Dick Crabtree died peacefully at home in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Wednesday, September 30, after a short battle with an aggressive cancer. He was 78. He is survived by his wife, Corliss Taylor-Dunn; his two children, Krysia and Chad Crabtree; his grandchildren, Rio and Bennett; and his ex-wife, Danusia Lorentz (married 1983, divorced 2009).

Dick was born in Las Animas, Colorado, and grew up in Colorado Springs, where he developed the humor, athleticism, and work ethic that would shape his life. He was funny and witty, and always looking to get a rise out of his family and friends. He played semi-pro baseball and spent a stint playing college football. The youngest of four, he was separated by a wide age gap from his oldest brother, Virgil, a longtime resident of Dolores, Colorado.

In the late 1970s, he met our mother in Summit County, and together they moved to Durango to start a family. Dad was a builder and a man who could take on any kind of project. He spent many years in the construction business. Those skills often translated into volunteering his time and talents to give back to his community. He also served our country in the Army National Guard.

Above all, he was present. He cooked nearly every night, and you could find him in the kitchen, tinkering in the garage, or hauling us across Colorado to a swim meet, soccer game, ski or bike race. He and Mom believed the best way to keep kids out of trouble was to keep them busy, and with two fiercely competitive kids, that was no problem. He rarely missed a chance to cheer us on, and his work ethic and drive left a lasting mark on both of us.

Around 2012, Dad settled in Forbes Park at the top of La Veta Pass. He met and later married Corliss and they lived next door to his brother Dave until Dave’s passing in 2017. A year later, the Spring Creek Fire took his house. He and Corliss rebuilt their home and together they made a happy, simple life high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just above the Great Sand Dunes.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dave and Virgil; his sister, Pat; and his parents, Don and Martha.

He is at home now in the mountains he cherished. We love you, Dad.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center in Fort Garland, Colorado, at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity or organization of your choice in Dick’s honor.