunteering for the annual Woman’s Club’s rummage sale and Ridgway Ski Swap. Their life in Colorado to them was paradise.

Crippin Funeral is assisting his family.

A christening for Cimarron Athletic Field
Main, News...
A christening for Cimarron Athletic Field
March 18, 2026
The Cimarron Athletic Field at Ridgway Secondary School hosted its inaugural meet with the Ridgway Invite on March 14. Ridgway senior Sophia Forrest won the girls' 100-meter dash with a time of 13.19....
this is a test
Race pits experience against new perspective
Main, News...
RIDGWAY MAYOR CANDIDATES
Race pits experience against new perspective
Clark proud of town's progress, aware of challenges
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Even after 14 years serving as Ridgway's mayor, John Clark still thinks there's work to be done. He's served seven terms. Every two years, when his seat comes up for election, folks ask him if he want...
this is a test
Mihelarakis advocates for creatives in first bid for office
Main, News...
RIDGWAY MAYOR CANDIDATES
Mihelarakis advocates for creatives in first bid for office
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Tia Mihelarakis believes the Ridgway Town Council deserves a leader with new perspectives — specifically those of creatives, renters and the younger generation. Mihelarakis, 34, is challenging Mayor J...
this is a test
Main, News...
Water leaders sound supply alarm
Record-low snowpack in San Juans, balmy temps portend meager runoff
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
State water managers Tuesday painted a dire picture of record-low snowpack and abnormally warm temperatures this winter straining water supplies for Western Slope municipalities and agricultural produ...
this is a test
Ribbing focuses bid on sustainability
News
RIDGWAY COUNCILOR CANDIDATES
Ribbing focuses bid on sustainability
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
If you ask Sheridan Ribbing why she's running for town council, the answer is pretty simple. It's because Councilor Terry Schuyler decided not to run, and she's passionate about making sure a champion...
this is a test
Meyer: ‘Ombudsman for the people’
News
RIDGWAY COUNCILOR CANDIDATES
Meyer: ‘Ombudsman for the people’
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Russ Meyer was so determined to run for Ridgway Town Council, he finished his candidate paperwork from a hospital bed in Grand Junction and paid a notary to drive from Glenwood Springs to get it final...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Grambley seeks to foster economy, culture
News
RIDGWAY COUNCILOR CANDIDATES
Grambley seeks to foster economy, culture
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Kevin Grambley believes being a Ridgway town councilor means supporting initiatives around music, art and other “everyday joys” the town can offer, as affording to stay becomes harder to do. “It’s not...
this is a test
Scoville vows to listen to all voices in bid for council
News
RIDGWAY COUNCILOR CANDIDATES
Scoville vows to listen to all voices in bid for council
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Josey Scoville took her cues in public service from her parents. Growing up in rural Minnesota, her father spent years on the local school board. Her mother served on the board of an energy company. “...
this is a test
Greenwood touts knack for learning, open-mindedness
News
RIDGWAY COUNCILOR CANDIDATES
Greenwood touts knack for learning, open-mindedness
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Trish Greenwood isn’t gunning for a seat on the Ridgway Town Council with an agenda — she’s looking to learn and participate now that she’s retiring and has the time. The 61-year-old former Ridgway El...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
March 18, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago March 17, 1966 Colorado — in, over and beyond the Continental Divide — will be stress...
this is a test
News
Counties: ‘Mega projects’ should pay their way
Ouray, Montrose, San Miguel commissioners scrutinize Mountain Village development, talk transportation
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
March 18, 2026
Leaders from Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties say they want developers of “mega projects” in the region to pay for collateral impacts to their communities. That was the biggest outcome of a spe...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy