Richard Ross Lea

Richard Ross Lea, 65, of Fort Collins died peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, June 6, 2009. He had a history of heart problems including cardiac bypass surgery in 1993 and severe sleep apnea may have contributed to his death. Richard was born on October 4, 1943 in Dallas, TX where he grew up. He graduated from North Texas State University and his career as a salesman which began in Dallas at the Neiman Marcus store and took him to several cities across the United States including Rochester, NY. Richard moved to Fort Collins, CO during the 1980's where he and his brother, Robert, were in the motorcycle business together and later he was self-employed. In 1986, Richard married Nancy Kovats. The Lea's enjoyed 23 happy years together. Richard's great hobby and interest was studying the history of the Old West. He belonged to the Fort Collins Westerners and was a co-organizer of the Order of the Indian Wars, which sponsor seminars on that period of history. Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents; father when he was only 16; and his older sister, Nancy Lea Hays of Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Nancy K. Lea of Fort Collins; mother, Nancy R. Lea of Junction City, OR; uncle, Dick Rhubottom of Dallas, TX; brother, Robert (Phyllis) Lea of Durango, CO; 3 stepchildren and their spouses; six grandchildren, Jillian and Jace Fulton of Fort Collins, Kera and Kylie Kovats of San Juan Island, WA, and Julius and Katherine Kovats of Manitou Springs, CO; several cousins, nieces and three nephews, including Eric Lea of Fort Collins, CO. Richard was fond of the name "Nancy", as his mother, sister and wife all shared the name. He felt blessed to share Nancy's grandchildren and was a devoted grandfather who will be remembered for the love he felt for the family, his interest in history, and most of all his sense of humor. Cremation has been arranged. No memorial service is planned. The immediate family will share in an informal time of memory and the scattering of Richard's ashes later in June. Arrangements for a reception are being made for a later date.