Leroy Ralph Machin

Leroy R. Machin, known as Lee (4/11/1930) passed away July 31 after a short illness. A world traveler since 1960, Lee was employed by the oil industry and initially stationed in Tehran, Iran. Later, he was transferred to Argentina and continued working oil supply. During this time Lee had the opportunity to travel extensively through the Middle East, Europe, and South America. He collected many artifacts from his travels and would frequently reminisce, especially about trips to Hawaii.

In 1972 Lee returned to Estes Park to assume control of the family business, Machin’s Cottages in the Pines, and has been continuing the family legacy for the past 52 years. During that time, Lee touched the lives of thousands of people who vacationed at Machin’s Cottages. Some guests first came as children, then as married adults, then later as grandparents. One couple in particular honeymooned at Machin’s Cottages, then returned for their 25th anniversary and later for their 50th anniversary!! Lee never married or had children, yet over the years, many of the Machin guests became like an extended family!

Lee was fiercely independent, stubborn and set in his ways. If his way of doing something worked, then there was no need to make changes. He had a unique dry sense of humor and never shyed away from cracking a joke. He once commented that “customers now value Wi-Fi more than running water”. Lee seldom entertained local guests, just enjoyed keeping himself company.

An avid animal lover, and bird watching was his favorite pastime. He could always be found with a Diet Coke in his hand, the “elixir of life”, and chocolates nearby. Vegetables were not a needed food group and when questioned about his food choices, he often said, “The preservatives are what have preserved me this long”.

He certainly was old school as no computer was used for business, reservations were manually logged in and checks required for down payment deposits. He was a hard worker and was still taking reservations over the phone one week prior to passing. Lee was a one-of-a-kind man and will be greatly missed by many.

The Machin family moved from Planeview, KS to Estes Park in 1945 and settled into a small log cabin located on the side of Eagle Cliff Mountain, where the family cottage court business was built and continues today. Lee graduated from Estes Park High School in 1948, attended Colorado State College-Greeley, then served in the US Army.

Lee was the oldest member of The Presbyterian Church of the Rockies, a longtime member of the Estes Chamber and Noon Rotary Club. He was a contributor to many organization in Estes Park.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sylvia Machin, his siblings Keith Machin and Twila Machin Barbour. He is survived by two nieces and a nephew Danna Bradford, Gail Lewis, and Rodney Barbour.

A Celebration of 94 years of Life, followed by a reception will be held on September 26th, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Machin Cottages property. The address is 2450 Eagle Cliff Road, Estes Park.