Mark Swets — aka “Ginger” — passed away peacefully December 4 in hospital surrounded by family in his home state of Indiana. Mark moved to Vail in 1989. He worked at numerous restaurants including Cookshack, La Tour, Left Bank, Montauk, Bart & Yeti’s, La Bottega to name a few. Mark worked at the Ford Amphitheater east end bar for years. Ginger will best be remembered for making people laugh with his dry, sharp wit. He was a unique Vail character and will be remembered by many.

Leroy Lopez, 40, a lifelong resident of Minturn, Colorado, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. He was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Lorraine Lopez. Leroy loved being outdoors, walking his dog Rio, and hanging out with family and friends. Leroy is survived by his mother, Lorraine Lopez, and the Lopez family of Minturn. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Maria “Lola” Lopez, uncles Eloy Lopez and Jerry Lopez, aunt Shirley Lucero, and cousins Christine Lopez and William Darnell. Please join the family for a celebration of Leroy’s life on Saturday, Dece. 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Minturn Spirit Center.

Born May 17, 1923, to Edgar Raymond and Ester Copeland Ring in Princeton, New Jersey. Graduated from Princeton High School in June 1940. Attended Rider Business College in Trenton, New Jersey, from September 1942 until January 1944. Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps January 1944 serving until February 1951. Married MT Sgt. Clifton Rich on Dec. 27, 1949. Spent time at Camp Pendleton, California, Salt Lake City, Utah, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, then back to Camp Pendleton while Cliff served in Korea. Mary and her four children returned to Princeton in October 1958. Cliff and Mary were divorced in June 1962. Mary and her family moved to Colorado Springs in…

Montine B. Hansl died peacefully after a short illness on Nov. 20, 2019, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Montine had careers in public broadcasting, cable, and business, but also found time to travel widely, living a joyous life full of friendships and adventures.  She was married first to Peter Clapper and later to Raleigh Hansl, both of whom are deceased. She leaves a loving circle of friends in Vail, Denver, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Honolulu and beyond. A celebration of Montine’s life will be held in Denver on May 3. For more information, contact Susan Harmon at [email protected] Many nonprofits have benefited from her contributions over the years. Her passion, though, was for the…

Michael Albert Sachs, age 67, born in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Nov. 29 in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was a resident. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Louella; son David and his wife Diana Liu; daughter Laura Sachs and husband Jordan Fisher: stepchildren Cooper and Camryn Kanew: grandchildren Juniper, Annabelle, and Axel Sachs; sisters Ellen (Henry) Dubinsky, Myrna (Myles) Hayutin, Sherrian (Robert) Meyers; brothers Harvey (Marlene) Sachs, Phillip (Patricia) Sachs; and many nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Nellie and Ben Sachs. Michael earned a B.A. in science and an MSPH in health management from the University of Missouri. He became…

Richard John Gyde passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. Known as Rich to many and as Dick to most, he was born in Manistee, Michigan, the youngest of three children. His parents were Edward Emil Gyde and Donna Marie Gyde (nee Griffith). From humble beginnings in Hazel Park, Michigan, he first excelled in athletics before embarking on an illustrious business career. He earned an MBA at Michigan State University, married his high school sweetheart, Judith Engelman, and had two children, Holly and Steve. Dick first worked in advertising which eventually moved him to Manhattan where he married his second wife, Barbara…

Joseph Alan Viola, 54, of Eagle, Colorado, recently passed away and went to Heaven to be with Our Lord. “Joey”, as we all knew him, always had a warm smile for everyone. Born in Port Chester, New York, he grew up in a hard-working and loving family of Italian descent with mother, Eloise, father, Joseph, and younger brother, Richard. Many other relatives were close by to his home. Educated in the Yorktown, New York, public school system, he graduated Yorktown High School in 1983 and graduated Sullivan County Community College Culinary School in 1986 to pursue a career in the food industry. Joey loved to cook, and enjoyed pleasing people, so…

Eve Van Vleck Trumpore, longtime local and volunteer, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 13 at the age of 82. Eve was a fixture in the Vail Valley volunteer community: Bravo Vail, Vail Valley Foundation, Betty Ford Gardens and the Shaw Cancer Center. A Celebration of Life will be held this Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. at Columbine United Church in Littleton. Her children, Laura and Van, request that you wear a Christmas sweater, her favorite holiday.

One of our biggest, strongest, and sweetest-hearted men left this earth peacefully in his home in Edwards, on Oct. 6, due to a heart condition. Drew was born in Vail, Colorado. Upon entering this world, his father and grandfather, amazed at the size of his newborn baby thighs, envisioned Drew as a downhill skier. Although a talented ski racer in his early years with Ski Club Vail, Andrew had other plans. His fascination with his viking heritage, combined with his natural strength, fueled his tenacious passion to become the Strongest Man in the World. He tirelessly trained with his coach and good friend Steve Fotion, in Carbondale, and competed in…

Fletcher Macneill passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2019 at Castle Peak Senior Center in Eagle. Fletcher was born July 8, 1928, in Pennsylvania.  Fletcher met the love of his life, Louisa Bell and they moved to Vail, Colorado, in 1974. After a few years in California, they returned to Colorado. They were married for 33 years until she was sadly taken by cancer. Louisa was Fletcher’s shining light whose impressive personality captivated everyone who was fortunate to come within her sphere of influence. He survived his parents, one sister and two brothers — all of Philadelphia.  Fletcher grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. He was well…

Lisa Sterling (Hicks) passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer on Nov. 6, 2019. Born Aug. 10, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota, her family settled in Lakewood where she graduated from Jefferson High School. Not long after, she followed her sister Susan and made the mad trek to the mountains in the summer of 1981, where she met Sam Sterling, Sr.; had Vail babies; and created a warm and fun-filled life of hockey, skiing, and many Lake Powell and Green Mountain Reservoir trips.  She loved spontaneous travel with her family, and most recently hiking and supper club days and nights with treasured friends. Liz (as she was known…

Emedardo “Emer” Espinosa passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, in Denver. Emedardo was born on September 28, 1931, in Vallecito, New Mexico, to Carlos and Manualeta Espinosa. He grew up in Las Tablas, New Mexico, and then moved to Del Norte, Colorado. Emedardo met the love of his life, Helen Medina, and they were married on June 25, 1952. Emedardo moved to Minturn, Colorado, in 1956, where he worked at the New Jersey Zinc Mine in Gilman until it was closed in 1984. He then got a job working at the Eagle County School District where he eventually retired from working. Emedardo enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, fishing…

Our beloved Rudy Frausto went to be with the Lord on Nov. 1. He was a husband to Diana Lopez, and a father to Claudine, Rodney, BJ, Rudy Jr. and, Carlene. Not only was he a father, he was a grandfather, great grandfather, brother, Uncle, Nino and a friend. He will be greatly missed by everyone he affected.  There will be a memorial service on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. at New Life Assembly of God. A reception dinner will follow for all his loved ones who would like to attend.

Damien Thomas Coleman (38) was born on June 24, 1981, in Westminster, Colorado. He moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, in 1985 where he grew up and graduated from RLHS IN 1999. After graduation, he moved to Colorado where he worked for Beaver Creek Resort from 2000 to 2019.  He married his high school sweetheart Jessica Ahrens in 2013 and they had a daughter Lily Ann in 2014. Damien left Colorado and moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, in 2019 to be closer to his daughter. Damien is survived by his daughter, Lily Ann Coleman, and his ex-wife Jessica Ruesch of Wausau, Wisconsin; his parents Lori Coleman, Springfield, Oregon, and Thomas Coleman, Haslet,…

Rebecca (Becky) Sue Puhl passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019. Becky was raised by Elmo and Bernadine Puhl. She grew up in Utah and Minnesota, and graduated from New York Mills High School. Becky moved to Vail, Colorado, to pursue a management internship. After her internship, Becky started working at Vail Health Hospital, where she spent the last 28 years. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Health Information Administration and was able to use her talents in the IT department as the Interface Architect. She was loved and respected by her co-workers and friends.  Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Bernadine Puhl, and stepmother Elaine…

James Sepenzis, nee Lentgis, passed away peacefully of congestive heart failure at home in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 19, 2019. Jim was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on July 22, 1937, to Constantine Lentgis and Mary Konstand of Greek heritage. His early education was completed at Quebec High School and Stanstead College. He attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, from 1955-59 where he earned a General BA in Politics, English and Philosophy. In 1960 Jim began his career in finance with the Royal Bank of Canada in Montreal. From there he moved to Smith Barney in Manhattan, New York, in 1964 where he accepted a position as an institutional…

Sarah M. Quirk passed away on Sept. 28, 2019. She lived in Avon with parents, and graduated homeschool in May 2019. She had aspirations of attending the Air Force Academy after a gap year. Her funeral was held Oct. 8, and a Life Celebration will be held Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. at Stephens Park in Vail.

Jessica Gregg -Galles, beloved daughter, sister, auntie, adored friend and confidant, departed this world on Oct. 9, 2019. She was like a shooting star in our lives, brilliant and shining with love, laughter and tears. She could crack you up with the most absurd jokes or comments about a situation, and then break your heart with her compassion for someone else’s pain, whether it was handing out cigarettes or any money she had to a homeless person on the corner of the street, helping an animal that was abandoned or lost, or winning over a little kid who just stole her heart with a look or laugh. She would talk…

Dr. John A. Feagin, Jr., former resident and active Vail community member, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 1, at his home in Jackson, Wyoming, amid friends and family. He was 85. John Autrey Feagin Jr. was born into a military family on May 9, 1934, at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio when his father was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base after graduating from West Point. John’s mother, Katherine Feagin, was a third-generation Texan. His appreciation and respect of service to country and love of Texas were deeply rooted from his youngest days. He enjoyed the mobile life of an Air Force brat while his father was stationed at…

John E. Trujillo, 87, of Avon, Colorado, since 1978, passed away on Oct. 7, 2019, in Carbondale, Colorado. He was born on April 17, 1932, to Solo and Susie (Chavez) Trujillo. He married Rosalie Trujillo on July 7, 1956, in Pueblo, Colorado. John served in the United States Army before going to work and retiring as a miner. He belonged to the Miners Union, loved to fish and take vacations to see new places. John is survived by his son Johnny (Judy) Trujillo Sr. of Avon; daughters Juanita and Laurie of Avon, Katherine (Floyd) Duran and Veronica of Minturn; sister Lillian (Charles) of Denver; brothers Floyd of Denver and Bobby…

Barbara spent her early years in western Colorado and graduated from Colorado College in 1946. While in graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle, she met Robert Parker, and they were later married. During her early years of marriage, she and Bob traveled extensively in Europe. They lived in France and later in Austria, where she gave birth to their daughter, Katherine. They came back to the states where they settled in Denver and she gave birth to a son, Guy, in 1955. In 1962 the family moved to Vail, where she was Vail’s first postmistress. Later she worked in rental/real estate and was also a busy hostess…

Steven Richard Vincent, a longtime Eagle County resident, passed away at his home on July 16, 2019. Steve was born in Rockford, Illinois, on June 12, 1948, to Richard A and Betty (Bigelow) Vincent.  Steve lived in Illinois until moving to Colorado Springs in the early 1970s. Steve moved to the Vail Valley in 1975, where he lived until his death. Steve married Sulin Pierce on August 14, 1993. One child, Evan Vincent, was born to this union in 1999. After moving to Eagle County, Steve worked at CMI, then drove for Vans to Vail until the early 1980s, when he started Airport Transportation Service. Steve sold ATS in 1991. However, driving was…

John Buxman was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in 1930. Surviving as the 11th out of 12 children born to immigrant parents during the Dust Bowl, he went on to build the type of life that seemed unlikely given his meager beginnings. John moved his family from Denver to Minturn, Colorado, in 1966 when the opportunity to own his own grocery store merged with his family’s love of skiing. Over time John went on to open grocery stores in Vail, Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Edwards, Telluride, and Moab, Utah. The Village Markets have become synonymous with locals serving locals, and John always took great pride in becoming part of the communities his businesses…

Randy Wiemer, age 71, passed away on Sept. 16, 2019, at his home in Grand Junction, Colorado. Randy and Becky married on March 16, 1968. Randy, Becky and their boys moved to Colorado in 1981 where he worked in the HVAC industry, before owning and operating Wiemer’s Heating and Sheetmetal beginning in 1992. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at The United Methodist Church of Eagle Valley in Eagle.

John Mark “Mac” McCain was born July 13, 1964, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Rev. Carl Ray McCain and Jackie Lowman McCain. He passed on Sept. 3, 2019. Mac is succeeded by his daughter, Morgan Rae McCain, and step-daughter, Nicole Joli, of Eugene Oregon; four sisters: Becky Ray McCain of Littleton, Colorado, Carol Cochran of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kay Weishaar of Perry, Iowa, and Anne McCain-Plungis of Littleton, Colorado; and 10 nieces and nephews. Mac graduated from Lakewood High School (Colorado) in 1982 and attended the University of Northern Colorado where he studied music theory and classical guitar. Mac was a gifted vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. He sang and…

Robert P. Werner, 58 of Avon, Colorado, formerly of Tatamy, passed away on Monday, Sept. 16, in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Lower Saucon Twp. Born October 2, 1960, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, he was a son of the late Robert and Dorothy Silfies Werner. Robert was employed as a private chef throughout the Vail Valley in Colorado. He was very talented in the fields of design, art and glass. He was a former member of St. Peter’s UCC in Tatamy. Robert is survived by his life partner of 25 years, Bernard Siegener of Avon, Colorado; sister, LuAnn Werner of Forks Twp, along with her daughter, Heather Young Keagle and family, and…

John Charles McCaulley was born on April 22, 1955, in Denver to Wade and Elizabeth McCaulley. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Rebecca McCaulley, and his children Madison and Wade McCaulley. He is also survived by five siblings; Patricia Tomes, David McCaulley, Cynthia McCaulley-Vaught, Dennis McCaulley, and Katherine Bussinger (John), in addition to many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. John had a long and fulfilling career as a firefighter working his way up the ladder from volunteer firefighter to deputy fire chief. After retirement, he began a new career at Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, most recently as manager of field operations. He worked for the…

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…