Richard Ward Fortune

Richard “Dick” Ward Fortune, 81, died peacefully at his home in Salida, Colorado, during the early hours of March 23, 2024. Ann, his wife of 54 years, was by his side.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 21, 1942, to Edelin Emma Fortune, née Hubner, and Robert Quinton Fortune, Dick was the second of three children. His older brother, Robert Edward Fortune, passed away in 2018. He is survived by his sister, Colleen Fortune Merrill.

He graduated from Murray High School in Murray, Utah, where he was a straight-A student and played football with his older brother Bob. Dick enlisted in the United States Army, where he was trained as a cryptographer and served in this capacity in locales as diverse as South Vietnam, Turkey, and Washington, D.C. Following his discharge from the Army, he joined the United States Department of State, where he served for several years as a Technical Specialist.

In the late 1960s Dick resumed his academic studies at the University of Colorado, where he met Ann Dorothy Ruttum. They were married on March 23, 1970.

Dick was an entrepreneur and businessman. He and Ann started several successful businesses in the Salida area, notably Monarch Crest at the top of Monarch Pass, and Monarch Valley in Poncha Springs. He was also a writer and a poet. His novel, 700 Days, was published in 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; his three daughters Kirston Fortune (Peter Mistretta), Sharen Womack, and Mary Fandrich; his son Tom Fortune; grandsons Jason, Julian, Nyles, and Vincent; his sister Colleen Merrill (David) and her sons Robert Paul Sears (Jenipher) and Andrew Garrett Sears (Brandy).

A gathering in remembrance of Dick's life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 4 to 6 pm at the Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home, 203 East Sackett Avenue, Salida, Colorado.

Services will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11 am at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 349 E Street, Salida, Colorado. Reverend Melissa Roberts George will officiate. Following the service there will be a catered event with food and beverages in the fellowship hall. 

Both events are open to all.

Dick supported the Episcopal Church in life with his time and talent. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

Although our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend no longer walks among us, his spirit will live on in the cherished memories he created with his family and the love he shared with all who knew him. In his memory, let us honor his legacy by embracing the values he held dear: love, kindness, and family above all else.

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