Obituary of Richard Ervin Holliday

Richard "Dick" Ervin Holliday, age 79, a longtime resident of Cheyenne Canyon in Colorado Springs passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at Brookdale at Skyline. Dick was born June 23, 1935, in Fairmont, West Virginia to the late Richard and Catherine (French) Holliday. He graduated in 1953 from Fairmont High School, served in the U.S. Army, and then completed his B.S. at Fairmont State and a Master's in Education at Colorado College.He married Marilyn Ollhoff on June 21, 1964, in Sterling, Colorado. Together they raised two wonderful daughters, and celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. Dick accepted a teaching position in Colorado because he "wanted to see the West before it was gone." He taught 3rd through 6th grades at Audubon Elementary, Ivywild Elementary, and Howbert Elementary in District 11. He retired after 22 years, having sparked the imaginations of many a budding naturalist and educator.Hunting and camping were favorite pastimes. He served on ski patrol at both Pikes Peak and Monarch Ski areas. Photography and art appreciation were also favorite hobbies. Whether marveling at a pristine mountain range while skiing, or trekking through an aspen grove scouting for turkey or elk, Dick embodied the "Rocky Mountain High." He truly embraced Colorado, in all of its splendor. A gifted teacher, he shared his interests by providing various nature programs across the region. He was an expert on rattlesnakes and an avid birder. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Sauer of West Linn, Oregon and Joanna Holliday (Robin Slaton) of Fort Collins; his brothers, Blaine (Millie) Holliday of Martinsburg, West Virginia and Charles (Ann) Holliday of Middlebourne, West Virginia; and his sister, Greta (Gordon) Withers of Avila Beach, California. He adored his three grandchildren, Lauren, Aidan and Addison. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and defender of wildlife, who will be dearly missed. At his request, a private celebration will be held in the spring at a favorite destination near Westcliffe. Dick undoubtedly will be scouting for the best place for us to gather and reminisce. Memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Aiken Audubon Society, or Starsmore Discovery Center. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Monday, December 15, 2014 12:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855