SOUTH FORK— Rick Donner, 70, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at home surrounded by family after a 17-month battle with brain cancer.
Rick was the fourth son born to Loren and Blanche (Adams) Donner. His ranching childhood formed his solid belief that living at the end of a dirt road built character. After graduating from Collbran High School in 1966, he attended Colorado State University for a brief period before meeting the love of his life, Marty. They married May 12, 1969, and Rick started his life-long dedication to law enforcement in 1970, first as a city marshal in Meeker, and then as a city policeman in Rifle.
By 1973, he had realized his dream of working for the Colorado State Patrol. His first assignment was South Fork. Rick, Marty and their daughter, Tara, moved to the small town to start a life that would soon include, a son, Mark, and another daughter, Lori. Rick’s 29-year career in the State Patrol included several moves around the state as he promoted through the ranks. He retired from the State Patrol as a ,ajor in 2002. Rick and Marty had 15 years of retirement fun before Rick’s diagnosis.
Rick leaves behind his beloved wife, Marty Donner; his children: Tara Benson (Parker, Colo.), Mark (Shelly) Donner (Laramie, Wyo.) and Lori (Brian) Smith (Laramie, Wyo.); seven treasured grandsons: Cody & Kyle Benson, Joshua, Corbin and Hayden Donner, and Layton and Olin Smith; Rick’s siblings: older brother, Jack Donner, and younger sister, Barbara Powell, as well as six nephews and eight nieces. Family meant the world to Rick.
Rick was preceded in death by his older brothers, Cloid D. Donner (December 1988), and Loren B. Donner (May 2003), his father (October 1974) and mother (January 1980).
Rick requested contributions to the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation, (Attn: Funds Donation, 55 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80226, OR cspff.net/support-us), or to Hospice del Valle, 514 Main Street, Alamosa, CO 81101, which was an incredible comfort to Rick’s family in his final days. Flowers also are welcome.
Funeral services will be officiated by Dave Daniels on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at 3 p.m. at Emmanuel Chapel, Hwy 149, South Fork.
 Visitation will be available prior to the service at 2 p.m. Fellowship will follow the service. Burial will be Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Clover Cemetery in Collbran, Colo.
Arrangements are under the care of Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista. To leave online condolences for Rick’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com