Sept. 2, 1944-Jan. 10, 2023
Richard Allen River, 78, of Ouray, Colorado, sadly left us on January 10, 2023.
Rick was born to Elwood and Alene (Fellin) River in the Miners Hospital in Ouray where he grew up with his brothers and sisters. He attended school in Ouray and during his high school years, he was on the track and baseball teams and played football the last year it was offered. He played on the basketball team all four years and went to the state tournament. He was the president of the student council his senior year. Following high school, Rick attended Fort Lewis College.
On June 8th, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Anne Pay. Family first was always his motto. Together, they built a home from the ground up in the mountains of Ouray where they raised their four children. He was an incredible husband, dad and papa who would do anything for his family. While raising his family, he coached little league baseball, and served as fire chief and president of the school board.
In the early 70’s, he began working at the Idarado Mine. He was passionate about his job and worked his way up from purchasing agent to General Manager to Vice President of the Idarado, and then to Director of Reclamation for Newmont Mining. He had an office in Ouray, Telluride, Leadville and Denver. During his career, with safety at the forefront of his values, he started the San Juan Mine Rescue.
He enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, painting, traveling (especially cruises), reading, wood working, hunting, fishing, and living in the mountains.
Rick was a man of faith with strong values, who loved his family unconditionally and was so proud of his kids and grandkids. He was tremendously loved, and we are all going to miss him so very much.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ferris “Rocky” River and sister Roxanna Conte Halls.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mary Anne; daughters Allison River, Lori Trujillo, Dionne (Chris) Alvarez; son Rick (Kristi) River; grandchildren Haley, Malori and Tanner Trujillo, Alex, Maddy and Aiden River, Courtney, Kaydee, and Connor Alvarez; siblings Robert River and Rosalyn Trujillo, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on January 16th, 2023, at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
