Edward Ellis

Husband, brother, friend, father, and grandfather. ED was a social, kind, giving person who was always ready to invest his time and energy in others. Lover of his garden, lover of children, lover of family, and lover of all animals, he used to refer to himself as being “chronically human.” He was a humble person, who never boasted about his accomplishments, which were all outstanding and varied. Ed Ellis never said an unkind word about anyone.

He graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelors of Arts, history, and political science, then attended the University of Colorado and earned his Master's degree in the Arts. After college, Ed became a highly accomplished teacher. He had a unique and successful approach to children of all ages and academic levels; he valued and respected people and realized that each person is unique and learns in different ways. It also helped that he had an often dry, but outrageous sense of humor. Oftentimes he could be downright silly, and by being so, he put himself on a level that children and adults appreciated, as they could relate to him in their own way.

After his teaching career, Ed became an administrator, a counselor and a trainer before accepting a position as principal of the charter school he opened in Nederland, Colorado. Ed proudly served on the Nederland Native American Pow Wow planning committee. He was a recipient of numerous scholastic awards, including Teacher of the Year from Fairview High School in Boulder. He was also the recipient of the Cherry Creek School District’s Golden Apple Award from 1976 to 1991.

Thirty-four years later, Ed retired from his career in education and became a certified Colorado Addictions Counselor—he was a devoted volunteer for The Action Center. Sometimes, the people who came to the Action Center for help would bring their pets with them. Always the animal lover, Ed made certain to have pet food available for those pets in need.

In the Spring and Summer, Ed loved his garden and found it to be his busy, happy, quiet space. He always fed the animals in his garden: the birds, the squirrels and the rabbits. He never wanted anyone or anything to be hungry.

One of his primary joys in life was fishing in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ed was always a lover of the land from which he came; and was always grateful that “he had the best brothers-in-law in the world." And he adored his sisters and family; Ed also enjoyed the geriatric community, and he loved visiting with his neighbors and friends.

Ed was soft spoken, kind, and reflective. When people would discuss politics and perhaps get upset, Ed would always say, ”It’s great! It‘s the Democratic process at work.” He was always willing to discuss but never argue. As a teacher, he would role-play with his students, so that they could discuss and act out their concerns or disputes regarding apolitical or ethical situation. By doing so They would feeland try to “walk in their shoes." He always encouraged safe and respectful debates.

Ed Ellis is survived by his wife Ann, his sisters Mrs. Dianne Volker, Mrs. JoAnne Schlief, brothers-in-law, Mr. Rocky Volker and Mr. Stephen Schlief, children Mr. Daniel Ellis, Ms. Megan D. Meek, Colleen Jo Ellis, and Catherine Healy Ellis. Step children, John Robert O’NeiII, Jane Ann Irigoyen and husband Marcelo lrigoyen, Mary Elaine Eident, and her husband Derrick Eident, grandchildren include Joaquin Ellis, Nathan and Piper Meek; step grandchildren Cyrus Anaya, Ryne Eident, and Lucy Irigoyen. Extended family Ms. Chelsea and Dominick S. Tatman. And last but not least his pets; Indiana his dog, Jerry his cat and Regg ' the bird. He loved them all. Ed had many friends who will miss him. He was a firm believer in the fact that we are all each other's brothers. He was my husband and my best friend; I will miss him forever

Please leave comments and share in his celebration of life. If you want to contribute in Ed’s name, please do so to the Adams County Humane Society. Please contact: Riverdale Animal Shelter, Attn: Jennifer Alvarez, 12155 Park Blvd. Brighton, CO 80601.