Alan Lee Stapleton, 73, a resident of Loghill Village, Ridgway CO, passed away suddenly on a beautiful, sunny afternoon while walking in the neighborhood in April. Alan was born in the summer of 1950, in Grand Junction, CO to Francis and Ella (Cerise) Stapleton. He attended Grand Junction High School where he played varsity football and baseball. He also attended Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction and Western State in Gunnison, CO, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting. In the late summer of 1970, Alan married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann (Desrosiers) Stapleton.
As a young boy and through high school, Alan worked at his family’s grocery store, ‘This Is It Grocery,’ and then for Safeway in college. Alan touched many lives personally and professionally and was known for being extremely honest and easy to work with. He was an excellent businessman and leader. While in Colorado Springs (1975-1993), he co-owned and operated several successful restaurant franchises and was the executive director of Pioneer Industrial Enterprises, where he helped developmentally disabled people gain life skills and find employment. He served the Ouray County community as a knowledgeable and respected Realtor in Ridgway for the last 30 years while at the same time providing amazing care to his wife, Mary.
Alan was a 5th generation Colorado native whose family settled in Colorado in 1874. He loved creative cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, as well as being outside: running, walking, boating, and fishing. He loved lemon merengue pie or anything lemony and an evening martini with olives to share with others.
Alan was a member of St. Daniel the Prophet Parish in Ouray, CO, and of the Loghill Volunteer Fire Department for several years and he served as president of the Colorado/Wyoming Restaurant Association for over 6 years while in Colorado Springs.
Alan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was known for telling a good story – both tall and true! Alan is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, Ridgway, daughter, Michelle Stapleton (James) Denver, son, Steve Stapleton (Amelia and grandson Rowan) Renton WA, brother, Fred Stapleton (Joyce) Lake City, CO and many cousins (Stapleton and Cerise).
Alan was preceded in his death by his parents, Francis (2007) and Ella (2012).
Services will be held at 11:00 am on April 12, 2024, at St. Daniel of the Prophet followed by a graveside service at Cedar Hill Cemetery and then a luncheon at St Daniel’s.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Daniel’s Church, 614 5th St., Ouray, Colorado 81427. All gifts will be used to benefit the local communities.
