Rick Troller

Rick Troller, a man renowned for his versatility and zest for life, passed away peacefully at home in Rifle, Colorado, on September 24, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on May 20, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rick's early years were marked by adventure and exploration as his family relocated to the San Fernando Valley in California. It was here that he began his journey through life, filled with experiences that would shape the man he became.

A true man of many trades, Rick's work ethic was evident from an early age when he took on a paper route as a boy. Following the family tradition, he worked in his father's machine shop and had various jobs across the Los Angeles area. His passion for mechanics blossomed as he became a self-taught expert on vehicles. Demonstrating a strong sense of duty, he joined the army shortly after graduating high school, opting for service over waiting to be drafted. Rick excelled in basic training and went on to various assignments in Vietnam and Cambodia, where he collected numerous stories and cherished photographs that he would share with family and friends throughout his life.

After returning from his military service, Rick continued to navigate his career through odd jobs around LA County and eventually returned to his father's machine shop, which had relocated to Tempe, Arizona. His journey then took him to Eagle, Colorado, where he joined his brothers Neil and Tom at the Kaibab sawmill, starting as an entry-level worker and eventually moving up through the ranks. Then working a ranching business under the guidance of Irish Hawkins at the Newcomer Ranch in Burn, Colorado. He took pride in innovative projects like installing indoor plumbing in the old ranch house.

Rick was not only defined by his work but also by his genuine nature and engaging personality. He was open, honest, and fun-loving, always ready to share stories of his adventures, whether they were about working in the sawmill or camping in the picturesque surroundings of Eagle County. His memorable relationships were enriched by the shared joys of building life alongside his devoted wife, Lynn Espersen, with whom he spent 46 wonderful years. Together, they nurtured a partnership filled with love and support amidst their domestic ventures, including a successful firewood and ranching business.

In his leisure time, Rick found joy in riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, a cherished gift he received in 2005. His other interests included leatherwork and creating a .75-mile sled run every winter on the Lady Belle Ranch he managed. Passionate about smoking meat, he built a smoker from an old refrigerator, mastering the art of cold smoking salmon, bacon, and hams.

Rick's legacy is carried forward by his surviving family, including his beloved wife, Lynn, his brother Neil Troller, his sister Patty (Jim) Mutton, sister-in-law Sue (Steve) Troller, and six nieces and nephews along with many great-nephews and nieces.

Rick's passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, including his family and friends, who will always remember him as a loving husband, a dedicated brother, and a spirited storyteller. He joins his deceased loved ones, including his father Robert Troller, mother Ruth Troller, and siblings Steve, Tom, and Terri Troller, in eternal rest. Rick Troller's life was defined by his adventurous spirit, steadfast integrity, and commitment to all those he held dear, and he will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.