“The Colonel”

The community is invited to gather on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Aspen to honor the life and service of Lt. Col. Richard O. “Dick” Merritt, USMC (Ret.), a longtime Aspen resident whose life was deeply woven into the community he loved.

Known affectionately to many as “The Colonel,” Dick lived a life defined by devotion to family, country, community, and service. He was a proud United States Marine, husband and father, a member of Aspen’s ski community, a civic leader, and a tireless supporter of veterans and numerous local organizations.

The Aspen Fire Department and Aspen Fire Honor Guard will play a central role in the ceremonies. Dick’s urn will arrive at Veterans Memorial Park aboard Aspen Fire Engine 1, accompanied by members of the Aspen Fire Honor Guard. Rick Balentine, President of the Aspen Fire Honor Guard, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The Colonel was an Honorary Member of the Aspen Fire Honor Guard who proudly stood alongside his fellow members at community ceremonies honoring veterans, fallen first responders and those who served. His presence at September 11th observances, Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies reflected his deep commitment to ensuring that service and sacrifice were never forgotten.

The service will include tributes from family, friends and members of the community, a Pitkin County proclamation, and an Elks Lodge fraternal tribute. The United States Marine Corps will render military funeral honors, including the ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag. Members of the Aspen Police Honor Guard and VFW Post 100 of Carbondale will also participate, with the VFW providing the traditional rifle volley.

Following the ceremony, “The Colonel” will make his final journey through Aspen aboard Fire Engine 1, with members of the Aspen Fire Honor Guard at his side. Family members and fellow veterans will follow as the procession makes its way through the community Dick called home, with support from the Aspen Police Department and Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

The procession will conclude at Aspen Grove Cemetery, where Dick will be laid to rest beneath the aspens, as he requested, in the valley he loved, served, and called home.

All whose lives were touched by Dick Merritt are warmly invited to gather at Veterans Memorial Park as we remember a remarkable life and pay final tribute to a Marine, husband, father, friend, community leader, and fellow veteran whose commitment to service never wavered.

Semper Fidelis, Colonel.