W. Howard Heath

W. Howard Heath

April 13, 1925 ~ January 24, 2016

W. Howard Heath, age 90, lifelong Montrose resident died January 24, 2016 at his home.  Howard was the 3rd generation, born April 13, 1925 on Bostwick Park to Frank and Ruth (Pitman) Heath.  He was a farmer and rancher his entire life, working the land and providing for his family.  Later in life, Howard enjoyed being a real estate broker.

Howard was a member of the Uncompahgre Valley Trail Riders Association, Montrose County Farm Bureau and the Montrose County Historical Society.  He was also a member of the Elk’s Club and Board of Realtors.  His family remembers how Howard could visualize and develop land for a pond or home.   He enjoyed taking friends and family on tours around the Hastings Mesa Ranch.  His special interests included hunting, fishing, four wheeling , gardening and spending time with family and friends.  All who knew Howard will remember his love of telling stories.

Howard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth E. (Schleich) Heath; two sons Alan (Judy) Heath of Grand Junction, Colorado and Calvin (Sharon) London of Olathe, Colorado; one daughter Sheri Heath of Fruita, Colorado; grandchildren, Kimberly Heath Martin, Aaron Heath, Eric and Brian Weaver, Jamison, Carrie and Tyler London, Ryan and Renee Schmidt, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Frank Heath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montrose Historical Society P.O. Box 1882, Montrose, Colorado 81402 or Hope West Hospice, 725 S. 4th Street, Montrose, Co. 81401.  A celebration of Howard’s life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church of Montrose.  A private family interment will be held prior to the service at Cedar Cemetery in Montrose.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.