Thursday, January 7, 2021
I first knew Mr. Ullom, later know as Dick, when he came to Simla when I was in high school as the math teacher, then principal and superintendent. As with Al and Sue Snyder, Dick took a chance on me as a young teacher and coach at Simla. His support through the years was invaluable as I am sure he scratched his head many times at some of my probably bonehead moves and decisions. His leadership was not flamboyant, that was not his style. His calm way helped our school district in many ways. Dick was respected in his profession at the local and state level. He was elected to he Presidency of the Colorado High School Activities Association, which involves all sizes of schools in the state of Colorado.
Avelyn, Rick, "little Avelyn" Rod and Rid, you and your husband and father were great assets to the Simla community and school.
You were part of a great time in our school and community.
Two remembrances I have about Dick. I can still remember the smell of the sweet cherry blend tobacco that Dick smoked in his pipe from the top floor of his office in the old school building when he was the principal. That is something that in today's era won't be experienced.
I will also cherish card games we had when Dick would rarely call a snow day. Missing school was pretty much a no no for Dick, and it had to be pretty bad for him to call off school. He believed education was a number one priority and missing school for anything from snow to activities was frowned upon. Dick, along with fellow staffers Darrell Mclelland, Rich Dechant, Arlie Rodgers, I and neighbor Loren Michel and sometimes others would get together for "choir practice" after we were done digging out from a good snow. I don't think Dick ever called off school for this reason, although he most often seemed to take home more money than he brought. He was a good poker player and I attribute that to his calm and even demeanor. His wry sense of humor added to the fun.
Well done Dick! You made a positive difference in lives. Thanks.
Ken and Mary Moore
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