Henry Dale Ainsworth

Henry Dale Ainsworth, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 29, 2025, at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was 83 years old.

Born on January 29, 1942, in Durant, Oklahoma, Dale was the son of Ruth and Walter Jay Ainsworth. He was raised in a large, close-knit family and is survived by two loving sisters, Oma Jo Hill and Joy Ann Nix. He was preceded in death by his siblings W. J. Ainsworth, Melba Risner, George Ainsworth, and Sue Davis.

Dale proudly served in the National Guard and as a firefighter in Houston, Texas, dedicating years of service to protecting others. After retiring from the fire department, he moved to Cortez, Colorado in 1981, where he established a successful second career as a real estate broker. In his later years, he made his home in both the Phoenix, Arizona and Grand Junction, Colorado areas.

He was married to Barbara Ann Ainsworth Garcia for 34 years, and together they raised two daughters, Lisa Ainsworth-Winn and Dana Ainsworth-Weyand, both of Dolores, Colorado. Lisa is married to Gary “Billy” Winn, and Dana to Paul Weyand—both of whom Dale deeply loved and considered sons. Later in life, he married Ann Wark-Ainsworth and they shared 36 years together until the time of his death. Dale was a proud grandfather to Keedan Dale Ainsworth and his wife Katie, of Parker, Colorado—father of Dale’s four great-grandchildren: Carter, Elizabeth, Grayson, and Kamden—and Kellen Andrew Gatzke of Delaware.

He was also an active and devoted member of his community. Dale was a longtime member of Montezuma Masonic Lodge #145, the Escalante Shrine Club, and the Cortez Elks Lodge—organizations through which he found fellowship, purpose, and lasting friendships.

Dale was a man of great strength and resilience, having survived multiple cancers throughout his life. Despite his struggles, he remained grounded in his Christian faith, his love of family, and a deep connection to the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were his greatest pastimes, and Taylor Mesa held a special place in his heart.

He was a Christian, a fighter, and a man of grit, heart, and generosity. His strength, loyalty, and quiet wisdom touched all who knew him. Dale lived a full and courageous life, and he will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.