Edward (Ned) Anthony Mechling III

Sadly and with a great loss to this community, Ned Mechling passed away at his home on July 8th from complications arising from a recent surgery. He was born on January, 6th, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland to Annie Reid Mechling and Edward Anthony Mechling II. He attended the University of Delaware where he studied criminal justice and played college rugby. Ned was an outstanding high school athlete and excelled in football and baseball at the Caravel Academy in Delaware. He continued to play baseball and rugby well into his thirties for teams in the Roaring Fork Valley. He became well-known and loved as one of the areas best raft guides working for both Whitewater Rafting and Rock Gardens. He was best known professionally as the greatest “lawn guy” in the valley. Ned started the company “Perfect Turf” with his wife Kim almost twenty years ago and had successfully built the largest, most respected lawn maintenance business in the valley.

His love of people and life extended to every one he encountered from any age, occupation and background. He was also an avid skier in his earlier years and in the last ten years became “the guy” to snowmobile with. He acquired many nicknames over the years but the one that stuck was “Nedly”. He was also known to help anyone for any reason at the drop of a hat. His two girls Charlie and Maddie were the light of his life and the source of his never ending drive to success.

Ned is survived by his wife Kim Mechling, his daughters Charlie and Maddie Mechling, his mother Annie Reid Mechling, his brother Jesse Mechling, Jesse’s wife Adela and Ned’s nephew Rafael. Ned is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and too numerous friends to mention.

A celebration of Ned’s life will be held Wednesday, July 16th from 5:30-8:30 at the private property on Prehm Ranch. Prehm Ranch is located at the end of Midland Avenue past the rodeo grounds and the airport to a gated entrance. The gates will open at 5:30. Guests are asked to please park at the rodeo grounds and take the shuttle service provided by Glenwood Canyon Resort to Prehm Ranch. If you prefer to walk, wear comfy shoes. Food, Budweiser (of course) and live music will be provided. All ages are welcome and the celebration is open to the public. Very casual attire please!

Prehm Ranch is on the Roaring Fork River, so bug spray, sunglasses, blankets and chairs are good ideas. Tents and chairs will also be provided

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ned Mechling Benefit Account at Alpine Bank. All proceeds will go towards Charlie’s and Maddie’s educational pursuits