I shall never forget rolling into Moose, Wyoming & hearing Dick & The Spuds at The Mangy Moose.  It was all a great experience & especially the music.  He clearly had a passion for songs.    Years later I was just a little late to play his Mountain Park showcase in the center of Estes Park.  (I was able to hear the last act.)  Still enjoyed becoming acquainted with a guy who was clearly taking his own path. 

I'm shocked to find this. I just searched the internet to see if I could locate him, having met him circa 1981. I was a bit of a wandering musician too at the time, and he, I, and a fellow musician met and played with Dick a bit at places like the Lamplight in Estes, local open mikes, etc. I have very fond memories of those few years. He was a kindred spirit and a fine musician. After all these years I hadn't forgotten, and won't anytime soon.

Randy Blenden, Orlando area

I was going thru some old pictures and came across some of a gig I did with Dick back in 1980.  It was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  We played a club called the Mangy Moose on the mountain billed as ""Dick Tator and the Spuds"".  Very sorry to hear of his passing.  He was a great guy.
From; Tim Hutchinson, Drummer with Jacky Spencer Band and Kate Whelan Band.
805-481-5290

We loved listening to you in Estes Park and your photos adorn my office and home. RIP to a true artist and a truly good person

You worked miracles (and will continue to do so). You made me sound good at the Lodge.  Thanks. 
Durk, New York City

We just saw the Estes Park News articles about Mr. Orleans passing.   Dick at Barlow Plaza was a must do part of our Annual Trip To EP and RMP.  We will miss him.  We only knew him through his music.  Our thoughts and prayers for all that knew Dick.

The Christen Family
Lincoln, Nebraska

DO - a powerful positive force in the universe, gentle and kind.

I am blessed to have known him so long ago in NJ & for just a few precious hours last year in EP.

My brother Joe and the woman that he was courting, Nancy, used to come to gigs to see Dick & I and the rest of his band play. The always punning, quick witted Dick would greet her, ""Hi McGill!""

On a beautiful spring day on the Seton Hall campus in So. Orange, we decided to co-write a poem. I seemed to have lost it, but I remember that it was fun and interesting for me. I'd write a few lines and then he would. Back and forth it went for a dozen or so verses. Later, I read it again and it struck me how different the styles were. 
Mine - serious, introspective and always with a flavor of ""things could, (should) be better..."". 
Dick's - Light hearted, clever, optimistic, forward looking...

Dick was so important to me during those times when I was lost and didn't even know it. I learned a little about how to live better, (& the joys of alfalfa sprouts and yougurt with granola!)

When I saw Dick last year, I joked that he was the ""Earl of Estes!"" He were too humble and sensible to be a member of the gentry, but you knew I meant it as high praise.

Jim (The Flash - as Dick used to call me) Van Gieson
Rhode Island

So sad to hear of my cousin's passing. I wish we had spent more time together as adults, we had so much in common. He was truly one of those rare people who understood what was really important in life and lived his that way. He will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him.
John Dowling- Syracuse, NY

I had my last dance with my husband while Dick played at Sweet Basilica this winter...my husband passed away the end of April. His warmth, his music.....thank you, Dick.
Laura Trump - Estes Park

At one time, Dick was my movie buddy - nearly every week, we went to see movies as diverse as the musical, Chicago to Spiderman. As we took turns choosing the movies, I saw a few I wouldn't have otherwise gone to - I'm sure he would say the same thing about movies I selected...but he never held it against me. A couple of years, we even went to the movies together on Christmas.  

Dick threw his receipts in boxes - one year, he asked me to help him sort through them to get them in order so the accountant could figure his taxes - it took an entire afternoon - but It was fun. 

When a local art gallery held a retrospective of my deceased husband, Brian Archibald's stone wildlife sculpture, without my knowledge, Dick took a video of the show, which he gave me. Though I'm sure it was beneath him, Dick was generous enough that he also took a video of my poodle mix riding ""his"" horse so I could use it as PR in marketing my children's picture book, The Mutt & the Mustang.  

How Dick loved Katie, his beautiful dog, who he took everywhere with him. My German shepherd was a puppy when he adopted Katie as an adult, who needed a new home.  A few times, we walked our dogs together. 

I have lots of memories of Dick - some of the best ones are watching him perform with such sincerity that every person in the room thought he was singing especially to them.

Dick was the heart of Estes Park - it won't be the same without him. I won't be the same without him - he was a cherished friend who often gave me excellent advice, which I should have taken more often.

I will miss this gentle, kind man who gave so much of his heart and soul to his family, his friends, his music, wildlife photography and to Estes Park. Dick, thank you for touching my life. 
To Dick's family - thank you for providing such a loving memorial celebration of Dick's life, which gave us the chance to watch him perform again and to say goodbye. 
Sincerely,
Judy Archibald - Estes Park

Dick was one of the first people I met in Estes Park in 1995.  I will never forget the old days at Notchtop with Dick and the Elktones playing and snow falling in the background.  I will never forget him doing a solo night with lyrics that touched my soul.  Dick is and will always be part of Estes Park to me. I last talked to Dick at Lake Estes last week. We both had our dogs and he was bummed it was quite windy and wanted to take photos of birds. I may not be able to talk with him again, but I can hear his music, picture his calm demeanor, and look at his photos.  The service today was amazing. It was nice to learn more about Dick through his family. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. Today Estes lost a living icon...though he will live on in our hearts.

Dick Orleans was so kind, so patient, so very talented, and generous.  He was my ""computer-tutor"" for over ten years.  He went with me to select my new laptop and he helped me order a smart phone on-line at the best price!  Any time I had a computer crisis Dick would come ASAP to help me out.  As a teacher he was the best!  He once gave me a photo of orchids he found in RMNP.  I am so grateful that I bought three of his beautiful photos only days before he died.   He entertained residents and tourists    with his excellent guitar playing and singing every year while he was with us.  I've never seen more outpouring of love and appreciation for a departed one here in Estes Park since I moved here 38 years ago.  Dick was one of Estes Park's symbols of welcome and hospitality.  We will always remember Dick in our hearts.  Marilyn Herrmann

With his camera around his neck, the shutter stopped.  His eye of amazing visual to snap the perfect photo…just stopped...his moment here was gone.
 Isn’t that what all try to do?  Capture that perfect moment?
 But Dick knew.  He really understood the beauty all around and was able to capture it with his camera.  There is so much soul in his photos.  And when he sang, it was from the depths of his inner being.
 Who was this man who landed in Estes Valley?  What was he trying to teach us?
 Most of us come to Estes Park because of the beauty here. We all try to capture it in our own photos, mind’s eye, paintings, etc…and in the end, we all realize that we really can’t share our mountains…it just has to be experienced.
 But Dick…he had that special ability to make his camera come alive like most of us only dream about.  And this was his gift.  It was like an angel gave him a magic moment that each creature came alive to give us a connection to something greater than ourselves.  A gift that makes us see in his photos that we are connected to something so powerful and expansive even in the most minute creatures as the hummingbirds and pikas.  No one has captured the essence of these living beings as Dick has been able to share with all of us.  
 Dick…you really got it!  Your passion…for trying to capture the most incredible photos….to sing every song from the depths of your soul.  You lived your life for each perfect moment.  Patiently focused.  No expectation.  No reward.  Nothing but pure heart.  
 Now you REALLY get it.  What life is all about and how it continues on.  Your heart and soul are part of something so great that those of us left behind on this planet earth are still trying to wrap our thoughts around something so amazing…that you tried for years to share with us…with your photos and your music.
 Though I never knew you well, I always felt a sense of something pure and special.  Like an angel who just happened to land in the Estes Valley with a peaceful but powerful message. 
 Many of us know just a small sense of the journey you are on…and the messages you leave behind with your photos and music.  We will keep paying it forward for you.   I am so thankful for your selfless journey here in Estes Park to share your passion and inspire us to see and feel what you have experienced in this little bit of heaven.
Your shutter may have stopped…and your music.  But we all have a choice to open our hearts to your spirit that lives on…to continue to see everything as you see it.  Pure beauty, light, and love.  Wow!  
Mary Hunter...Allenspark

I will miss this gentle kind man a lot.  My friends and I looked forward to our Wed. nights at Coffee on the Rocks.  Taking time to unwind and listen to music that calmed and made us smile.  I will miss him bringing his sweet Katie to the pet store where I was able to love on her and give her a special treat.  
Dick RIP my friend.  
Sue Mankin

I was in awe of Dick's work before I ever had the pleasure of meeting him. I finally got to meet him one late morning at Lake Estes. Watching him point his lens up to the sky I figured I'd better look up to. From that point on I knew I could call him friend and he never hesitated to share a single tip with me when I asked. He was truly one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. The way that he captured beauty for us will never be forgotten, along with his amazing spirit. He will be sorely missed by the entire Estes Park Community. My thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.

 - Suzanna Simpson

May you rest in peace, gone but not forgotten, you will live on in your music and images of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park and wildlife. 

Betsy and Mike Murphy

Dick Orleans was always the most upbeat man we ever met,  he played weekly at the view restaurant were my family and I have worked for years with him, he would always be kind and considérate and appreciated everyone around him,   he also gave us stunning pictures that we will cherish.  God bless you and your family,  will be greatly missed!!!

i did not know you well, but my heart knows you through the beautiful spirit of your music and amazing nature photography...you touched so many lives and you inspired me beyond words...this town will not be the same without you, dick orleans...thanks for the memories and happy trails to you...you will not be forgotten...

Dick was a special neighbor of ours.  We have a wonderful picture he took of a bald eagle which we will always cherish.  He was a very talented person and shared his talents with the entire community of Estes Park.  He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his contributions.  Jan and Larry Kilgore

Rock on, DO.  Your presence touched many people and created many memories.  I will miss you.

We own a house in Little Valley where Dick once lived which was built by Glen Yarborough with whom Dick played. Every time we'd meet he'd talk about how he'd like to come up and see it again....sadly it never happened. Rest, Dick...you are still a treasure. We'll miss you terribly, but we also will have wonderful memories of you, your art, and your music.

Dick was one of the first people I met after moving to Estes. We started talking when I was ringing the Salvation Army bell at Safeway. After that, he would always greet me - at the dog park with his dog Katy, at the bluegrass jam at the Rock Inn...   

Dick was a friendly, kind and talented man.  We will all miss you.

We have known and followed Dick for over 15 years.  He is one of a kind...sensitive, extremely talented artistically, humble, and part of the core fabric of Estes.  We will miss him in many ways, and Estes will not be the same without him.  Condolences to his family.  They can be very, very proud of who he was and of the legacy of his life.  Taken far too soon....Andy and Ellen Selig

We played a lot of music together & recorded.  Plus he did a masterful job producing my '98 solo CD & visited us a decade ago here in Vegas.  Farewell dear friend. I am filled with sorrow and hold you and our shared experiences in my mind and heart. Stan Davis

You will be missed by many-but your passion for music and beauty will live on in all of us.

We were privileged to have Dick as our neighbor on Giant Track
 for many years. We enjoyed his music and his friendly ways. He will be missed. May the angels now enjoy his music. We will miss his memorial as we won't be home in time, but we will think of him here and keep him our prayers.       

Pat Cusumano

Dick,my friend our time together has now become more precious,see you again HAPPY TRAILS. John Onzik.

I first met Dick at an Open Stage at Denver's Oxford Hotel. It was my very first public show and I was terrified. He calmed me down enough to try it again and on and on we went in the music biz for the next almost 40 years. We were housemates in Nashville. He engineered my album Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Spooky, and we had a blast recording sounds of crunching snows, crackling fires and squeaky rocking chairs. We hiked together, and he introduced me to wheat grass Crocs, his brother Dave, and groovy dog treats. He was the best recording techie ever and for the past five years or so, the best photographer. Although we didn't see one another nearly often enough, he was one of my best friends. Can there ever be too many memories of a person?  I don't think so.

Dick was a radiant person and I enjoyed working alongside him at Friends of Folk at Notchtop Cafe and the golf course for several years. He was one of those people who really did just make life a little more beautiful by sharing his music, his photographs and his generous spirit with us all. I'm deeply sorry to hear to he's left us so soon, and Estes Park will be a very different place without him. All my love, good wishes and condolences to his friends and family.   Valerie Goodman (neé Pehrson)

My family and I met Dick in the late 80's and have followed him and his music on every visit to Estes which was just about every year.  He was always appreciative and remembered us each year.  Estes Park lost a great guy, great musician and photographer, to us he was a part of the experience.  Our condolences to his family, friends and Estes Park,  I will try to locate some of my old pictures and post them, I had every intention of bringing some with this summer to show him.  He definitely left way too soon.

Who can I call now that will understand me no matter what I'm babbling??? DO has been a constant and solid part of my life for 34 years. Truly a unique, special and magical being........

An honor to have known such a kind gentle soul... shared his love of this place with me often... will miss his random visits to the lodge looking for his foxes...

Thank you for sharing your talent, you have touched many people with your music and pictures.. I am  thankful that you were in my life.

The love Dick had for the mountains and this community was simple contagious!

How proud he is of you...that doesn't change.

I most likely wouldn't live in Estes Park with this amazing community if my Uncle hadn't shared this place with me years ago. Thank you D.O. for being such a wonderful part of this place and of my life.

OBITUARY

Dick Orleans

June 27, 1950 – May 12, 2014

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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