Frederic Gaskell Jr

Frederic (Rick) Haviland Gaskell, Jr.
11-8-42 to 11-9-15
Rick passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday morning, November 9, 2015 from a bilateral embolism in Durango, Colorado. He was born in Rye, New York to Katharine and Frederic Gaskell. Rick graduated with an Electrical Engineering Degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Santa Clara (where he met his wife and long term soul mate, Cathy). He worked for IBM for 19 years across the country, and then got bit by the start-up/entrepreneurial bug in Silicon Valley. After working for several start-up companies (including Adobe Systems) he founded his first telecommunications company, Oasys Systems, in Saratoga, CA that was later sold to Cabletron Systems, Inc. After moving to Durango, CO in 2004 he founded the home electronics and security company, Cobalt Automation, Inc. Rick retired in 2013 and enjoyed skiing, playing golf and travelling. He is survived by his loving wife, of 32 years, Cathy, and dogs, Coal and Gus; his son, David Gaskell, his wife, Alma and their children, Andrew and Aideen of Danville, CA. He is also survived by his daughter, Debbie Coldiron and her family, husband, Dale and children, Ryan, Nick and Mackenzie of San Jose, CA. He had three brothers, Jim of Massachusetts; Pete and wife Bernie of Hawaii; and Tom and wife Shari of New Zealand; many cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org); Dogster’s Spay and Neuter Program of Durango or Fort Lewis College Women’s Golf Team – Nick Turner Scholarship.

“We will miss you Papa Rick.”