Richard ‘Rick’ Vader

Richard ‘Rick’ Vader

April 23, 1955 — March 2, 2008

MONTROSE — Rick was born April 23, 1955 in Gunnison, Colo. He passed away on March 2, 2008 from an accident. At the time of his death, Rick was residing in Montrose, Colo.

Born to Mark and Jean Vader, Rick was always a rancher at heart. Rick attended Gunnison schools and graduated from Gunnison High School and Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo. He was active in the Elks Club and was recognized as District Elk of the Year. He was very active in the Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Association, a member of Gunnison’s Stockgrower’s Association and the Colorado Cattleman’s Association.

He felt most at home in the mountains of Taylor Park, where he spent time working cattle, fishing, hiking, hunting, and 4-wheeling. He was happiest outdoors. He loved spending time with his sons, his grandson and all the many nieces and nephews who all loved playing with him and being teased. When not working, he could be found helping his many friends as well as strangers as they passed through his life. He enjoyed music by sharing it with others singing and playing the guitar. During summers he loved square dancing in Tincup, Colo. Rick was employed by Choate Construction at the time of his death and is remembered fondly by the many friends he worked with. He was also an active member in the Montrose Christian Church.

He is survived by his parents, Mark and Jean Vader of Montrose; sons, Kevin Vader and Bryan Vader, both of the Fort Worth, Texas area; his grandson, Shane Vader of Lakewood, Colo.; his sisters, Karen and Dave Israel of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Cindy and Rich Bray of Montrose, Diane Johnston of Pearl, Miss., and Tami and Wayne Blair of Olathe, Colo. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in honor of Rick’s life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008, at 10 a.m., at the Montrose Christian Church, 2351 Sunnyside Rd., Montrose. In lieu of  flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Colorado West Recovery Service, 436 S. 7th St. Grand Junction, CO 81501.

No graveside services are scheduled at this time, but will be held sometime during the coming summer in Gunnison.

Arrangements are being handled by the Valley Lawn Funeral Home, 505 S. 2nd St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-4400.