Hi Everyone - 
There is no easy way to say this - my Dad passed away. My heart is broken but I am also relieved that he is no longer suffering.  He was really miserable the last couple weeks - it got much worse than my last update - I'll just leave it at that.  I was able to be with him, holding his hand and telling him I loved him as he died. 

I am so incredibly grateful that we were able to spend his last couple months in the mountains he loved.  I got my love of the outdoors and adventure from my Dad and we had so many fun adventures in this heavenly place - and that is how I want to remember my Dad - the strong man who a year ago would go for a 8 mile hike up a mountainside with ease, loved fishing, exploring, bushwacking off trail to find a tiny lake he spied on a map, roadtripping in his camper, 4-wheeling out roads just to see where they went, riding horses, prospecting for gold, and was still elk hunting in his mid-60s. He was the epitome of a mountain man.  When I watched the Call of the Wild movie with Harrison Ford this past spring, I thought to myself that it could have easily been my Dad - he would have fit right in during that period of history and finding his way through uncharted territory. He was happiest far from the crowds and traffic.  I miss you so much Papa Bear - your life was not an easy one and it was cut way too short.  

I also want to express my deep gratitude for the Gunnison Valley Hospice staff - especially Aline and Nici, and Denise who came right over on her day off to help me on his last day. I also want to thank Living Journeys - the local cancer support group here that has just been incredible.  

If you would like to make a small contribution on my Dad's behalf, please be sure to include his name in the field for it or the notes.
  
1) Living Journeys - This amazing non-profit makes sure that no one in the valley has to go through cancer on their own.  From financial grants, to food delivery and farmer's market boxes, to transportation, to therapy and 13 months of bereavement support, and an amazing network of volunteers, they are one of the reasons the CB community is so, so special.  https://living-journeys.networkforgood.com/projects/97992-2020-annual-appeal

2) Crested Butte Land Trust - Since CB was our happy place, I know my Dad would love to support the organization that protects this land and creates sustainable places for future generations to enjoy the beauty and wildlife here.   https://www.cblandtrust.org/give/

I will be scattering most of my Dad's ashes in the East River, at one of our favorite spotsf.  This will probably be in late August / early September when my cousin from St. Louis can come.  Please let me know if you and your dogs (as Dad would have wanted them) would like to attend and I can keep you in the loop.  The remaining ashes will be planted with an aspen tree on my property in CB when I have a permanent home. 

Thanks so much for following along on this difficult road the past year - I really, really appreciate all your support and love.