Richard Anthony Eichthaler

Richard (Dick) Anthony Eichthaler, 80, of Durango, Colorado, passed away peacefully June 1, 2024.

Richard was born September 2, 1943 to Anthony and Margaret (Turcott) Eichthaler in Bridgeport, Nebraska.  He was raised on a large ranch at Hudson, CO on the Eastern Slope.

Always a hard worker, throughout his life, he ran heavy equipment, ranched, farmed and was also a door greeter for Walmart. He began working at a very young age and in 1968 moved to Durango to work for Burnett (Siecrest) Construction as an Equipment Transport Driver and Heavy Equipment Operator.  Throughout his road construction career, in addition to Burnett (Siecrest), he worked for Nielsons Construction, HPJ (Ron Hitti), Hutch Hutchinson, Mesa Paving and MELCO (which at one point he was part owner – The “E” stood for EICHTHALER).  After years of being on the road with construction, he went to work for La Plata County Road and Bridge in the 80’s.  After suffering a life changing brain aneurysm in December 1998, he was temporarily disabled. He overcame the disability, regained his CDL license and finished his construction career working for companies, Elam and C & J Gravel.  Finally retiring in late 2022.

He was well known for his topnotch skills and expertise as a Blade (road grader) Operator and Laydown Paving    Operator, although was a master in many other types of equipment. Personally, he was a jack of all trades (welding, fabricator, plumber, electrician, builder, mechanic, etc.)

From the time he was a young man, being horseback was 2^nd nature and loved riding, packing, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting (pleasure and competition), anything outdoors.   While he never learned to swim and sank like a rock, he got the boating bug, and it wasn’t unusual to see him with 2 life vests on the lake.  As a younger man he tried his hand at Rodeoing, although did much better at supporting his kids and grandkids in that sport.

He was also a member of the LaPlata County Sheriff Posse and while most of the time was for community service orientated duties, because they were deputized, he had to participate in some law enforcement incidents and rescues.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his youngest son Troy Eichthaler-Kruse (Mark), brother Robert Rochford, sister Jean Rhoades, grandson Shane Eichthaler, father-in-law Morris Ferguson and daughter-in-law Candance Richardson.

He is survived by wife, Cynthia (Ferguson) Eichthaler.  Children, Steven Eichthaler (Karen), Scott Eichthaler (Darcie), and daughter Debbra Herrera (Roger).  Grandchildren, Steven James (Crystal) Eichthaler, Cristina Eichthaler, Scottlyn Eichthaler, Stetson (Becca) Herrera, Bailey (Brian) Hott, Lana Kruse, Samuel Kruse, and mother-in-law Fern Ferguson.  Also surviving are nine great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and former spouses, Donna (Scott) Holt and Gayle (Dobbins) Eichthaler.

He never knew a stranger and was always willing to help anyone with anything. You would rarely find him without a smile on his face.  As a beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa and Friend he will be deeply missed.

There will be a celebration of life at the end of the summer to honor the loss of such a great man.