Alfred "Al" Richard Keller

Alfred Richard Keller, fondly known as Al, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16th, at the age of 82 with his children by his side. Born on December 24, 1941, in Cedaredge, Colorado, Al was raised in Olathe, where he developed a love for farming, ranching, hunting, and a rodeo lifestyle.

As a standout athlete, Al graduated from Olathe High School in 1959. During his high school years, he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and especially track as a state medalist. He pursued his passion for athletics at Colorado University on a track scholarship while he also played football. Al later transferred to Western State College in Gunnison, where he became an integral part of a nationally ranked wrestling team, competing in the 167 lb. category. His 1963 and 1964 wrestling teams were later inducted into the Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and 2002, respectively.

In 1965, Al graduated from Western State College with a degree in physical education and recreation. He then went to work on Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, Crystal, and Ridgeway dams high scaling for the reclamation projects near Gunnison.

Al earned his master's degree in 1968 and for the next 30 years, he dedicated his life to education, teaching industrial arts, physical education, and work study at Delta High and Middle School. He also made significant contributions as a coach for football, track, and predominantly wrestling. Even after retirement, Al continued to support students, working as security staff for Montrose High School and supervising the Olathe Middle School afterschool program for 10 years.

 Al was a man of many talents and passions. He was an accomplished landscape and wildlife photographer, a skilled woodworking and leather craftsman, an avid rockhound, and adoring flower gardener. His art was proudly displayed at various rock shows, mountain shops, and art festivals.  

In 1995, Al expressed his zest for life by saying, “Life is a contact sport, and it is nice to still be in the lineup." He lived by this philosophy, seizing every opportunity to learn, take risks, and embark on adventures. Whether it was athletics, fishing, hunting, diving, high scaling, woodworking, leather craft, rock work or photography, Al embraced life fully and continued to create art for as long as he was able. 

Alfred is survived by his five children: Kari (and spouse Greg Solseth), Kim, Kathy (and spouse Steve Gaber), Kris (and spouse Jill Keller), Brian, and stepdaughter Jalene Salazar. He also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Bryce, Brooke, Brenna, Jacob, Jordan, Tevin, Tristi, Kaitlyn, Allie, and Logan.

A memorial service will be held at Crippin Funeral Home, located at 802 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401. Viewing will begin at 9:00 am, with the memorial service following at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Al will be laid to rest at Olathe Memorial Cemetery after the service, with a reception immediately following at the OMHS cafeteria.

Al's legacy of love, hard work, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.