Richard Lee Ake
Richard “Rick” Lee Ake passed away peacefully at his home in Neosho, Missouri on Feb. 9, 2023.
Rick was born on March 2, 1958. He grew up in Golden, Colorado and moved to Gunnison, Colorado in 1980 where he attended Western State College, graduating with English and geology degrees.
He was a “woodsman of the woods” and had a successful logging business for many years. He also worked at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) in the Gothic Building Rental Shop as a ski repair technician, Curecanti Recreation Area as a trail crew supervisor for many summers and at the LeChot Funeral Home in Gunnison for 12 years.
Rick loved the outdoors and all the Gunnison Valley has to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and boating. He developed a passion for star watching and astronomy and became an active member of the Gunnison Observatory from its beginning.
He was a photographer, painter, writer and storyteller. Rick’s humor and laughter will be missed.
Rick was predeceased by his parents Lila and Dick Ake. He is survived by his brother Jon Ake and family, his extended family and many friends in the Gunnison Valley.
Donations may be made to the Gunnison Observatory in Rick’s memory.
