Dan Ritchie, Trustee Emeritus, passed away peacefully on January 30 at age 93. “Colorado has lost a giant. Buell has lost a friend. And the kids of this state have lost a visionary champion.” The words of Steve ErkenBrack, President & CEO of the Buell Foundation, on whose board Dan Ritchie was President and Chairman for more than 25 years, describe a man who had a profound effect on many Colorado organizations and institutions. But no organization was impacted more than the Buell Foundation. Under his leadership, the Foundation was transformed into a national leader in early childhood development and education.
Dr. Reginald Washington, the current Chair of the Buell Board of Trustees noted, “I had the honor to serve with Dan for many years on a number of boards. He will be remembered for his tenacity, his keen business acumen, his resilient leadership, and his unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Known for his signature approach that was a unique constellation being steadfast, disarming, decisive, and down-to-earth, Dan was instrumental in shaping and prioritizing the Foundation’s mission around early childhood education in Colorado, becoming front-runners in philanthropy and the early childhood system in Colorado. Dan was an innovative trailblazer who consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible, and the results are visible today in Buell’s continued impact on children and families throughout the state.
During his three decades on the Board, Buell funded more than $225 million in programs for children, supporting organizations in every county of Colorado. The Foundation established the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program, resulting in hundreds of champions for children in communities throughout Colorado. He was instrumental in the creation of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) in 2009 as the founding board chairman, which originated from his role on the executive committee of Colorado Concern. He also helped shape Governor Polis’s policies for universal preschool.
Noting Dan’s astute ability to identify a problem and then focus on potential solutions, no proposal was too big or lofty. Laura Carlson, Vice President of Programs, explained, “Every time I had an idea that I brought to him, he would reply, ‘That’s great but think bigger. Don’t be afraid to take a big swing.’ And that captures what he was about. Dan was courageous and truly visionary.”
In realizing his goals and influence as an empowering leader, Dan was not concerned with titles, hierarchy, or recognition. He valued everyone’s input, whether from a new staff member or an experienced fellow trustee on the board, it was his innate nature to lift people up, listen closely, and base every decision on a deep sense of integrity.
Through his tireless efforts on behalf of institutions and organizations in need of his guidance and expertise, Dan’s impact can be seen not only in Denver but across the entire state. And while his accolades and accomplishments are abundant, recognition of such successes never drove him personally or professionally. He possessed a unique set of strengths—impeccable character, sincere humility, courageous leadership, fundamental fairness, and unflagging altruism—that sometimes may have felt somewhat anachronistic. But Dan was the personification of the best of the West.
We at the Buell Foundation, who had the privilege to work with Dan and benefit from his dedication to community-building, are grateful for his contributions that have left an indelible mark on Colorado. We are inspired to strive ever forward to ensure that the legacy of Dan Ritchie will endure long past his extraordinary lifetime.