Richard H. Saindon Jr.

June 5, 1954 – May 1, 2012

Richard “Gunny” Saindon, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his Grand Junction home on May 1, 2012. Richard died peacefully in his sleep.

Richard was born on June 5, 1954 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Richard Sr. and Clara (Hall) Saindon. He spent his childhood in Arvada, graduating from Westminister High School. There, he met the love of his life, Jeroldine (Jeri) Shipman. Following graduation, Richard joined the United States Marine Corps in 1972 where he was deployed to Vietnam and served proudly until 1976. He and Jeri married in Arvada on June 15, 1974 while he was home on leave. He was a devoted and loving father to daughter Alexa, born in 1983 and daughter Rietta, born in 1984. Richard joined the United States Army in 1986, earning several awards including a Good Conduct Medal, a Certificate of Commendation and a National Defense Service Medal. In the Army, he dedicated his service to his country for an additional 11 years and remained a proud American until his death.

Richard and his family lived in Oak Creek, Colorado before moving to Grand Junction where they have lived for 28 years. During this time, Richard owned and operated Leatherneck Heavyhaul—a name reflecting his USMC pride and his dedication to his family—and was meticulous about his business. When he wasn’t driving truck, Richard developed a love for collecting military mementos, snow skiing, water skiing, baseball, racing, and sports, and dedicated his free time to enjoying these with his family. A devoted husband, Richard truly was a manly man, with a soft spot in his heart committed to his daughters, and enjoyed the antics of his dogs Rikka and Dayze, and grand dog Xerxes.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, and family pets Duke, Zeke, Char, Lyani, Rocker and Dakota. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jeri, daughters; Alexa (Jason) Holdorf of Grand Junction, and Rietta Saindon of Denver, his mother; Clara Saindon-Rogers and husband Bill of Grand Junction, two sisters; Barbara (Jim) Salanky of Flower Mound, TX, Chris (Dennis) Hensen of Denver, several nieces and nephews, and many loyal friends across the US. He will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Gunny’s life will be held at 8:30 AM, Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Martin Mortuary. A committal service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, GJ, CO 81501 .

Condolences may be left for the family at www.martinmortuary.com