Richard-Ellis-Obituary

Richard Ellis

Durango, Colorado

1939 - 2025

About

DIED
December 16, 2025
LOCATION
Durango, Colorado

Obituaries

Send Flowers

Richard N. "Dick" Ellis, born in 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, in Stevensville, Montana. A distinguished historian, teacher, and scholar of the American Southwest, Dick devoted his professional life to understanding, documenting, and honoring the...

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Dick was a terrific mentor, scholar, and friend. He supported his students enthusiastically. I was lucky enough to have him direct my dissertation. Rest in peace, Dick.

Working with Dick was always an adventure... on the trail in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico. He always offered valuable insights unselfishly.

Dr. Ellis was a great mentor. I started FLC in 1986 and graduated. Thank you.

Dick was a good addition to the FLC staff/faculty and another of Joel Jones' 'recruits' from UNM. I enjoyed working with Dick and quickly learned how intelligent he was. You had a great life my friend and I consider it an honor to have known you. I envy that your final days were spent in the great state of Montana--still a 'true state' that adheres to Western heritage. RIP Dick.

Dr. Ellis was a mentor for me at Fort Lewis College and he recruited me to move to Durango and attend school there. I was a SW Studies student and did my senior research paper under his guidance. He was a gentle soul and top notch research scholar and cherished faculty. His love for the American Southwest will forever be remembered. Thank you for all you did for me and the SW. A life well lived!