Richard "Dick" William Moran

Richard (Dick) William Moran was born the third of four sons on August 6, 1942 in Sterling, Colorado to Charles Ambrose Moran and Alberta Rosalie (Garton) Moran.

Dick enjoyed growing up on the farm in the Pleasant Valley community and traveled many miles to school in Yuma. He graduated from Yuma High School in 1961, the first year “The Pit” was in action.

After graduation Dick and his high school sweetheart, Donna Ilene Gorman, attended trade schools in downtown Denver. They married in 1962. As an electrician, Dick was a member of the IBEW Local 68 Union for over 50 years and he worked across Colorado including at the Denver Mint and the Henderson Mine, as well as on the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel, the Wray substation, and the Sterling prison.

While living in Littleton, Colorado, Dick and Donna were thrilled to expand their family by adopting two girls, Mitzi in 1966 and Stacy in 1970. In 1977, Dick and family returned to Yuma to join Donna’s parents on their family farm, later taking over the farm & ranch operations.

Dick was a dyed-in-the-wool farmer; he took great pride in straight rows, clean crops, and well-maintained equipment. The cow/calf operation was a favorite; he doted over the babies and named each mother. After health reasons led to retirement, Dick enjoyed watching the crops grow and riding with the Taylors out in the fields.

Dick adored his grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. They fondly remember hours of playing Hot Wheel cars on the living room floor; riding in the wagon and sled behind the four-wheeler; and Pitch card games at family gatherings. They always knew a loyal fan would be in the stands at their sporting events, all decked out in their teams’ colors.

His nieces and nephews treasured his patience and willingness to let them learn and play on the farm; one recalls marveling at how strong Uncle Dick’s hands and “Popeye forearms” were.

Valuing the simple things in life, Dick enjoyed his bowling league, an old Western movie, and a nice long soak in his hot tub. A good afternoon was spent with his dog, listening to the radio from his rocking chair in the shop. A good evening was watching a Thunder basketball game by the warmth of the fireplace, eating Snicker’s candy bars or snacking on a bowl of ice cream.

Known for his flattop, suspenders, and bib overalls, Dick defied fashion rules and went for practicality – he was never without two small, specific wrenches and a pair of pliers in his pocket. You could also find black electrical tape, a pocketknife, a flathead/phillips screwdriver, and paper and pen ready to serve.

Many felt Dick’s gentle kindness and practical thoughtfulness. He never finished a meal without complimenting any cook, “That was mighty good!” And every new electrician apprentice on his job site received a pair of rubber-handled pliers. 

In the Fall of 2017, Dick and Donna moved to Greeley. After years of battling cancer, Dick passed away on March 25, 2018 at the age of 75 at TRU Hospice at North Colorado Medical Center.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Rosalie, and brother, Bob and his wife, Dorothy. Dick is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter Mitzi and her husband Jeff Fisher and their children Lacy, Brady, Brock, and Madison; daughter Stacy and her husband Mike Blomstrom and their children Mycalyn, Melea, and Brooke; brother Russel and his wife Rouxleen; brother Roxy and his wife Ellen; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

A graveside service for family is planned at 11a, April 7, 2018, at the Yuma Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join a Celebration of Life at the Yuma Community Center. Please come as you are and whenever you can between 1:30p – 3:30p to join us in remembering our beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Baucke Funeral Home, 128 S Ash, Yuma, CO 80759.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday April 7, 2018 at the Yuma Community Center from 1:30 to 3:30.  Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. 

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