In Memoriam

David Ralph Sturges

Dave Sturges (March 1, 1941 – October 26, 2024)

                                     

Longtime resident of Glenwood Springs, Dave Sturges passed away after a battle with Lewy Body dementia. Dave was well known around the valley as he called Glenwood Springs home for nearly fifty years. In recent years, Dave could often be found at his beloved hot springs pool or on one of his many walks in the area. He loved the community of Glenwood and would often pop in on people to catch up. He would regularly remind you that he conquered the Grand Canyon at age 75 and likely offered as much advice or discussion as people had time for until moving on to someone else.

Dave was raised in Webster Groves, Missouri with his four siblings outside of St. Louis, and spent many summers in Frankfort, Michigan on Crystal Lake. Dave graduated from DePauw University and then attended law school at the University of Michigan.

Practicing law in Illinois, Michigan, and Colorado, Dave spent time in corporate, government and private practice areas throughout his career. He held senior and regional counsel positions for the Chicago and NorthWestern Railway Co. (Pacific Union) and spent time at Peabody Coal Company. At the state level he served as Legal Counsel to the Governor of Illinois and as Chairman of the Illinois Parole and Pardon Board. At the federal level, Dave served as an Assistant United States Attorney for environmental protection matters and as Regional Counsel for the Federal Energy Administration (Dept of Energy).

After moving to Glenwood Springs, Dave entered private practice with Delaney & Balcomb. Retiring from law, Dave served eight years on the Glenwood Springs City Council, and was a long-time member of Rotary where he would often say, “yes, I am standing.” Dave was an advocate for community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. He spent time with YouthZone, Lift-Up, Roaring Fork Leadership, and other local organizations.

Dave’s gentle demeanor, humor and love of this community will be greatly missed. Dave is survived by his wife, Linda (Greenfield), his children, Lisa, Julie (Stu), Luke (Candace), and Kate (Juniper), as well as his grandchildren Sloane, Leighton, Aven, Rainy, Sophie, Hunter, and Travis.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Roaring Fork Leadership, Hospice of the Valley, or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Hotel Colorado on Friday, November 8, 2024.