BURNS — On the way up to Derby Mesa for Ben Wurtsmith’s memorial, some folks had to weave gently through a couple dozen cattle loose on Derby Mesa Loop road. A bull, the size of a cement mixer with a bad attitude, gave a guy in a compact car a look that made it clear who was the head of that herd, and it wasn’t the compact car or the guy in it. From heaven, Wurtsmith was smiling. He’d had that showdown before during his long and rewarding life, and loved to tell about it. On a gate at the neighboring Gates Ranch is a sign warning you that if…

Nancy M. Lyon passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2019. She was 87. Nancy was born on June 18, 1932, in Aurora, Illinois, to Hellen Murphy and Haakon Andersen. Nancy had one brother Roger who was three years her junior. He passed away in 1956. She graduated East Aurora Illinois High School in June 1950. She enjoyed school, played violin in the orchestra and was a member of the New England Congregational Church. Nancy became one of only four women to graduate from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1954, earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. She lived in a dorm her freshman year, and then rode the train from…

Patricia (Patsy) Hodge Zeitlin passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2019, in Flagstaff, Arizona, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Patsy was on born on July 4, 1941, to Lenox (Captain) and Jeanette Hodge. She is survived by her brother Carroll (Mac) Hodge and sister, Susan Hodge Anderson, her loving husband, Dr. Warren Zeitlin, and her children Alyson Robbins Citarelli, Jeff, and John Robbins.   Growing up on the East Coast, she was a resident of Hinsdale, Illinois, before relocating to Vail in 1980. Patsy loved her time in the Vail Valley, and there were lots of happy times there with her friends and the entire Hodge family.  Patsy treasured her…

James Seaton Knight died September 3 at The Denver Hospice after a nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. He was 57. Jimmy, as his immediate family called him, was named for his great-grandfather, James Seaton Knight, who built the Lauderdale Beach Hotel in 1936. It was the first hotel and was operated by the Knight family until its sale in 1974. A 1980 Fort Lauderdale High School graduate, Jimmy attended Fort Lewis College in Durango and lived in Vail from 1968-1970 and from 1992 for several years before moving to Denver where he worked for Dish Network as a senior buyer. Industrious even as a little kid, he rode his bike…

Nella Casaus, 80, of Grand Junction, Colorado, since 2000 passed away on September 14, 2019, in Grand Junction. She was born on September 20, 1938, in Riverton, Wyoming, to Claude and Sinforosa Vasco. She married Fred Casaus. Nella was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with family and cooking her famous green chili and enchiladas. She enjoyed her trips to Spain to visit her relatives. She loved watching her novellas and westerns, gardening or “playing in the dirt” as she referred to it and cruising her lawnmower and corvette. She was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. Nella is survived by her husband, Fred Casaus of Minturn, Colorado;…

Neil J. Schramm, 61, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 in Virginia, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at East Moe Lutheran Church in Garfield, Minnesota at 11 a.m. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com. Neil Jerome Schramm was born December 9, 1957, to Donavon and Elizabeth (Foslien) Schramm. He played Little League Ball, was on the swimming team, and worked for the northside Bridgeman’s.Neil graduated from Virginia High School in 1976. He attended St. Cloud State for two years. He did leatherworking, photography, and Boundary Waters canoeing. In the…

“Dani” as she was known to family and friends, was a member of the Eagle Valley High School class of 2008. She’ll be remembered for her love of music, animals, fishing and art. Her laughter, quirky sense of humor and positive outlook on life will be deeply missed. She bravely fought for her life and her courage and strength were an inspiration for others. Danielle is survived by her parents Richard and Jennifer Hefferan, siblings Rachael Hefferan (Sean Squires) their sons Jameson and Riley, Colleen Hefferan (Brice Ward), and Richie Hefferan.  Danielle left us peacefully while listening to Bob Marley with her loving mother by her side. A celebration of…

Joan Marie Shepack Maher Carlson died on Saturday, June 15, at the age of 72. She passed in the comfort of her own home in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by close friends and family.  Joan divided her time between Vero Beach, Florida, and Vail, Colorado. Her passion was skiing and she often achieved her goal of skiing 100 days a year. She also spent many winters volunteering for skier services on Vail Mountain. Joan was also most proud of becoming a certified personal trainer and a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. Joan and her husband, Rick, enjoyed traveling whenever possible. They spent time together in Greece, Spain and Japan. Her favorite trip…

Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at Ed Oyler’s property at 9273 Brush Creek Road, south of Eagle, to celebrate the life of “The Mayor of Edwards,” Bruce Eaton. In lieu of flowers or cards please bring a dessert to share. BBQ lunch and drinks will be provided! Please carpool when possible as parking will be limited.

On August 12, Lawrence Edward Chadwick passed away peacefully at his ranch in McCoy, Colorado. He was three weeks away from his 85th Birthday. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Berniece Snook Chadwick, sons; Ken Chadwick (Susan) and Chuck Chadwick (Dawn); daughter, Wanda Trudeau; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and sister, Sue Smaller. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Gotha Chadwick and three sisters, Ulene Newby, Faye Harrison and Jane Cook. Lawrence was born in St. Charles, Arkansas, and moved to Minturn as a young boy. He graduated from the Minturn High School and in his early years worked various jobs such at…

Judy Martinez Peña received her angel wings on September 3, 2019, at her home in Red Cliff, Colorado. Judy was born on February 4, 1945, in Gilman, Colorado and spent all of her life in the Red Cliff and Minturn area.   Judy’s legacy is carried on by her two sons, Rick Peña, and Juan Peña and their wives Kursten and Myra and six grandchildren: Will, Jack, Haleigh, Maddy, Angela and Juan JR. Judy also enjoyed many years with her long-term partner Felipe Gurule. Judy was preceded by her parents John L.  Martinez and Jane Martinez along with her sister Eleanor and son, Robert Luis. Judy is survived by her sister Diana Cisneros, and…

Sanford Morris “Sandy” Treat Jr. died of natural causes at Vail Health Medical Center September 1, 2019. He lived over 96 years. Sandy was born January 22, 1923, in Flushing, New York to Sandy Treat Sr. and Jane Woodruff Treat. He was their only child. He was raised in New York City but always relished his summer escapes to Orange, Connecticut, where he played both baseball and tennis and his winter escapes to Lake Placid where he started a lifetime on skis. He left New York public schools for Deerfield Academy where he was the soccer goalie, baseball first baseman and star of Deerfield’s first ski team.  He graduated in June…

Sherry Taylor Bunting, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, succumbed peacefully to cancer on August 26, 2019, at her home in Avon while surrounded by her family.  Sherry was born on August 11, 1942, to Nathan and Marguerite Taylor in Wichita Falls, Texas. As the child of a Navy officer, Sherry grew up in numerous locations, including Washington, D.C., Glenview, Illinois, Philadelphia, various towns in Texas, and eventually Broomfield, Colorado, during her high school years. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) in 1963. In 1965, she took a position teaching dependent children of U.S. service personnel stationed overseas. While teaching at…

William “Lloyd” Roach, age 67, a resident of Gypsum, Colorado, passed away August 22, 2019, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was born on December 28, 1951, in Denver, Colorado to William “Bill” and Jean Roach. Lloyd married the love of his life Earlene “Punk” Harris almost 47 years ago on November 18, 1972. He served as a U.S. Marine for 2 ½ years after getting married. Afterward, he worked at the Eagle, CO sawmill, and then went on to build custom homes and specialized in trim carpentry until retirement. Lloyd loved pestering his wife, whom he nicknamed “punk,” and spending time with his grandkids.      He is survived and loved deeply by his…

Wens’ love of skiing brought him to the Vail Valley in 1978 where many longtime friendships started and lasted through the years — he never missed a ski season in Vail — even skiing last winter. He spent his winters in Vail and Denver and his summers at his family hometown farm near Leland, Michigan. Wensel passed away peacefully in Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Northport, Michigan, he was the son of Julius Kolarik Sr. and Mary (Reicha) Kolarik. He is survived by his siblings, Joan Cooper, Magdalen (John) LeHoty, Julius (Grace) Kolarik, Cecilia (Joe) Sella, Philip (Nicole) Kolarik, Patrick (Peggy) Kolarik, and Thomas Kolarik, and many…

Kenneth Walter Zimmerman, Jr., 77, passed away on July 21, 2019. Ken was born in Woodstock, Illinois, to Kenneth Walter Zimmerman, Sr. and Shirley Zimmerman. Ken grew up in Aurora, Illinois, and attended West Aurora High School where his father was a teacher and the head football coach.  During the summers his family would spend time at their cabin in Mercer, Wisconsin. Ken attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, where he received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1965. During this time he was the captain of the football team and a member of the Big Ten Conference fencing team. He was awarded the most valuable football player in…

On July 2, 2019, Lillian C. Bresnahan of Vail, Colorado, and LaQuinta, California, passed away from complications with Parkinson’s and Lewy Bodies Dementia. She was 76. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, William “Bill” Bresnahan, daughters Vikki Bresnahan (Mike Ready), and Keira Bresnahan (Brad Feldhaus) and grandsons Ford, Blake and Weston. Lillian was an avid tennis player and loved organizing daily matches with friends. She loved sharing her passion for fitness wherever she was, teaching every type of class over the years from Jazzercise to water aerobics. Her favorite thing in life was spending time with her family. Her grandsons were the light of her life — she…

Michael J Grimaldi of Edwards, Colorado, passed away suddenly Sunday, August 18. He was 45 years of age. He is formerly from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has lived in the Vail Valley since 2007. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Safety Sciences. He was the beloved son of Debbi and Mike Grimaldi and dear brother of Matthew and brother-in-law to Priska. Nelio and Kayla, his niece and nephew will miss him dearly. He was the president of Mountain Time Health and Safety. He did consulting work for numerous companies including RA Nelson. He loved the mountains and made the most of all the seasons. He…

Susan Wigglesworth Johnson passed away peacefully at her home in Wolcott, Colorado, surrounded by loving family in the care of hospice on Sunday, August 11. Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1945, to loving parents and two doting older brothers, Susie grew up with a love of the ocean. Susie attended the MacDuffie School for girls in Springfield, Massachusetts, through high school and graduated in 1963. She then enrolled in Colorado Women’s College — now a part of University of Denver. She met her “honey” Don “Dozer” Johnson in her early years of college and together they developed a love of the mountains. After graduating from college, she returned…

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Thursday for Ryan Benjamin Kirby-Daniels. Ryan went missing on May 22, 2019, and was found in the Eagle River on July 26, 2019. The time and cause fo death are not known. Ryan is survived by his father Stephen Daniels, mother Aimee Daniels, sister Jillian Young of Pingree Grove, Illinois, and his little brother Logan who lived with Ryan and his parents in EagleVail. Ryan was born in the Denver area and lived in Decatur, Illinois, and EagleVail. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes School in Decatur, Illinois, Homestake Peak School in EagleVail, Stone Creek Charter School and Red Canyon High…

Vail lost a legend on August 17, 2019. Pepi Gramshammer was Vail’s first professional skier and had lived here since Vail’s inception as a ski resort in 1962. There is a ski run named after him (Pepi’s Face) and an Austrian-themed restaurant bearing his name in the heart of Vail Village. Pepi was 87. To commemorate Pepi, the Vail Daily is asking readers to submit photos, stories, videos, letters and more documenting their interactions with this Vail icon. You can do this through email at [email protected] or by tagging social media posts with #TributetoPepi. To see the Tribute to Pepi, visit vaildaily.com/tribute-to-pepi.

Matthew Patterson Bryan, 44, of Gypsum, Colorado, died August 8, 2019, surrounded by the family and friends that he loved after a strong battle with cancer. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 7, 1974, the beloved son of Trish and Rick Bryan. He was a graduate of Mariemont High School and moved to Colorado where he graduated from Colorado State University and fell in love with the mountains. Matt met his beautiful, Argentinian wife of 19 years, Claudia Campo, working at Beaver Creek. They were married in Northport, Michigan, on July 22, 2000. After marriage, they had three, very loved, children: Lucia Bella (18), Primo Malik (12), and…

The evening skies over Vail and Beaver Creek will glow especially bright from now on as Austrian legend and Vail pioneer Pepi Gramshammer has left his beloved valley for a higher place. Gramshammer passed away August 17 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Sheika, daughters Kira and Sheika, and two grandsons. Many in the Vail Valley will forever wonder what could have been or, more appropriately, what might not have been if Gramshammer had decided that he was a better cheesemaker than a ski racer. Born in Kufstein, Austria, in 1932, Pepi was determined to make the Austrian National Ski Team following the completion of his apprenticeship…

Bruce Clifford Eaton, age 80, died on August 15, 2019, in Montrose Colorado. Bruce was born in 1939 in the Brush Creek Valley and spent his childhood years there on his family’s ranch. He was the fourth child of Charles and Mabel Eaton. He currently resided in Cedaredge. Bruce graduated high school in Eagle in 1957 and married Winifred White (Grimshaw) in 1958. Together they worked their ranch in Edwards and raised three children, Perry Alan Eaton (LaVeta, Colorado), Michael Bruce Eaton (Edwards, Colorado), and Shelly Kaye Eaton Dahl (Erda, Utah). Bruce and Winifred were later divorced. In his early years, Bruce worked at the Climax Mine in Leadville and…

Chuck Taylor, 94, passed away, July 27, at Castle Peak Senior Care in Eagle, Colorado where he and his wife, Pearl, have lived since 2016. He was born and lived in Brighton, Colorado, until moving to Boulder in 1969, East Vail in 1974 and Wildridge in 1991. He leaves his wife of 73 years, Pearl; son, Chuck Taylor of Ruidoso, New Mexico; daughter, Kristie Damico and husband Peter of Eagle; grandson Matt Damico of Verona, Wisconsin: great-granddaughters Elle and Aida. He graduated from the University of Denver and began his CPA practice in Brighton. Chuck was a man of deep convictions and was continuously involved in local and Colorado state…

Dr. Gary Walker Cage, age 85, of Edwards, Colorado, died peacefully on August 14, 2019. As a long-standing member of the Beaver Creek and Vail, Colorado community, Dr. Cage is survived by his two sons and their spouses, Andrew and Maria Cage and Theodore and Lucy Fraser Cage, as well as his sister, Mary Jane Carr and her family.   With Carolyn, his beloved wife of 56 years, who passed away in 2017, he was actively involved with supporting the Vilar Center, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, the Vail Symposium and numerous other philanthropic and civic organizations. Together, they were deeply committed to supporting the arts and education community in the…

Vern Lee Ullerick, 86, passed away peacefully August 11, 2019, in Palisade.   Vern was born in Debeque, Colorado, and lived in Gypsum and Palisade. He worked as a Signal Maintainer for the Denver & Rio Grande and Southern Pacific railroads for 38 years. Vern owned the Ullerick Trailer Park in Gypsum, Colorado, for 30 years. Vern enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Jerry. Vern leaves his loving wife of 66 years, Viola, two sons Mark (Lora) and Scott (Blossom), brother Don (Mona), three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m.…

Nathan left this world on August 5, losing his decade-long battle with addiction. Today we now know that his sufferings and struggles have come to an end. Our family and friends will all miss him dearly but can all rest assured Nathan is now in a better place where his soul is free to rest.  Born and raised in the Vail Valley, Nathan had a deep bond to everything that comes with living here. He had an immense love for all things outdoors, whether it was skiing, biking, fishing or hiking aimlessly around the wilderness connecting with the earth and himself.  Nathan was an avid hockey player and advocate for…

Vincent was born in Lead, South Dakota. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathleen and their three children; Vincent Jr. (Michele) of Westminster, Colorado, Mary Therese Chacho (Michael) of Golden, Colorado, and Michael (Catherine) of San Jose, California, as well as seven grandchildren. He was a long-time resident of Beaver Creek. He served in the United States Air Force.  Vince was first employed by NSA, followed by a 30-year career at IBM, retiring as an IBM corporate officer.  He was then employed by SAIC where he served as Vice Chairman of International Operations. During the course of his career, he served on the Defense Science Board, the…

Kent Mackey Harrison, 40, of Vail, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2019, from injuries sustained in a motorhome accident near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He was born on May 10, 1979, in Warren, Ohio, the son of Raymond D. and Carol (Hunter) Harrison. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1997. Kent lived in Vail, Colorado, for the past 22 years and was a self-employed corporate/business account cell phone sales representative. Kent was a fun-loving adventurer and believed in living life passionately and to its fullest every single day. His love for adventure and nature took him places all over the world and he traveled the U.S. extensively…

On Sunday evening, July 28, 2019, our dear friend Mariano Castillo lost his battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at Vendetta’s on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. in celebration of his life. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Joseph Scott Griego passed away after battling cancer on Saturday, July 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.  Joseph was born January 19, 1989, in Salida, Colorado, to Scott and Cathy Griego. He was the middle of three children, older brother David and younger sister Chantelle. Joseph, or known by his friends and family as Jo-Jo, went to Lake County High School where he graduated in 2008. Following his graduation, he moved to Denver to pursue his career in the hospitality industry. While in Denver he met his life partner, Bobby Velasquez.  Joseph was an amazing son, brother, uncle and partner. He was a loving and giving person. He and Bobby found…

Eleanor Valdez, 92, of Avon, Colorado, passed away on July 18, 2019, in Salida, Colorado. She was born on February 27, 1927, in El Rito, New Mexico, to Jose Maria and Genoveva (Griego) Vigil. She married Ben Valdez in New Mexico in March 1953. Eleanor and Ben moved from New Mexico to Minturn in 1964. They then moved to Gilman and after the mine closed, they moved to Avon in 1978. During the Gilman years, Eleanor would babysit many of the neighborhood kids for $3 a day. She really loved being a homemaker and cooking and would spend her days making food for her family which included baking pies, canned fruit…

Ken O’Bryan, 60, died unexpectedly in his home on the morning of Sunday, July 14. Ken was born on October 30, 1958. He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from Carroll High School in 1976. Ken earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati in 1980. He is survived by his wife, Lori O’Bryan; his sister Kathy Stahl and husband Mike; his brother Jim O’Bryan and wife Carol; his brother Dan O’Bryan, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob (Obie) and Donna O’Bryan. Ken moved to Colorado with Lori in 1990 and developed…

Charles “Charlie” Allan Gillis III, known for his positive spirit, passed away on July 3. He had lived and worked in Eagle County for over 20 years. Charlie was the oldest of six children. He was born on March 17, 1953, in Bad Cannstatt, Germany, where his father was serving in the United States Army. Charlie also lived in Fort Meyer, Virginia, Fort Benning, Georgia, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Yuma, Arizona and Denver, Colorado. Charlie took on a lot of responsibility at a young age. His mom taught him to drive at the age of 12 in case she needed help while dad was in Vietnam. Charlie was an accomplished horseback…

A celebration of life will be held for Kate Heriot on August 3, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Red Cliff, Colorado, at the old elementary school her children attended at 400 Pine Street.  The family invites the community to come to share memories, stories, music, and light refreshments (pot luck welcome). Those attending are encouraged to come prepared with their favorite story/memory. For those so inclined, an impromptu gathering of friends is likely to follow, at a location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation, in Kate’s name, to the Denver Dumb Friends League at: https://www.ddfl.org/ or, Dumb Friends League, 2080…

Claude Loyd Gerard passed away peacefully at the Glenwood Springs Health Care on Sunday evening, July 7, 2019. Claude was born in Gilman, Colorado, to Loyd A. Gerard and Ora E. (Carr) weighing in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces. He grew up and lived his life in the Gypsum Valley, attending school in Gypsum and graduated from Eagle County High School. While attending high school he was very active in Future Farmers of America and a member of the National Honor Society. During his years of FFA, he received both state and national honors being chosen for the American Farmers Degree. Claude was known widely throughout the state of Colorado.…

A Celebration of Life will be held for David Wesley Driver, who passed on February 7, 2019, at the age of 55. It will be held on Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m. with a light lunch to follow. The service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Eagle Valley, 333 2nd Street, Eagle, Colorado. Reverend Sid Spain, pastor and longtime family acquaintance, will officiate. The program will include songs sung by David’s daughter, Jordyn Versiellen Kari-Ann Driver. Dave Butler, a regional minister and counselor, will speak about David, as well as sing with Jordyn. Members of the gathering are also invited to speak. Jordyn has expressed a…

Frank L. Burton III passed away peacefully Thursday, June 13, 2019, in his home surrounded by loving friends. Frank left this world on his own terms with dignity and grace, just as he had lived his life. Born in Albany, New York, on September 23, 1959, Frank attended Hudson Valley Community College and Siena College.  Frank was predeceased by his mother, Helen Kelly Burton; father, Frank L. Burton Jr.; sister, AnnMarie Burton; and beloved cat, Oprah. Frank is survived by his aunt, Dorothy Poland; cousins, Ellen Braun-Howland, Kelly Burtnick, and Maureen Mulligan; and in spite of Frank being an avid Boston Red Sox fan, his much loved (and Yankees’ namesake)…