September 19, 1979-April 10, 2025
Ross Owen Williams, 45, died in his sleep on April 10, 2025.
Ross was a proud son of the San Juan mountains, growing up in Ouray, Colorado, where he cultivated a love for community, adventure and the great outdoors. A graduate of the Ouray School Class of 1998, his early years were filled with cherished moments at Gramma Hoag’s Day Care, Sunshine Preschool and activities that brought him close to the community and nature. Ross thrived as part of the Screaming Eels Swim Team under coach Pam Larson’s guidance, honing not only his athletic abilities, but also his fierce determination.
Summers were spent traveling the Western Slope for swim meets and embarking on numerous backpacking trips with the Nixon family. His hiking adventures led him and Larry Pilkington to achieve the Ouray Boy Scouts’ first hiking badges. This is where he solidified his love for the mountains. At age 12, Ross discovered ice and rock climbing under the tutelage of Mike O’Donnell … another passion was born.
In 2002, Ross graduated from Colorado College with a degree in history, driven by his belief that understanding the past is essential in avoiding mistakes in the future. During his four years at CC he developed wisdom and analytical skills that stood him in good stead the rest of his life. In high school and in college, Ross was gifted with inspirational educators who inspired him. His passion for learning and travel took him far — first to Cape Town, South Africa for his junior year and later back to Cape Town after graduation. Central and South America as well as Europe were on his itinerary. Ross spent time in London working as the bar keep at an Irish pub building a repertoire of hysterical stories.
Returning to Colorado in 2005, Ross channeled his passion into a program for teens in the Delta School District Vision Launch initiative, helping youth rewrite their futures. Eventually job shifts lead him to Alaska, a dream come true. There he worked on fishing docks, taught teens trail maintenance and environmental science. He served as a substitute teacher during the winters.
In 2015, Ross returned to Ouray and found the love of his life, Megan McCabe. Together with Megan’s children, Brodie and Campbell, and miracle dog Sunny, Ross finally had the family he had dreamed of. Ross dedicated himself to teaching high school social studies in Norwood, where his unparalleled energy, intellect and wit inspired both students and colleagues.
As Norwood’s school Principal Perri Gipner described him, “Ross brought his unmatched intellect and energy to our school. He didn’t walk through the halls, he sauntered and always with a grin. He challenged students to think (sometimes loudly with a bit of chaos) and at the same time made connections with students who needed someone in their corner. Ross had a gift when it came to working with youth. I have no doubt there are young people out there with not only larger vocabularies and a greater sense of our world and the people in it but also a personal self-worth. He made a difference in so many lives and I am so grateful I was one of them.”
A lover of the outdoors, Ross joined the Ouray County Mountain Rescue Team and the Ouray County Nordic Council. He was a board member of the George Gardner Foundation, advocating for local kids to experience outdoor adventures.
Ross faced personal challenges with strength and grace including his battle with alcoholism. He found invaluable support through AA and was deeply grateful for the community that helped him with his struggles. His solace came from the mountains. Backcountry skiing and trail running with Megan and Sunny brought him infinite joy.
Ross is survived by beloved Megan, Brodie and Campbell; his parents Dee and Glynn Williams; his English family, Sonia Mathias, Ivor and Norma Williams, Jonathon and Lynn Mathias, Gareth and Alex Mathias, Richard and Jill Williams, Louise and Neil Wood, and Gill Williams.
Countless friends and relatives were touched by his warmth, wit and adventurous spirit. He will be profoundly missed but remembered for the inspiration and joy he brought to so many lives.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ouray. A reception at the Tavern in the Wright Opera House in Ouray will follow the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, P.O. Box 220, Ouray, CO 81427 or at ouraymountainrescue.com, or to the George & Michael Gardner Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 105, Ridgway, CO 81432 or at georgefund.org.
