David Alan Schell

David Alan Schell, 75, of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Born on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Dave was an Air Force veteran who dedicated his career to serving his community as a telecommunications technician for the local phone company.

With a passion for the great outdoors, Dave found joy in hiking, bicycling, 4-wheeling, skiing, camping, and backpacking in the mountains. An avid Pickleball and Ping-Pong player, he embraced life with an adventurous spirit and a love for music, often turning up the stereo (typically to 11) to share his enthusiasm with others.

Dave's commitment to nature extended to his role as President of the Friends of Red Rock Canyon outdoor advocacy group, where he worked tirelessly to preserve the beauty of the natural world for future generations.

Known for his funny and often mischievous nature, Dave leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol Schell; his brother, John Schell; two sons, Christopher and Brian Schell; and two cherished grandchildren, Dalton Stephens and Claire Schell.

A lifelong explorer, Dave was always eager to see what lay just over the next hill, and the next, and the next. His family takes comfort in knowing that he continues his journey in the great beyond, seeking new adventures with the same curiosity and zest for life that defined his time on Earth.

Celebration of Life for David Schell: A Mountain Man's Memorial

Please join us as we honor the life of David Schell - a loving husband, father, passionate outdoorsman, dedicated president of the Friends of Red Rock Canyon, and a man who could always be counted on for a good laugh and a hard day's work. We invite you to celebrate his memory in a place he cherished and helped preserve, surrounded by the natural beauty that brought him so much joy throughout his life.

Date: Monday, August 5th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Mountain Time (We may extend if people wish to stay longer)

Location: Red Rock Canyon Open Space Pavilion
Address: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Directions to parking:https://maps.app.goo.gl/N3bUwJLDhAiqscFd7
Directions to pavilion: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gQmWLm1CuuKC9Fmb8
Parking: Please use the upper or lower parking lots off Highway 24

Please Note:
- The pavilion requires a short 0.25-mile uphill walk on a dirt road from the upper parking lot.
- Unfortunately, there is no car access to the site. If you have mobility limitations or need assistance, please let us know.

What to Expect:
- This will be an informal gathering under the Colorado sunshine and blue sky.
- We encourage you to bring your own camp chair for comfort if desired.
- We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll look at photos, and we welcome you to share stories and memories
- Water and light refreshments, including trail mix (a tribute to a lifetime of hiking), will be provided.

No RSVP is required, but if you'd like to let us know you're coming, please comment below.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Red Rock Canyon Foundation:
https://tinyurl.com/friendsofredrockcanyon

The Colorado mountains were Dave's happy place - a diverse landscape where he found freedom, curiosity, and endless adventure. As we gather to remember him, we'll embrace the spiritual properties of the outdoors that brought him so much joy, and the laughter that always followed in his wake. If Dave had his way, we'd probably all be hiking to the top of Pikes Peak for this celebration. But don't worry, we've settled for a gentler tribute that still captures his love for nature and his mischievous spirit. Join us in celebrating the life of a man who found his bliss among the trails, trees, and mountain peaks, who never missed a chance to share his enthusiasm for the great outdoors, and who could always be counted on to lighten the mood with a well-timed quip or a perfectly terrible dad joke. Dave's humor was as boundless as the landscapes he loved, and we'll honor both as we remember him.