Obituary of Richard McLees

Obituary Richard (Rick) McLees, 67, of Wellington, Colorado passed away on September 6, 2022, after a 6-month battle against cancer. Rick was the youngest of 3 boys, born to Robert (Bob) and LaVelle McLees on August 29, 1955 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He graduated from East High School in 1974 and competed in Motocross Racing as a young adult. He married his best friend and love of his life, Ellen (Schnitker) McLees in 1990. Over the years, Rick’s career in the aggregate industry took him and Ellen from Cheyenne Wyoming to Clovis New Mexico, Las Vegas Nevada and Wellington Colorado. Rick, known by many who loved him as “Ricky” had such a fun-loving and witty personality. He could always make you laugh with his light-hearted and silly sense of humor. He was so kind, joyful and overall, just a really good man! He enjoyed fishing, duck and goose hunting, NHRA Drag Racing and was an avid Denver Broncos fan. Grandpa Ricky was such a proud grandpa and especially treasured the time he could spend with his only grandchild, Beau. He had such a playful way of interacting with Beau. They loved to have pillow fights, joke with each other and wrestle with one another. Grandpa Ricky shared his love of heavy equipment with Beau and enjoyed playing with Beau’s tonka trucks. He and Beau had a shared love of Grandpa Ricky’s 4-wheeler and Grandpa Ricky bought a “souped-up” remote control car that could go 70 MPH to race with Beau during his battle with cancer. Rick had a life-long passion for running heavy equipment. He was a very dedicated and hard-working man. He truly loved his time at work and being with his work family at Martin Marietta. He especially loved running the D8 Dozer. Rick’s fun personality will be in our hearts and memories forever. He will be so greatly missed. Rick is survived by his wife Ellen, stepson and his wife - Brian and Lara Hanes of Colorado, grandson - Beau Hanes of Colorado, stepson - Jeff Hanes of Philippines, and stepdaughter -Shawn Gibson of Iowa, brothers – Bobby McLees of Wyoming and Ronald McLees of Arizona. He is also survived by a special nephew and his family - Chris McLees and his wife DarLyn McLees, their daughter - Taylor Coil and their son - Tyler Coil of Colorado. He was proceeded in death by his parents – Bob and LaVelle McLees of Wyoming. At Rick’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service held. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Richard McLees