Image

David Harris Ellicott was born in Grand Junction, May 17, 1958, to George and Dorothy (Hinkle) Ellicott. Dave passed away unexpectedly May 2, 2026, at the age of 67.

The Ellicott family lived in several locations during Dave’s childhood, including Grand Junction, Harrison, Nebraska, on the Ellicott Ranch, Wray, Gunnison, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, before settling in Eads, where they raised their family.

Growing up, Dave was involved in 4-H, livestock judging, football, basketball, and wrestling. He graduated from Eads High School in 1976. During high school, he began working at the Eads Locker, where his passion for the meat industry began.

Following high school, Dave attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he earned a degree in Animal Science in 1981. While at CSU, he was a member of the Meats Judging Team and the AGR fraternity, where he held the office of noble ruler. After college, he continued his involvement with fraternity, volunteering at the national level.

Dave began his career in Quality Control at Iowa Beef Packers (IBP) in Dakota City, Nebraska. It was there that he met the love of his life, Tami Jepsen, and her son, Matt. After a brief time at IBP, Dave, Tami, and Matt moved to Colorado. Dave and Tami were married June 25, 1983, and Dave became a devoted father to Matt.

Dave worked for King Soopers as a beef and seafood buyer, spending 13 years working his way up to head of the Meat and Seafood Procurement Department. After Matt graduated from high school, Dave and Tami moved to Red Oak, Iowa, where they worked with the Certified Hereford Beef Program at Red Oak Farms. During this time, they built a small cow herd and enjoyed life in Iowa.

In 1998, Dave joined Future Beef Operations, where he helped design the plant in Arkansas City, Kansas, and later transitioned to the sales team. He later accepted a position with Ridgefield Farms Premium Hereford Beef, based out of Denver and South Dakota, working from their home in Platteville, where he and Tami resided.

August 1, 2007, Dave and Tami fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a plant in Evans and founding Innovative Foods. With Dave’s industry expertise and passion, and Tami’s strength in business and accounting, they built a successful company that continues today.

Tyler George Ellicott joined the family in May 1999, following Jacqueline’s passing. Dave and Tami adopted Tyler and raised him as their son.

Dave cherished time spent with his boys, especially showing livestock - primarily pigs and some cattle - and coaching 4-H and FFA livestock judging teams that achieved success at both the state and national levels. He also enjoyed watching Tyler run and play basketball during his high school years.

He could often be found outdoors hunting, fishing, or gardening, or giving back to the community by cooking and donating protein - or his famous spaghetti sauce - for various events. He loved his dogs, his chickens, and music. He had an incredible ability to name almost any song and artist playing on the radio, something he especially enjoyed sharing with Matt.

Dave and Tami also hosted farm dinners at their home, where the protein came from their meat plant and the herbs and vegetables from Dave’s garden. Chefs he met through his work prepared meals for guests, creating memorable farm-to-table experiences.

Dave took great joy in being a grandfather to Jayden, Kade, and Alyssa. One of his favorite traditions was picking from the garden with them in the fall. He especially loved growing pumpkins for the kids and helping them carve them for Halloween.

He is survived by his parents, George and Dorothy; wife, Tami; son, Matt (Sara); grandchildren, Jayden, Kade, and Alyssa; sister-in-law, Ivy Ellicott; nieces Summer (Dustin) Owen and Allison (Shane) Lawless; nephew TJ (Erica) Ellicott; great-niece and great-nephews; special friends; and his beloved dog, Boo.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Lorena Ellicott and Lewis and Viola Hinkle; sister, Jacqueline Ellicott; brother, Justin Ellicott; and his son, Tyler Ellicott.

A celebration of life will be held May 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Kersey Community Church, 26221 County Road 53, Kersey, Colorado. The service will be live streamed on the Kersey Community Church You Tube channel.

A graveside service will be held the following week in Wauneta, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Colorado State University Ram Country Meats give.colostate.edu

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.