Artist and naturalist Don Radovich passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2024 of natural causes at home in Montrose, Colorado, to a chorus of sandhill cranes — a symbolic tribute to a man who spent much of his 92 years championing the conservation and enjoyment of birds and wildlife through his paintings.
Born on Jan. 3, 1932 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to Serbian/American parents Angelina and Zivan Radovich, Don grew up with his older sister, Olga (McDonald), in Ecorse, Michigan. He spent summers at his uncle’s Swan Creek farm where he discovered the wonders of the natural world and began sketching colorful warblers and songbirds observed on daily walks. Upon high school graduation, he enrolled in classes at the University of Michigan and eventually transferred to the University of New Mexico, majoring in art and biology.
After serving with the U.S. Army’s First Division from 1954-56, Don returned to work for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as an illustrator and field biologist. In 1960, he enrolled at University of New Mexico graduate school and earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree, and then took a position in 1964 in Gunnison, Colorado, as professor at Western State College (now Western Colorado University).
Shortly thereafter, he met and married Sheryl Nash, and together they started a family with the birth of sons Steve (1970) and Nick (1974). Teaching in the art department became his dream job and gave him the opportunity to mentor talented students.
Along with teaching, he opened Los Pinos Art Gallery and Frame Shop in Gunnison and illustrated numerous scientific journals and books, including Birds of North America, Birds of the West Indies, and Birds of Colorado’s Gunnison Country (Western State College Foundation). He retired in 1988, to prepare for a one-man show at the National Wildlife Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Don and Sheryl moved to Ouray in 2001 to establish the Canyon Creek Gallery and purchased a winter residence in Tucson’s Sonoran Desert. In 2005, they relocated the summer home to Montrose, where Don could grow his fruit trees, watch wildlife along the backyard seasonal stream, and paint in his small studio. He derived greatest pleasure when visited by family, friends and fellow artists.
Don is survived by his beloved wife Sheryl, son Nick (Linh), daughter-in-law Kate, grandchildren Henry, Alex, Eddie, Tanner and Brody, and his best dog buddy, Mojo. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Olga and son Steve. Sheryl would like to express gratitude to the Audubon Book Club, the Art Boys, family friends, Woodgate neighbors and Hope West for their many acts of kindness. Gifts in Don’s memory can be made to the Black Canyon Audubon Society. A private memorial will be held at a future date.
The spirit of this kind and gentle man, who loved the natural world, has taken flight!
