Dear Ben, I am sorry I could not be there but all day Deb was on my mind and in my conversation. It is still hard for me to grasp that this brilliant light has moved on to another dimension. I pray you are doing as well as can be expected and I hope yesterday's celebration made the clouds and the mountains smile as would be fitting for sweet Deb who filled the world with her positivity and loving energy.

Dearest Ben. I so wish that I could join you and everyone else who's able to come together at the Abbott Loop Trailhead Pavilion this afternoon in celebration of Deb's life. Sweet Deb was a friend, like no other, to oh-so-many of us. Her unwavering zest for life and adventure, and her positivity, joy and enthusiasm were nothing short of infectious and inspiring. She made such a difference in my life, and know that I think of her and miss her EVERY single day. I also think of YOU and hope to create an opportunity to get together in Nederland one day soon! Holding you close to my heart, Ben. With love, Brooke

Ran in Deb’s beloved Boulder this morning and cooked for a few hours. Been thinking of Deb and her wonderful joie de vivre, always finding the good in every day and her non-stop smiling and positivity. 🩷

Blade an I will collect a boquet of flowers and gather fresh vegetables for a salad in honor of Deb today since we won't be able to join the Alaska gathering. Ben we hope our paths cross with you soon.

Remembering Deb:
I have followed Deb’s adventures over the years through Christmas and birthday cards and occasional visits. Our last visit was with Ben as they were en route to hike the Dolomites. Deb and I hugged and resumed our 50 year conversation. She said I hadn’t changed and I knew she hadn’t either.
We were best friends from Grade 2-6 when I moved in next door to her in Baltimore. By that I mean we shared a bedroom wall in side-by-side row houses. I remember walking to school, going trick or treating, getting our identical 3 speed bikes the same Christmas, going to Girl Scout camp and knocking in Morse code to each other on our bedroom walls---it was in the Girl Scout handbook. The dots were fine but the dashes were tricky.
When I moved near Boston, we wrote letters. At first I got to visit her in summer at Ocean City but gradually we became Christmas and birthday letter writers. Deb wrote of her grand adventures with Outward Bound and environmental education. She wrote of Boulder and falling for Ben. Of course the adventures increased in frequency and magnitude with their move to Alaska.
Deb never changed. She was always the kind, loving, intelligent, curious, effervescent, inspiring person with an indomitable spirit. She was a joy to have as a friend. I’m still learning from her. I know she’d be happy that Mark and I got to the Grand Canyon and are awed by what Mother Nature can do. I have been determined to channel my “inner Deb and Ben” to have the excitement and energy to appreciate fully the remarkable beauty of the great outdoors.
Deb and Ben also taught us the master class in the best of loving and living. Thank you for sharing so many of the moments and showing how to build a village of support through love. Mark and I will be at a wedding on July 8. Even though we will be far from you folks in Alaska, we will be celebrating life. Where there is a lively celebration, I always think of Deb. She was definitely happiness personified.
Love,
Barbie

Still hard to believe that irascible redhead is gone... I still think of Deb as wandering the trails on foot, skis, or any other mode of transportation! Hugs Ben...