Richard (Dick) C. Hotchkiss

Richard (Dick) C. Hotchkiss passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was 85 years old. He was born in Hotchkiss, CO on April 25, 1939, to Hilda J. (Hotchkiss) and Clarence W. Perry. Dick would spend much of his childhood on Snowshoe Mesa with his brother taking care of the sheep. Dick graduated from Hotchkiss High School with the class of 1957. He worked at different jobs and ranches, before coming back home to work alongside Hoolie and Enos Hotchkiss with the sheep once again.

After coming home, he never had the desire to leave Hotchkiss and loved the town and valley from which his ancestors founded. Richard met his wife, Janice Ensley in 1959 at a dance held at the Ragged Mountain School house on the Muddy. They were married in Hotchkiss on November 12, 1960. They would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this past year. Richard and Janice made their home and began raising cattle on the Hotchkiss homestead and Kebler pass. Dick was happiest when he was in the mountains, where he and Janice would spend from May to November. He appreciated the simple things in life and never needed to have materialistic stuff. Dick was an avid hunter, cowboy, rancher and man who loved his family, the mountains, and his animals. He especially loved all his horses and, his dogs were always his best friend. He never had a desire to travel as he always said, anything he needed was right here in Hotchkiss.

If you knew Dick, you knew he was a little ornery but had a soft spot too. He was always willing to help a neighbor or friend and showed nothing but love and respect for his family.

Dick is survived by his children, Shelli (Dan) Kunde of Paonia, Debbie Tribble, Zach (Jeannetta) Hotchkiss, all of Hotchkiss; brother, Monty (Nelda) Hotchkiss of Palmer, Alaska; six grandchildren, Nana Kunde, Seth (Courtney) Tribble, Jake (Alicia) Tribble, J.T. (Annavah) Hotchkiss, Chelsea Hotchkiss and Cody Stevens; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Hilda and Clarence Perry; sister, Dianna (Hotchkiss) Cartwright; wife, Janice Hotchkiss; son, Ted Hotchkiss; grandson, Pasquinel Kunde; and son-in-law, Rod Tribble. A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.