Richard Mark Vader

MONTROSE—Richard “Mark” Vader, 82, lifelong Gunnison rancher and Montrose resident, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008 of congestive heart failure at the San Juan Living Center in Montrose, Colo. Mark was born in Gunnison, Colo. on May 1, 1926 to Richard and Virgie (Mueller) Vader. Mark spent his childhood in Gunnison and graduated from high school. In 1944, Mark enlisted in the Navy and served two years. When Mark returned home, he worked on the family ranch and worked as a brand inspector for the State of Colorado for 20 years.

Mark met Jean McGregor of Powderhorn, Colo. and they were married in 1950 in Gunnison. In 1959, Mark and Jean bought a ranch on the Cochetopa, where they spent the next 22 years, raising their five children and ranching. In 1981, Mark and Jean sold the ranch and they took over the Gunnison Cemetery and ran it together for 16 years. In 1999, Mark and Jean moved to Montrose, where they made their home ever since.

Mark enjoyed staying close to home, and spending time with his family was very important to him. Mark loved Colorado and the mountains, especially Taylor Park, and spent as much time as possible outdoors four-wheeling, hunting, rock hunting and collecting arrowheads, and flying their plane. He was a member of the Elks, Gunnison Stockgrowers, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and served 27 years as a REA Board Member.    

Mark is survived by his wife Jean (McGregor) Vader of Montrose, his daughters Karen (Dave) Israel of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Cindy (Rich) Bray of Montrose, Diane Johnston of Jackson, Miss., and Tami (Wayne) Blair, of Olathe, Colo., as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Rick Vader, his mother and father, his brother Dan Vader, and his sister Margaret Krueger.

A graveside service in honor and celebration of Mark’s life will be conducted by Montrose Hospice Chaplain Don Barr at the Gunnison Cemetery in Gunnison on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions in Mark’s name may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804,Montrose, CO 81401 or the Gunnison FFA Chapter. Arrangements are being handled under the care and direction of Valley Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 505 S. Second St., Montrose, CO 81401, (970) 249-4400.