Richard "Dick" Dean Scales

Richard Dean Scales passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 93.

Richard was born on March 4, 1932, in La Plata, New Mexico, to Joseph and Vera (Keeney) Scales. He grew up helping on his parents’ ranch in Dyke, Colorado, often joining his father herding sheep on Red Mountain and Molas Pass. He attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Dyke and graduated from Ignacio High School in 1949.

After graduation, Richard worked on local ranches and at a filling station in Pagosa Springs before moving to Midland, Texas, where he worked in the oilfields. He joined the United States Navy during the Korean War and proudly served 1952-1956 as a Machinist’s Mate Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Luzon and USS Delta, touring in Sasebo, Japan.

Following his military service, Richard pursued his passion for machining, working for various machine shops in California and eventually owning his own business, Western Precision Products, in California. In 1954, he married Doris (Woolsey) Scales, and together they had three children: Richard, Victoria, and Cynthia. Richard and Doris divorced in 1975.

In 1977, Richard married his wife of 48 years, Janet (Laymon) Scales. In 1979, he and Janet moved with Janet’s two daughters, Kelly and Stacy, to Cedaredge, Colorado, where they built their forever home in a community they loved. Richard continued his machinist career, operating a small machine shop until his retirement. He often said that of all his endeavors, he was most proud of his work as a machinist because the parts he made were important and made a difference in the world.

Richard was a man of many interests. He was endlessly curious, with a deep passion for lifelong learning, believing there was always something new to discover. He loved history and could often be found studying atlases of the world. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed riding motorcycles/ATVs, teaching his children to ride, and helping his grandchildren learn to ski.

Another great love of Richard’s was bluegrass and classic country music. He and Janet traveled to jam sessions across Arizona and Colorado, and he delighted in playing a variety of stringed instruments for family and friends. His grandchildren remember him fondly serenading them with You Are My Sunshine or other playful tunes he composed himself.

Richard embodied the spirit of a true cowboy — strong, steadfast, and sometimes ornery, with a quick wit and a love of practical jokes. He was firm but fair, a man who spoke his mind, loved deeply, and mentored many. His bravery in pursuing personal growth and his commitment to his family created a legacy of wisdom, laughter, hard work, and devotion that will live on for generations.

He is reunited in Heaven with his parents and four brothers.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Janet (Laymon) Scales; son Richard (Debbie) Scales; daughter Victoria Titus; daughter Cynthia Clower; stepdaughter Kelly (Yvette) Amling; stepdaughter Stacy Palmer; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at the Cedaredge Town Park on Saturday, September 20th, from 1100am- 2 pm. Friends of Richard are invited to join the family in the potluck celebration.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s name to HopeWest of Delta, Colorado.