Obituary of Richard M. Ullom

RICHARD MERLE ULLOM (DICK) (1936-2020) Richard Merle Ullom (Dick), 84, of Calhan, Colorado, entered his eternal home on December 26, 2020, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His devoted wife, Avelyn, was by his side, holding him in her arms and listening to “I Will Waltz Across Heaven with You” as he took his last breath. Dick was a resident of the Simla Good Samaritan Society. Dick was born in rural El Paso County, Colorado, to Harvey and Hazel Ullom on August 26, 1936. In 1941, his father passed away leaving his mother to raise her two young sons. In 1944, he gained a second father when his mother married Ted Pohlson. Dick attended elementary and high school in Calhan graduating in May 1954. After high school, he attended and graduated from Colorado State University (Colorado A & M) in June of 1959, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He would later in his career earn a master’s degree from Adam State College and complete his Educational Administration degree at the University of Northern Colorado. He accepted his first teaching job at Calhan High School in 1960. He committed the next 38 years to education in the Simla and Calhan communities as a teacher, principal, and primarily, superintendent of schools. Dick was well-known for his quiet, fair leadership and dedication to his schools. He was actively involved in local, regional, state, and national educational administration organizations including the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Services, the Black Forest League, Colorado High Schools Activities Association (CHSAA). He was a member of the American Association of School Administrators and the Colorado Association of School Executives. He formulated his educational process and decisions with this input over the years. Throughout his career, he worked with outstanding school boards, teachers, and staff. He always said that they are the ones who make administrators look good. Dick loved planning, building, and working with the resources available to give the best education and facilities for students and staff. Dick respected and enjoyed all of his students and staff. A long-time educator who worked with Dick said, “His expectations were clear to follow.” A long-time Director of Maintenance said, “Dick was a remarkable man and boss.” On June 26, 1959, he married the love of his life, Avelyn E. Gross. Dick and Avelyn began each day and week with prayer and worship. They were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Calhan and Black Forest Lutheran Church in Black Forest. These places of worship served their souls and still do. Dick found pleasure in many things. In 1991, he and Avelyn returned to the homestead ranch where he raised cattle. He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, and treating his family to destination adventures that he and Avelyn had lovingly planned. He also appreciated the company of his good friends whether playing cards, attending an event or traveling together. Above all, Dick was a devoted, loving husband and family man. Dick had an intense love for his children and grandchildren. Together, Dick and Avelyn celebrated 61 years of marriage, raised four children, watched their family grow, traveled to wonderful places, made lasting memories and were forever partners through successes and struggles. Post retirement, Dick was a member of the Calhan Lions Club and he served on the El Paso County Fair Board. He and his brother Norm brought the Demolition Derby to the El Paso County Fair. He was a member of the Round Up Board for Mountain View Electric. Dick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virgil and Mable Ullom and Ridley and Anna Lonsdale, his father, Harvey Richard Ullom, mother, Hazel Lonsdale Ullom Pohlson, and his second father, Ted Pohlson. He is survived by his wife, Avelyn Gross Ullom, his children Rick D. Ullom(Beth), Avelyn J. Green(Brian), Ridley E. Ullom(Laura), Rodney M. Ullom(Kelly), seven grandchildren Ryan Green, Chris Ullom, Brett Green(Holly), Colton Ullom, Carder Ullom, Jessica Ullom, great granddaughter, Raegan Smith, Emily Green Toney(Marcus), his brother Norman R. Ullom(Kay) and many extended family members. Funeral Services will be held for Dick on January 8, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908. Burial will follow at the Calhan Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Society Simla, Box 38, Simla, CO 80835 or Black Forest Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Love Funeral Home, Limon, CO 80828