Richard L. Means
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - December 22, 2019
Dick, as he was known by
family and friends, passed away
peacefully on Sunday, December
8, 2019, at age 83 years.
Dick was born in the Jicarilla
Mountains of New Mexico to
Sarah Robbins and Burdett
Means. Mr. Means passed away
at Dick’s early age of five years.
Dick later spent his childhood in Carrizozo, helping his mother
at the laundry mat and caring for his young siblings. His oldest
brother owned “Means” garage where Dick worked and learned
his mechanic trade. He graduated from high school with honors,
lettering in football. He joined the US Army Reserve serving for
two years earning his honorable discharge.
He moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he married
Beverly Denton. They later divorced. Three children were born to
that union, Jerome, Naomi, and Tomas.
Dick worked at Gilsonite Refinery while taking several
machining classes at Mesa College. Garry Refining purchased
Gilsonite and Dick was promoted to lead machinist. He married
Laure Vandermeer July 1977. Over the years Dick had many
achievements. His love of flying airplanes led him to building a
mini biplane and doing aerobatics around the valley. He made the
September 1979 photo page of Bob Grant’s calendar.
Dick was a member of the Colorado water skippers and lent a
helping hand when High Line Lake was built. He served as president
of Gilsonite Federal Credit Union for approximately 12 years. He
was a blood donor, a member of St. Mary’s 10 gallon club. He loved
traveling, hunting, fishing, racing boats, and was a skilled golfer.
He liked people and was always ready to lend a helping hand and
encouraged the young, as well as the older, generations to follow
their dreams. He had plenty of good jokes to amuse his family and
friends.
Dick retired from working on his 75th birthday. He was predeceased
by his parents; brothers, Robert, Lavon, Henry, Kenneth,
Donald, and Vestal, and sister, Marietta Miller. He is survived
by spouse, Laure Means; sisters, Sarah-Lou Carwile, Verna-
Mae Rodman, and Joy-Ann Means; sons, Jerome Means, Tomas
(Ivy) Means, and Naomi (Robin) Olson; step-children, Rodney
(Deanna) Vandermeer, Donald (Debbie) Vandermeer, David
(Joyce) Vandermeer, and Carol (Benjamin) McNay, and numerous
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice 3090B N. 12th
Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 4B Death Notice - December 12, 2019
Richard L. Means, 83, of Fruita, died Dec. 8, 2019, at Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley. Services at a later date.
