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Anna Marae Dutka

August 10, 2016, 5:48 pm
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On March 13, 1985 in Loveland, Colo. Rachel Magruder and Michael Dutka welcomed their beautiful daughter Anna into the world. Her childhood was spent in Riverside, Ill. and Gunnison, Colo. From an early age, Anna developed a deep passion for animals and love for the arts which was expressed through dance, arts and crafts, musical instruments, to include violin, fl ute, guitar, and the composition of songs and poems. She continued her studies and pursuance for her love of the arts as she attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and Western State Colorado University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her talents and passions urged her to become a multimedia artist specializing and excelling in photography, videography and airbrush. She was also well known as a phenomenal culinary artist. She was known and admired for her talents and commitment to perfection. Being a free and adventurous spirit, Anna loved to travel and ventured to places to include, Dubai, Germany, Costa Rica, Austria and Venice. Her lifelong dedication and love for animals led her into paths such as pet photography and a trained Veterinarian Technician. Anna loved her family and friends profoundly. Along with her Mother, Rachel, and Father, Michael and his partner Stephane Clemens; her family includes her intriguing brother, Jared Dutka; grandparents: Ross Magruder, Virginia Jauch (Deceased); Gerald and Diana Dutka; Mary and Keith Reynolds; Uncles and aunts, Mike Magruder, Andy Magruder, Stacie Magruder, Susan and Jason Boaz; and cousins, Alexander Magruder, Alaina Magruder and her cherished companion, Kaya. Anna left us on July 29, 2016. Please send your light, love and prayers to our dearest Anna. In lieu of flowers we ask that contributions be made to your local animal shelter in memory of her love for our fuzzy friends. Her love and blessing will be cherished all around the globe forever and ever.
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Luke Wayne Ross

August 17, 2016, 6:01 pm
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Feb. 1, 1978 - Aug. 7, 2016
Luke was the youngest of four sons, of Timothy W. and Eunice I. Ross. He was born and raised here in Gunnison, graduating from Gunnison high school. Luke was active in the Boy Scouts attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. His Eagle Project was the renovation of the Pitkin Cemetery Chapel building. Luke is survived by his father, Timothy W. Ross of Gunnison; Mother Eunice Ditterline of Zavalla, Texas; three older brothers, T. Alan of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Tom Ezra of Zavalla, Texas; and Jesse James of Chesapeake, Va.; daughter, Angela Elizabeth, 8, in Oklahoma; paternal grandmother, Lorraine Ross of La Jara, Colo.; uncle, Richard (Dick) Ross of La Jara; and aunt, Ellen Ross Haage of La Jara. Luke joined the U.S. Navy, working as a dog handler in the K-9 unit of the Military Police. He was stationed in New Orleans at the time of Hurricane Katrina. He was in Honolulu (Pearl Harbor) Hawaii at the time of the birth of his daughter, then was stationed in Sigonella, Italy. After serving 9 years in the Navy and receiving an Honorable Discharge, he spent his remaining couple of years in Norman, Okla. being near and spending time with his daughter. Cancer has claimed yet another victim.
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Celebration of life

August 17, 2016, 6:07 pm
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Please join us for a celebration of life for Arthur Joseph Norris (Nov. 12, 1917-April 6, 2015) at the Local Market 213 N. Main Street on Aug. 25, 2016 from 12-2 p.m.
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Obituaries
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Death Announcement

August 17, 2016, 6:09 pm
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Susan Houston passed away Aug. 3, 2016 at her home in Silver Star, Montana. Services were held in Twin Bridges, Montana on Aug. 8, 2016. Obituary to follow at a later date.
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Celebration of life

August 24, 2016, 10:28 pm
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Please join us for a celebration of life for Arthur Joseph Norris (Nov. 12, 1917 - April 6, 2015) at the Local Market 213 N. Main Street today Aug. 25, 2016 from 12-2 p.m.
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Marshall Kurt Seraphine

August 24, 2016, 10:30 pm
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Mr. Marshall Kurt Seraphine, age 70 of Brentwood, Tenn. passed away Aug. 16, 2016. Veteran of the U.S. Army where he served during the Vietnam Conflict. He received the Combat Infantry Badge. His passion was researching and studying military history. He received his BA degree from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colo. In Shreveport, he was Executive Vice President for Pickett Industries and Chief Manufacturing Offi cer for Kast Metals Corp. Prior to retirement, he was a commercial broker for Crye-Leike Real Estate. Preceded in death by parents, Marshall Morrison and Janie Spann Seraphine and brother, Jack Bennett Seraphine. Survived by wife of 40 years, Vicki Shivers Seraphine of Brentwood, Tenn.; sons, Jack (Brooke) Seraphine and Chad (Teresa) Ellis of Nashville, Tenn.; daughter, Marscha (Leslie Belknap) Seraphine of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Dylan Jane and Jake Seraphine, Blaise, Duke and Jackson Ellis; sister, Sandra Seraphine Lowrey of Bonham, Texas; mother in law, Doris Neely Shivers and sister and brother in law, Debbie Shivers and Chris Carlson all of Shreveport, La. Memorials may be made to Gunnison Pioneer Museum, 803 E. Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison, Colo. 81230. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Colorado. Williamson Memorial Funeral Home 615.794.2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com.
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Obituaries
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Stewart P. Smith

August 24, 2016, 10:33 pm
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Stewart P. Smith passed away in Reno, Nev. on Sunday Aug. 14 after a short illness. He was 91.8 years old. Mr. Smith was a long time summer resident of Gunnison building a beautiful home at the Palisades Retreat Club. The Smith family has a long history in Gunnison where his grandfather Simon Peter Smith was one of the founding members of this private fi shing community. Stewart sold his membership in 2004 and moved to Reno in 2006. He was born in Florence, Colo. to Frank and Nina Smith. The family eventually moved to Texas where he graduated from Big Springs High School in 1943. He was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from June 1943 until Feb. 1946 in the Army Specialized Training Program. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1950 with a degree in business administration and was a proud and loyal member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Silver Spurs Honorary Service Organization and UT Texas-Exes Alumni Group. In 1950 Stewart joined the Foreign Service, served as Vice Consul, establishing the first American consulate in Isfahan, Iran, until his resignation from the State Department in 1953. He then returned to California to be near his family and began his career in Public Relations. In 1962 he joined Anderson Clayton, as director of Public Relations in Los Angeles. Eventually moving to Houston to serve as the Vice President of Public Relations until 1982 when he retired and moved to Salado, Texas. He became involved with The Institute for the Humanities, and a very active member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. Stewart was an expert in collecting lifelong friends wherever he lived, worked or played and never forgot anyone…. his family and friends meant everything to him. Almost every person of the younger generation knew him as ‘Uncle Stew’. He is survived by his niece Judith Mai Kroger, and her husband Dietrich; his great nieces and nephews, Cynthia Mai, her daughter Samantha; Eric and Nicole Mai, and their children Lea, Owen and Ian, Kamaryn Mai; and Christopher Mai; his Colorado cousins, extended family, numerous godchildren and an abundance of friends. Services will be held in Florence, Colo. on Sept. 10 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m., where he was baptized. His interment will follow at the Union Highland Cemetery in the family plot of several generations. A reception will follow at the Holy Cross Abbey and Events Complex in Canon City. In lieu of donations or flowers it would be Stewarts wish that you come together with your family and friends to celebrate your love and friendship as you wish him well in the chapter beyond life.
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Obituaries
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Virginia Jones

August 31, 2016, 6:38 pm
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Virginia Jones passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, just days after celebrating her ninety-eighth birthday with friends and family. Born to Elsie and Mace Williams on August 20, 1918 in Holtville, Calif. She was a mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, poet and longtime volunteer who dedicated herself to giving back to the community in so many ways. In 1941 Virginia put her university education, which she began at UCLA, on hiatus when she married Jack Jones and started a family. After her daughter, Carol Bennett, received her teaching degree from University of California Long Beach, Virginia returned to UCLB to complete her own degree in education. She went on to have a rewarding teaching career in California. In 1968, Virginia and her husband moved from Garden Grove, Calif. to the Gunnison Valley, where they partnered with the Brileys to expand the Tall Texan Resort to include a campground and clubhouse. At the same time, Virginia began devoting time, care, and attention to many community-oriented organizations in the valley. In 2009, Virginia was recognized for her 40+ years of service with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV). Her interests in education and health are reflected by the work she has done with RE1J, which includes participating for years on the District Accountability Committee and Career Committee as well as in several initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles in the schools. Additionally, she worked with the Gunnison County Literacy Action Program (now CAFE) since its inception, and Restorative Practices (now Project Hope). She also served as coordinator for the community literary journal, Gunnison Valley Journal. Gunnison Valley Hospital was also an organization Virginia cared deeply about, with her service on the Development Council as well as 12 years on the Board of Directors during which time the Hospital began expansion projects leading to its present state. A cancer survivor, Virginia co-founded with Marie Spencer the Cancer Support group, which has since merged with Living Journeys, a nonprofit that supports individuals and families affected by cancer valleywide. She was also a longtime member of PEO and AAUW. Virginia was preceded in death by Jack Jones in 2004 and siblings Walter Williams, Dorsey Williams, and Geraldine Burke. She is survived by her daughter Carol and her husband Bill Bennett; her granddaughter Kelsey Bennett and her husband, David Klingsmith; her great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Julien Klingsmith; nieces and nephews from the Williams family, Christine, Jan, Kent, Russ, Rick, George, and Erin Muetz. In the words of Elizabeth and Julien, GG (Virginia) “was thoughtful of others, nice, and generous.” These words fit perfectly with her motto: Love, live, laugh, and learn. Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, CAFE (through the Gunnison County Public Library), Project Hope, or Living Journeys. An announcement of a Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.
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Carolynn Sue Bernard

August 31, 2016, 6:40 pm
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Carolynn Sue Bernard passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 at the age of 68, surrounded by her loving family. Carolynn was born June 7, 1947 in Silva, N.C. to William F. and Kathryn “Cricket” (Monteith) Folowell. She graduated from nursing school and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Carolynn enjoyed music and singing, traveling, spending time with her family, and the Rocky Mountains. She always found a lot of peace in nature and by the water. Carolynn’s greatest love was the love she had for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She praised God everyday for everything he had done for her through prayer and song. Her love for the Lord was expressed in many ways, but especially through writing music. Carolynn was given the gift of a beautiful voice and she left her legacy of song in all of our hearts. Carolynn is survived by her husband Robert Bernard; children, William “Brady” Sparks, Cari Sparks, Jedd Sparks, Jared Sparks and wife Trish, Seth Bernard, Joey Frias and wife Shannon, Kim Kleinholz and husband Mike, Kris Kloster and husband Jeff ; her brother, William “Bill” (Diane) Folowell; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Kathryn “Cricket” Folowell; and a son, Mike Bernard. A special thank you is extended to Travis and Billie Haragan for opening their home and their hearts to Carolynn and her family during her time of illness. Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at Trinity Baptist Church.
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Judy Mae Smith

August 31, 2016, 6:46 pm
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In Loving Memory of Judy Mae Smith a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Babb Hall. The reception will include lunch at 1 p.m. at 307 W. Virginia, Gunnison, Colo. A short interment service will be held at the church on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 at noon with Father Bill, if you are able to attend, please note in your R.S.V.P. as well. Judy Smith was a long time resident of Gunnison and was known to many as Gunnison’s County Assessor from 1986 to 2006. She was also an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, friend and colleague and will be forever in our fond memories. Please R.S.V.P. to Wendy Hand Smith (Bill’s wife) at wendy@themeetingsnetwork or call her work line at 916.482.5090. Messages will be checked daily.
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Obituaries
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Susan ‘Susie’ Houston

August 31, 2016, 6:49 pm
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Susie passed away at her home in Silver Star, Mont. on Wednesday Aug. 3, 2016. A memorial service was held Aug. 8, 2016 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses in Twin Bridges, Mont. Susie spent most of her life here in the mountains of Colorado that she loved. She loved to hike, camp, walk and especially loved to look at the millions of stars in the sky over a campfire. She was the youngest of four children, born to Ed and Velma LeZotte. Since the early ‘50s the LeZotte clan were a regular fixture in Almont. Growing up around the Gunnison Valley, Susie had numerous jobs like helping out the Cranor's and Salisbury's at the store and cabins (now known as Three Rivers Resort), babysitting and when older working for REA in Crested Butte. She was known far and wide for her business, Almont Interiors, where she created spectacular window treatments and furnishings for upscale houses. After the passing of her first husband of 25 years, Marvin Keith, Susie went to work for WSC working at Ute Hall and then at the Aspinal-Wilson Center. Later, she met then married Jim Houston, owner of the BookWorm. Susie was known for her infectious laugh and a smile that filled the sky. She truly never met a stranger, only a friend she just got to know. Susan was a amazing wife, the terrific mother of two children, Colette (Joe) Doherty and Mark Keith, both of Gunnison. She had three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Susan and her husband Jim moved to Montana in 1996 wanting and finding new mountains and canyons to explore. Susie was a true lady—gracious, warm, loving, compassionate and fun. She always brought out the very best in people. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Obituaries
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Walter Offen, Jr.

August 31, 2016, 6:53 pm
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Walter Offen, Jr., 90, of Scottsdale, Ariz. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with family holding his hands July 10, 2016, after a long illness of Alzheimer's Dementia. Born in 1925 in Topeka, Kan. After graduation from Topeka High in 1943 he proudly served in the U.S. Army until the end of WWII with the 261st INF, 65th Division, in France, Germany and Austria and then the 60th INF Regiment in Germany. Walt received the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action. After his Honorable discharge as Master Sargeant, he and Helen moved to Greeley, Colo. to help his parents build and operate the family Offen Hardware store. He lovingly shared 68 years of marriage to his sweetheart, Helen Sowers Offen. In 1961, Walt, Helen and their two children, Greg and Tami moved to Almont, Colo. For 17 years Walt and Helen owned and operated Spring Creek Resort. They wintered in the Phoenix area since 1962. Walt was a real estate broker until his retirement in 2010. Preceded in death by his parents Walter and Adah, and a sister Helen Louise Roberts. Walt is survived by his devoted wife Helen; son Greg Offen; daughter Tami Offen; grandson Jake Offen; granddaughter Caitlin Kovacs (Mitchell Harris); great grandchildren Jaden, Ezra and Trenton; several nieces, nephews and many friends. His body was donated to science and research, then cremated. A celebration and remembrance of his life will be held 3 p.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The family thanks Hospice of the Valley for their assistance in Walt’s care.
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Chad Vinson Ruf

August 31, 2016, 6:55 pm
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Chad, 42, grew up in Westminster, Colo. and went to Western State Colorado University on a football scholarship in 1992 until a career ending knee injury in 1993. He then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado receiving a BA degree in 1996. He was one class short of receiving his MBA. He spent his entire career in the fitness industry in Colorado and Minnesota. Every summer Chad would travel to Gunnison with his parents Vic and Libby Ruf to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors, hiking, boating, fishing, riding ATVs and playing baseball with the Old Timers teams under the direction of Ed Woyteck. He was a kind and gentle soul, loved helping other people and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his parents Vic and Libby Ruf; his grandmother Edna Fry; his uncle Darrell Fry (Annette); his uncle Steve Fry (MaryKay); his uncle Jerry Whittaker (the late Candy Whittaker); his Uncle Don Beightol (the late Jan Beightol); and many cousins. Preceded in death by brother Kurt 1970; sister Heather 1979; Grandfather Keith Fry; and Grandparents Victor and Erma Ruf of Sterling, Colo. Services will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Gunnison on Sept. 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations to Western State Foundation, (Chad Ruf Fund) on memo line 600 N. Adams St. Gunnison, Colo. 81231 or online “western.edu/give designate Chad Ruf Fund.
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Obituaries
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Larry Dean Martin

September 7, 2016, 6:32 pm
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Larry Dean Martin passed away surrounded by his family on Sept. 2, 2016 at the age of 58. He was born on Aug. 20, 1958 in Steamboat, Colo. to Ed and Carol Martin. He married his wife Jana on July 20, 1985. Larry grew up in Gunnison and graduated from Gunnison High School in 1977, where he was an active member of the 4-H, FFA, rodeo and several sports teams. He followed his love of the ranching lifestyle after graduation to the Ohio Creek Valley where he managed the Seven M Ranch for many years. In addition to his full time work, he was a volunteer fireman. Larry spent his life helping others. His passion to lead and mentor members of the 4-H community was strong and never missed an opportunity to volunteer his time with them. His love for the outdoors was seen by all that loved him. During Larry’s last few years, he spent all the time he could on horseback with a rope in his hand. Larry was devoted to his family. His passions for hunting, livestock and being actively involved in the community was shared with his wife and daughter. Larry preceded in death by his daughter Jaclyn. He is survived by his wife Jana; daughter, Shellie Jacobucci (Randy); parents, Ed and Carol Martin as well as many close family and friends. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center and Multipurpose Building on Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gunnison County 4-H Forever Fund or the Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department.
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Obituaries
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Harold Clark

September 7, 2016, 6:33 pm
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Harold Clark of Gunnison passed away in the early morning hours Wednesday, Sept. 7. He was 79. Services are pending and community members are encouraged to keep an eye on the “Funeral Notice Board” out in front of the Gunnison Country Times building, 218 N. Wisconsin, for further information. A complete obituary will follow in the Times as well.
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Celebration of Life

September 7, 2016, 6:34 pm
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Join us in celebrating the life of Virginia Jones. It will be held at the Community Church on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Hers was truly a life well lived.
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Don Woodbury

September 28, 2016, 6:20 pm
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Don Keith Woodbury, 92, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Sept. 25, 2016. Don was born to Dan and Cora Woodbury in Center, Neb., on Aug. 5, 1924. He always had a love of flying and did chores at a local airport as a teen in exchange for flying lessons. Following his graduation from Norfolk High School in 1942, he immediately enlisted in the Navy and passed flight training. He then joined the Marine Corps and was a fighter pilot, flying the F4U Corsair in World War II in the Pacific Theater, and for a period of time was assigned to the famed VMF214 Black Sheep Squadron. Following the war, he served in the Marine reserves and was called back in December of 1951 to fl y again in Korea. Don married Shirley Field on May 10, 1952, at the Elk’s Lodge in Gunnison. For several years, the couple were partners in the Field Land and Cattle Company. Don’s civic contributions included membership in the Elk’s Lodge and he became a Thirty-Second Degree Master Mason, the highest degree in Freemasonry. He also was active in local 4-H activities and the GHS booster club. He served for many years on the board of directors of the Cattlemen’s Days Fair and Rodeo and was the chairman of the Horse Race Committee. As a tribute to his many years of service to that organization, he was selected to serve as a grand marshal of the parade. He was the assessor of Gunnison County for 12 years and was president of the state assessors’ association. He and his wife also owned the Mayfl ower Moving and Storage Company in Gunnison. Don enjoyed gardening and converted a chicken coop into a greenhouse for his raised beds vegetable garden. He was especially known for the tomatoes he grew. He had a lifelong love of aviation, woodworking, building ultra-light and radio controlled airplanes. On most days, Don could be found at 4:30 p.m. seated at either the Red Dolly Pub, the Trough or the Palisades. He had a knack for making people laugh and he’ll be remembered for his wit and humor. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Shirley Woodbury of Elizabeth, Colo., and formerly of Gunnison; his brother, Ray Woodbury of Boulder; his son, Dan (Jeanie) Woodbury of Elizabeth; daughters Donna ( John) Doss and Debbie Schoonover (Jerry), both of Goodyear, Ariz.; one grandson, Michael Woodbury (Leah) of St. Louis, Missouri; two granddaughters, Michelle Lieven (Eric) of Franktown, Colo., and Monique Bushman (Bert) of Goodyear, Ariz.; and five greatgrandchildren who will dearly miss their Papa Don. A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s honor to the 4-H Forever Fund, c/o the CSU Extension of Gunnison County, 275 South Spruce St., Gunnison CO, 81230.
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Giorgio Nixdorf

October 12, 2016, 6:47 pm
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The valley said farewell on Sept. 25 to artist and artisan Giorgio Nixdorf, 62, ending his multi-year battle with lung cancer. A longtime resident of the valley, Giorgio was known as a kind, talented, humble, generous, fun-loving man. His surreal paintings, fine woodworking/cabinetry and precise but whimsical furniture adorned many homes and exhibits in Gunnison, Crested Butte and his previous home, Crestone. He also helped paint, remodel and build homes and businesses. Giorgio was such a positive man, few realized how tough his early life was. He was born in 1954 in Berlin, Germany, one of fi ve children (four girls and Giorgio) to an Italian father, Giorgio Cremano, and German mother, Ingeborg Nixdorf. Giorgio’s mother died when his youngest sister was a baby and he was seven. His father, unable to care for all the children, put them into an orphanage, where they were severely mistreated. Yet Giorgio emerged a sweet man who “always looked at the good side of life,” said longtime friend Jan Ohl. They met as cabinet-making apprentices after Giorgio had studied and worked for several years as a decorator, interior and exterior, and then turned to woodworking. They later became partners in a fine cabinet-making business in Berlin. After Giorgio’s first marriage broke up, he followed Jan and family to the United States, attending a Rainbow Gathering in Paonia, Colorado. From there, they discovered the nearby town of Crestone. Fascinated by the freedom and openness of the United States and in particular Crestone, especially after his rigid German upbringing, Giorgio married Rita Berault and became a well-regarded Crestone builder, woodworker and painter. He and Jan built a home and studio completely by hand, with no electricity or running water. After his marriage ended, Giorgio moved to Gunnison, opened a woodworking shop in Crested Butte and met his longtime companion, Lynnie Brodeur. Jan watched over the years as Giorgio gained confidence, polished his English and explored his adopted country. “He liked the free spirit of this country, and he realized his own spirit here,” Jan said. “I admired his inner strength. He had been through so much, but he never gave up. He had a big heart; he took care of people. And he was always open for new adventures.” While Jan crafted classical furniture, Giorgio created everything “from classical to Dr. Seuss,” Jan said. “He was half Italian, and that part of him was like a butterfly. He liked good food and beautiful things. My designs were strict, high tech and timeless. His were always changing, his fantasy blooming, like the playful operas from Italy.” Giorgio’s artwork also broke with convention. Often surreal, his paintings incorporated recurring themes and symbols, like the Statue of Liberty and the breaking down of the Berlin Wall, as well as elements of nature. “He was a serious and thoughtful artist,” said friend Michael Garren, “but he used playful elements as well.” Even though he was in America, Giorgio remained close to his sisters and half siblings: Marina, Renate, Ingeborg (now deceased), Gloria, Mario, Giorgina, Antonio and Ersilia. After his cancer diagnosis, he was able to visit them in Germany and take a last American road trip before he became too sick. “It was like he was in a cage as a child growing up. Coming to America, he took away the chains,” Jan said. “He became more calm and happy. Many people have bad things happen to them and get grumpy and unhappy. But for Giorgio the sun was always shining.”
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Obituaries
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Hallie Leona LaCapra

October 12, 2016, 6:50 pm
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Hallie Leona LaCapra, 76, passed away surrounded by family and friends at the Gunnison Valley Hospital on Oct. 9. Hallie was born on April 8, 1940 in Columbia, Missouri to William and Susie McDaniel. She attended Columbia schools until 10th grade, then decided school wasn’t for her. The next few years she spent time living with brothers and sisters and working various jobs in St. Louis, Center and Cripple Creek before arriving in Gunnison around 1958. She was working as a waitress at the V-Bar-7 (currently the Alamo) when she met Vince LaCapra and they were married on January 26th, 1959. Th ey remained married for 55 years until his death in 2014. In 1962 Vince and Hallie t raded the land where The Storage Brothers and Whetstone Associates now set to Chuck Sweitzer for Monarch Pass Service (currently Tomichi Creek Trading Post) in Sargents. They operated the business from 1962 until the time they sold it to Don DeAngelo in 1982, when it was renamed Dottys. Most of the time they owned the business was before the ski areas and the tourist industry were as big, so it was always a challenge to make much of a living. Somehow Hallie kept the operation going by her dedication and work ethic, traits that she would carry on into her future jobs. No task Hallie undertook got less than her best effort. Long hours and low profits seem to always challenge the business, but Hallie’s tenacity provided a humble living for her family. Owning the family business also allowed her to closely follow her children’s activities while they were attending school in Gunnison. Many days when the miners ended their shift and were craving a “cold one” they would arrive at the store to find it closed because there would be a ball game the kids would be in. No problem, however, as the key was tucked away somewhere that one of the miners knew and in would come the crew, drink a few, write up their own tab, and lock the door on the way out. This model of business may not be taught in any higher institution of learning, but it sure made for some great times and stories over the years that Vince and Hallie owned the business. After the business was sold, Hallie worked various jobs before moving to Denver where Vince had been elected to a state position with the Colorado VFW. She was involved in many Veterans events, and was able to travel to many of the towns in Colorado as well as national conventions in many prominent cities in our great nation. Some of Hallie’s favorites were Chicago, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. After Vince retired from the VFW, Hallie worked at a Safeway in Aurora for 10 years before she retired and in 2004, she returned to Sargents where she lived until 2014. She then moved into Gunnison to be closer to her daughter and her beloved grandson. She lived there until the time of her death. Hallie will be remembered as a hard working woman who was the rock of the family, and who had a very gentle and caring soul. Her priorities in life her family, and there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She will be dearly missed. Hallie was preceded in death by her husband Vincent, son Dominic, father William, mother Susie; brothers Lloyd, Raymond, and Harry; sisters Jewel and Millie. She is survived by sons Dan, Doug; daughter Dominica; grandson Trevor; brother Archie; sisters Margaret, Bonnie, Maxine, and Patty, and numerous nieces and nephews. During her time on Earth she touched many people with her kindness and caring. She will be remembered for that by her family and many others. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Community Church of Gunnison (107 N. Iowa St.). Burial will be at Gunnison Cemetery with reception to follow at the Fred Field Building.
Section: 
Obituaries
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Clyde Leroy Neal

October 12, 2016, 6:54 pm
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Clyde Leroy Neal passed away on July 18, 2016 at the feisty age of 96 in Gig Harbor, Wash. Clyde was known for his humor (“Feeling fine as frog’s hair!”), love of the outdoors and adventure, hard work and sincerity. These qualities won over many during his time in Washington, and Clyde was often referred to as “their favorite.” While he enjoyed his time in Washington since relocating in 2008, his heart was always in his beloved Gunnison Valley. An avid sportsman, Clyde shared many outdoor adventures (especially fishing, “cookouts,” hunting and snowmobiling) with family. Many of Clyde’s nieces and nephews can tell at least one story of fun that they had with Uncle Clyde taking them fishing in the high country. Clyde loved to tell a big story — whether it was about jockeys and movie stars at Hollywood Park or his time as a minor league baseball player or something that happened just last week — there was always a surprising tale up his sleeve. Clyde’s life was not all fun and games — a hard worker from a very early age, traveling around to farms from age 8 to help his family. In 1942 Clyde served his country as a 1st Class Seaman aboard the USS Alabama. Clyde’s work life was equally fascinating and included running slot machines to New Mexico from Pueblo, working for Baxter’s in Glendale, Calif , helping to build the Crystal Dam in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and serving as Director of Buildings and Maintenance for Western State College, a position that would garner him the honor of the Colorado State Employee of the Year prior to his retirement in 1987. Clyde’s sense of fun and adventure will live on in all of us whenever we get a twinkle in our eye or enjoy something new. Clyde is survived by his two daughters Diane Neal Barz (Kim Barz) and Mauneen Collins (Greg Hoeker), as well as his granddaughter Aimee Collins (Ken Gibson) and his 3 great-grandchildren — Annabel, Collin and Emelia Gibson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Annabel. Donations may be made in Clyde’s memory to the National Alzheimer’s Association or Sierra Club.
Section: 
Obituaries
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