Gayle Richards

Gale Eugene Richards, 88, entered into eternal life on November 20, 2022. His final days were spent at St. Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family and caring hospital staff.
Gale was born in Minden, NE on December 6, 1933 to Tony and Nola Richards.
Gale grew up on a farm until his senior year of high school when his family moved to Denver. He graduated from Denver West High School with the class of 1951. He later received a certificate from Colorado Mountain College.
He volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean Conflict. After Boot Camp in Fort Riley Kansas, he was stationed at Fort Carson, then transferred to Camp Hale, the home of the 10th Mountain Division just north of Leadville. He served at the rank of Specialist 2 in the base post office.
Upon honorable discharge, he was offered a position at a post office in Colorado Springs, but his love of the mountains and a telephone operator named Mary Lou Miller kept him in Leadville.
Gale and May Lou were married on June 8, 1957. They shared a blessed marriage for over 65 years. Their life revolved around each other and their family.
Gale worked at the Climax Mine for 32 years in the Surface Maintenance Division as a Licensed Welder, Licensed Plumber, and Steamfitter.
He also worked as Lake County Deputy Assessor with his good friend Norm Lake and spent several years working at The National Mining Museum, building displays and maintaining the building.
Gale enjoyed fishing, gambling, and spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He worked hard, laughed often, and was loved by everyone. We miss him dearly but encourage everyone to focus their thoughts on his laughter, his love, and his incredible life.
Gale is survived by his Wife Mary Lou, Daughter Teresa Wilson (Jamie), Son Tim (Linda), Son Tom (Julie), Daughter Gina McCall (Kevin); Grandchildren Kristin (Anderson), Lisa (Nik) Rocco, Ryan (Kelly) Erbstoesser, Justin Erbstoesser, Christopher Wilson, Danielle Wilson, Tyler (Michaela) Richards, Alex Richards and two Great Grandchildren Vincent Summers and Emily Erbstoesser. He is preceded in death by his daughter Jo Ann and Granddaughter Shannon Wilson.
A celebration of life for Gale will take place on Saturday December 3, 2022 with a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, Leadville, CO beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the 6th Street Gym 124 East 6th Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Vincent’s Hospital at:
Leadville Community Health Foundation
P.O. Box 1426
Leadville, Colorado 80461
Email: LCHFoundation@stvincent.health
Please indicate SVH Patient Assistance Program in honor of Gale Richards.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gayle Richards, please visit our floral store.