He was born on May 30, 1943 in Kalkaska, Michigan to William Dake and Beulah (Flanery) Dake.
Upon finishing high school, Richard moved to Colorado to work on a ranch. He enjoyed the cowboy lifestyle (boots, hat, and Western shirts/Levis), wide open spaces and working with cattle. Later he worked on the Larimer County Road & Bridge crew. He was a Bridge Foreman when he retired.
He was a private person who loved his family, enjoyed the outdoors, watching the sun rise, and seeing deer roaming the neighborhood now and then. It was a treat when an
eagle(s) appeared in the sky. He loved solitude and was happiest just being home.
On November 26, 1966 Richard married Nadine Kisner of Wellington, Colorado.
Richard is survived by his wife, Nadine Dake of Laporte; son, Steven Dake (Kerri) of Wellington; Grandchildren, Tanner Dake, Lexi Dake of Wellington, CO, Andrew Dake of Winchester, KS, and Bri Hoskins, MI; Great-grandchildren, Bentley Dake and Waylon Dake of Wellington; Siblings, Kathleen Moore of New Era, MI, Joyce Calkins (Willard) of Wessingon Springs, S. Dakota, Levoy Dake of North Shores, MI., Carl Dake (Winnie) of South Boardman, MI, Fred Dake (Joyce) of Hulbert, MI , and Nellie Swartz (Carl) of La Porte, CO.; Plus many nephews and nieces.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; two sons, Jeffrey and Kenneth; and sister, Shirley Knapp.
A private service will be held on Friday, January 8, at Resthaven Funeral Home with interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider lending a hand to someone in need with a random act of kindness.
