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.

Hickenlooper hears concerns from constituents
News
Hickenlooper hears concerns from constituents
Loss of federal funds prompts requests for help with wildfire mitigation, water and more
By LIA SALVATIERRA 
August 29, 2025
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper encouraged Ouray County nonprofits and public officials to persevere, find ways to do more with less money and look for opportunities to change systems during moments of tu...
this is a test
News
Closures on Red Mountain expected for next few weeks
Five-hour closures scheduled Tuesday-Thursday for power line upgrades
By Erin 
August 29, 2025
Motorists traveling over Red Mountain Pass should expect lengthy weekday delays starting next week, as San Miguel Power Association continues to rebuild its power line on the pass. A roughly three-mil...
this is a test
Bears start packing on pounds
Main, News...
Bears start packing on pounds
Wildlife officials urge residents to avoid attracting bruins as they seek food before hibernating
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Bears have entered the time of year where they seek food for at least 20 hours a day, trying to pack on the pounds before the first snow flies. The compulsive eating, called hyperphagia, helps prepare...
this is a test
Main, News...
Fatal crash on pass involved marijuana
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The driver of the vehicle that went off Red Mountain Pass on Aug. 5 had a significant amount of marijuana in his system, according to toxicology results from his autopsy. Tests showed 42-year-old Loui...
this is a test
News
City proceeds with plans to remodel city hall, police station
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The city of Ouray is moving ahead with plans to remodel a portion of the Ouray Community Center and a building across the street that will house the police department. City councilors earlier this mon...
this is a test
News
Trust to preserve, donate more Red Mountain mining claims
Nonprofit under contract to purchase land near Ironton Park
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Another cluster of mining claims on Red Mountain Pass will be preserved for the public and protected from further development. The Trust for Land Restoration, a Ridgway-based nonprofit organization, i...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Public Health urges stricter tobacco regs
Nurse recommends requiring local retail licenses; gas stations say program unnecessary
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Ouray County Public Health is asking local governments to more strictly regulate nicotine and tobacco retailers to help prevent underage use, by requiring local retail licenses on top of state-require...
this is a test
News
County lodging tax question will be on November ballot
August 27, 2025
Ouray County voters living in the unincorporated part of the county – outside Ridgway and Ouray – will be asked to approve a new 6% county lodging tax to fund local law enforcement, fire protection se...
this is a test
News
EMS, public health school partner to assess new program
August 27, 2025
Ouray County Emergency Medical Services is partnering with the Colorado School of Public Health to assess the need for a new community paramedic program. Paramedic Cat Lichtenbelt said EMS is aiming t...
this is a test
News
Ridgway Athletic Park open house set for Aug. 28
August 27, 2025
The town of Ridgway will host an open house tonight (Thursday) to elicit public input on the design of baseball fields and pickleball courts at the Ridgway Athletic Park. The meeting is scheduled for ...
this is a test
News
Temporary road closures set for Aug. 28, Sept. 9
August 27, 2025
Motorists traveling between the valley floor and Log Hill Mesa should prepare for temporary road closures and lengthy detours today (Aug. 28) and Sept. 9 as the Ouray County Road and Bridge Department...
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