Rich Howdeshell

Rich Ames Howdeshell passed away peacefully in his home in Colorado on December 10, 2020, he was 86. Rich was in the care of his son Patrick who was also caring for Marie, Rich’s wife. Rich was exactly where he wanted to be at home with loved ones.

Rich is survived by his wife Marie of 60 years, son Patrick Howdeshell and daughter Barbara (Howdeshell) Plaza, son in law Ramon Plaza, grandchildren Kalvin, Josh and Oscar; as well as his brother Barry Howdeshell, aunt Mary June, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Rich loved people, had a passion for life, and was a very loving soul. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a good friend to anyone that crossed paths with him. He would make it a point to influence others in a positive way either through his actions or words whenever the chance arose. He’d quite often say, “There are no mistakes, only experiences,” words he lived by.

Rich grew up on a small 40-acre farm in Hamburg, Illinois. This farm raised hogs, chickens and produced corn as well as other produce. Rich was close to his grandparents as they lived fairly nearby. Rich was given his name Rich Ames after Zane Grey’s character in the western book, “Arizona Ames.” As a young boy Rich learned to fish, hunt and, drive a tractor. He even drove a vehicle at the age of nine. Rich was in 4H as a boy and had a prize pig. Rich graduated from Pleasant Hill High School.

After high school Rich enlisted in the Marines. His rank was Sergeant, he was tank commander and trainer. He went on to fight in the Korean War and was a POW escapee. Rich was very proud to have served his country. Also, he was a member of the American Legion and mentored youths as well.

Rich attended college in Idaho at IBM and was one of the first students in their computer science class. At the same time, he worked for Keyser Aluminum. Later Rich would move to Tucson where he met his soulmate Marie. Marie had just moved to Tucson from NYC to be close to her sister. Tucson is where Rich was introduced to the construction trade. Rich and Marie were meant to be, both coming from very different worlds soon they would influence each other with their very different backgrounds; country boy, city girl.

Shortly after, they headed to Denver where they raised Patrick and Barbara. Upon moving to Denver Rich worked for Coors under military contract as a chemist working on a propellant for low flying cruise missiles. Rich then worked in construction working on many high rises in downtown Denver and office buildings in the Denver Tech Center. Rich loved Denver but he would call it a rat race!

Always seeking a slower paced life, they would find themselves moving to Grand Junction, just west of the Rocky Mountains. It was here Rich built the 4-level family home on a 10-acre site with the help of Marie and the kids, adding chickens, calves, and horses for grazing.

Rich started a construction company with two partners which later became one of the largest construction companies on the western slope, Colorado West Drywall. They went on to work many large-scale projects including: St. Mary’s Hospital, Coors plant, Mesa Mall,

Motel 6 chain, and several western Colorado ski resorts. In fact, the CEO of the Motel 6

chain offered Rich’s company an opportunity to work around the county building the motel chain. Rich declined, not interested in being so far from his family. He was already traveling enough going from job site to job site within the state.

In 1999 Rich and Marie moved to Buena Vista, Colorado, just east of the Continental Divide, elevation 8,200ft. They lived on a bluff and had a beautiful view of the valley below, hence- Buena Vista! Rich had retired but had a little handy man business which kept him busy. He always had to have something to do, just relaxing was not in his DNA. They loved it there being surrounded by 14er’s, going to the hot springs, and sightseeing every chance they could.

A few years later Rich knew they had to move to a lower altitude and they chose Austin, Colorado; not even on the map but nestled between Delta and Cedaredge, very close to the Grand Mesa. This was to be their final home. Rich would drive 50minutes to attend weekly VA meetings held at the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, the Warrior Resource Center in Montrose. In the last couple years Patrick would chauffeur them to Montrose. It was very therapeutic for Rich to hang with the men over coffee and conversation. Rich was presented a hand carved eagle head cane from center which he adored. He was also chosen to have his experience in Korea made into a song by a non-profit organization out of

Nashville called Operation Song. The song was titled “I’m a survivor,” written and sung by Will Nance.

Rich loved Colorado and all it had to offer so he bought a few Colorado mountain properties.

First, he purchased 40-acres near Kremling just off Gore Pass, parceled off from the legendary Zane Grey’s Penny Ranch. Rich made sure the 5-acre lake on the property was stocked with the Colorado state fish, the Rainbow Trout. Later the native fish spawned and it was nothing to catch a 24-inch trout, sometimes up to 30 inches. Another property he acquired was 40-acres near the 11-mile reservoir in Hartzel. Rich may have been under pressure into buying this because of his kids. Interested buyers were offered a free helicopter ride over the terrain and a baby buffalo. Rich loved the great outdoors so much it became his indoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, camping quite often. He also loved the family road trips and seeing what he called Gods Country, Colorful Colorado!

Rich had a garden wherever he resided and it was always top-notch. Usually he would grow tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and more, always adding something new each season. Rich always loved watching westerns and war movies. His favorite sport was baseball. He even managed to take in a couple of Rockies games in Denver which he thoroughly enjoyed! Rich loved to tinker too and with his construction background was so awesome at literally fixing anything from a car to a house. Many friends and family would rely on Rich for his expertise. The phrase “Jack of all Trades” couldn’t be more fitting. He even dabbled in calligraphy and drawing. His drawing took life especially when he wrote his first book and composed the cover, “Night Vision-No Blue Sky”. Rich used his author name, Rich Ames! This book summed up his near-death experience in 2002. Many people including his son in law would say Rich was the Miracle Man.

Rich was a very spiritual man that sought out his own answers through various religions, churches, books, lectures, and more.

It is the vibration and spirit of the oneness that moves us and allows us to move in that consciousness

It is this vibration that we connect and know that we are one- 1

We will all miss Rich very much! Rich touched many lives. He’s a bright light we will never forget! Peace be with his soul. There will be a Military Service for Rich at a later date when the time permits.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you may donate to the: Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans

4 Hillcrest Plaza Way Montrose, Colorado 81401