Stanford Fredric “Fritz” Warner

Fritz Warner, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and friend, died Aug. 30 in the presence of his family. He was 69.

Born in Salida on Jan. 29, 1939, to Stanford and Patricia Warner, he was the joy of their lives. Fritz graduated from Salida High School in 1958. He entered the army in 1959, spent some time in Korea as a medical corpsman and was honorably discharged in 1962. A lifetime salesman, he was instrumental in the success of several mobile home and RV dealerships, culminating in the ownership of the successful Centennial RV and Marine in Grand Junction. He retired in 2003 to enjoy life with his wife, Donna, in their Grand Junction home, sharing time in their Arrowhead cabin.

Fritz learned to fly in 1962, and began a 46-year love affair with aviation. He owned several aircraft, his favorite being his 1946 Navion. His other pleasures included boating, fishing, snowmobiling and generally enjoying outdoor activities in the high country of Colorado. He also loved to travel having visited England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Canada and several wonderful cruises.

Fritz was a lifetime member of the Salida Elks Lodge 808 and a proud member of the Grand Junction Hanger of the Quiet Birdmen.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his mother, Patricia of Salida; daughter Christine (Troy); and one grandson as well as many extended family members.

At his request there will be no services. Cremation has taken place and the family will hold a memorial celebration of Fritz’s life at an open house at the family home in Grand Junction on Monday, Sept. 8, from 1-3 p.m. The family will privately spread his ashes over his beloved mountains in Salida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Arrangements are under the caring direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.