Erick Sowell
March 28, 1945 — June 11, 2011
CEDAREDGE — Father, artist and planner, Erick Donald Sowell, of Cedaredge, passed away Saturday evening, June 11, 2011 in Ouray of an apparent heart attack. He’d spent the afternoon with friends at a memorial service and was on his way to the Ouray Hot Springs pool, one of his favorite places, when he passed away.
Erick, or “Ric” as he was known to family and old friends, was born in Pueblo, Colo., March 28, 1945 to Emily (Mutz) and Erick Housel. His parents divorced when he was young. His mother married Arthur Sowell, who adopted him in his youth, and Erick took his last name.
He attended grade schools and graduated from Central High School in 1963 in Pueblo. He joined the US Navy for four years and served on the destroyer, USS Sarsfield, as an electrician. In the Navy, he was stationed in Key West, Fla., but also traveled to Charleston, S.C., the Caribbean and Newfoundland. After the Navy, he earned his B.A. degree in Business Administration at Southern Colorado State College (now Colorado State University, Pueblo). He worked for General Mills after graduation, but held various jobs while he attended college, including an internship at the Pueblo Airport and making pistons at a factory. He later continued his education, receiving his certification as a planner.
In 1970, while living in Pueblo, he married Regina (Schmalz) Sowell at Yankee Boy Basin, west of Ouray. In 1977, they moved to Montrose, where he worked as a graphic designer at the Printer, Inc. As an artist, this was a position he loved because he enjoyed its creativity and putting people’s ideas onto paper, logo and signs. He later worked for MADA (the Mexican American Development Association) as a grant writer and LEAP program administrator. That led to a position as the assistant City Planner and then the City Planner for Montrose, where he worked from 1983-2002. He was especially proud of helping to obtain grants for special community projects, such as the bike path system, which he and his family often enjoyed, and open spaces, like Cerise Park. He later worked as a consultant and as an interim planner for Gunnison County. From 2004 to December 31, 2010, he was the Delta County Planner.
As a recent retiree, Erick had many plans for retirement including travel, outdoor activities, writing, and his main interest, his art work. He’d recently set up a web site: www.sowellartstudio.com. He was a prolific (acrylic and mixed media) painter who also enjoyed pen and ink and doodled everywhere he went. His art won several regional awards, and his design was selected as the Montrose’s Centennial logo in 1982.
He was married to his wife, Regina, for 25 years before they divorced. Erick had one constant love in his life, his daughter, Jordan Dawn Sowell, now 31. They spent much time traveling and hiking together, sharing music, telling stories and creating art or other projects. They were a great source of support for one another. She is grateful to have so many warm memories of her beloved dad.
He had many friends who will miss his philosophy on life, quirky sense of humor and friendship.
He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Murphy and brother-in-law, Jerry Murphy (Pueblo); his brother, Tom Sowell and wife, Joan (Boise, Idaho); brother, Dennis Sowell and wife Phyllis (Pueblo); his best friend from seventh grade, Bill Conner, wife Susan, daughter, Amanda (Pueblo); his girlfriend, Sandy Gonzales (Denver); a special cousin, Barbara Shaw and husband Dale (Gunnison); and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. His step-brother, Daniel Henderson, and step-sister, Pat Grout, and his parents preceded him in death.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Montrose Botanic Gardens, south of the Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose. A reception will be held after the service at the side courtyard of The Coffee Trader, one of his favorite places, 845 E. Main, Montrose. Because he of his love of bright colors and warm climates, attendees are invited to wear colorful/Hawaiian shirts and sandals.
Anyone wanting to make a donation can send it to: Jordan Sowell, 1108 Ponderosa, Fort Collins, CO 80521 who will see that it goes to one of his favorite charities.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
