Michael Knapp, 74, of Aspen, CO, passed away November 29, 2016, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs with his family at his side.

Mike was born October 2, 1942, in Plymouth, MI, to Sanford and Mary Knapp. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Michigan Law School, he was an accomplished attorney and businessman in Grand Rapids, MI. Mike was co-owner of the Grand Rapids Owls, a minor league professional hockey team. Later in life, Mike became a ski instructor in Aspen, CO, where he taught at Buttermilk Mountain and was a member of the Aspen A’s. Mike was a co-founder of Warm Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that has drilled 265 water wells and opened primary schools in Malawi and Kenya, and the Warm Hearts House in Kenya. His involvement with the children from Warm Hearts brought him immeasurable joy. He also wrote a novel, Buying the Farm.

Michael is survived by his wife Jeannine Kadow; son Michael Knapp, Jr.; daughter Heather (Tim) Werkema; grandchildren Lyndsay, Sam and Allison Werkema; brother Robert (Linda) Knapp; nephews John Knapp and Adam (Sheree) Knapp; and Aunt Irene Curmi.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to Warm Hearts Foundation, c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 888634, Grand Rapids, MI 49588.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Aspen, CO, at Hotel Jerome, Wheeler Room on December 16, at 4 p.m., and also in Grand Rapids, MI, at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, on December 9, at 4 p.m.

Dale Kivisto passed away at the Rifle Veterans Home after a long and brave battle with illness. Dale was a gentle and caring man with a wicked sense of humor. He loved to laugh and tease his friends and family.

Dale came to deer hunt in Colorado in the fall of 1980, and it was here he met the love of his life, Sharon.

Dale is survived by his two wonderful children, John Dale and Cindy, and his stepchildren, Capri, Janai and Shane, as well as 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He loved them all very much.

Dale worked as a diesel mechanic, and he liked to travel the backroads and mountain roads from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction. Dale loved to jeep with his faithful dog Patches by his side.

Dale requested no services, but if you should happen to see a red jeep with a smiling man and his dog, please think of Dale — he would like that.

Larry was born on New Years Day, 1944, to Naomi (Jonnie) and Larry F. Hyrup in Glenwood Springs. After graduating from Roaring Fork High School, he attended college in Trinidad and received a gunsmithing degree. Larry spent his life in the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork valleys, as a range rider and cattle rancher. Later, he moved to Grand Junction, and continued his passion for gunsmithing.

He was an avid sportsman; hunting seasons for deer, elk and antelope were looked forward to every year. Larry was a life-long sportsman, and a pretty accurate shot!

Larry passed away in Grand Junction on November 29, 2016, following a lengthy illness. He had seven siblings: Paula Inscho, Starla Spaulding, Wayne Hyrup, Jim Hyrup, MaraLynn Looney, Alan Hyrup and Phil Jackson (deceased), plus many nieces and nephews. An uncle, Raymond Johnston, also survives him.

He was a kind and gentle man.

In lieu of flowers please make donations, in Larry’s name, to: Hope West, 3090 North 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction CO 81506.

Memorial service in Spring of 2017. Interment at Rosebud Cemetery, Glenwood Springs

Andrew “Andy” Allan, age 99, of Port Orchard, Washington, passed away on November 4, 2016.

Andy was born on April 25, 1917, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Isa (Johnston) Allan who emigrated to the U.S. from Scotland. He graduated from Penn State in 1939 with a degree in Mining Engineering. In March 1941 he joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He built bridges in Europe during World War II and was promoted to Captain. He married Marjorie M. Higby on January 5, 1942. His career as a Mining Engineer took him to Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Illinois, Turkey and Canada.

Survivors include his daughter, Marjorie (Lee) Kuhre, his three grandchildren, Andrew H. (Valerie) Allan, Margot (Marc) Lipkin, Marcail (Joe) Kennedy and his great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, his son, Andrew R. Allan, his parents and three sisters.

Marvin Wilson of Glenwood Springs passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2016. He was 67. Marvin was originally from Chicago, Ill.

Carmen Simon, 89, joined her husband Joe for their next great adventure on December 9, 2016. Born in Pennsylvania to Mathew and Dina Lickar on March 19, 1927, Carmen was the second oldest of four girls. Carmen began working at an early age and met her future husband in 1945 while working as a waitress in Detroit. They settled in New Orleans and were married in 1947. Their only son Mark was born in November 1952.

Joe had a passion for travel, and together they saw the world! For over 60 years they traveled throughout Europe, walked on the Great Wall of China, and visited the Taj Mahal. They saw Australia by way of Hawaii and Tahiti, and New Zealand by way of Figi and Bali. They criss-crossed the United States and Canada countless times, but always returned to Alaska.

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina forced them to flee their home of 56 years and begin life again in Colorado with little more than the clothes on their backs. But home is where the heart is, and Carmen made a lovely one in Rifle Senior Housing by adorning the walls with her beautiful needlework that was salvaged from the flood.

In April 2007 the couple was honored with a surprise 60th Anniversary Bash and Birthday Celebration. Friends and relatives from all over the country as well as many of their new friends from Rifle came to celebrate the lives of these two extraordinary people and give them the “big wedding” they never had.

The couple celebrated their 63rd anniversary in Alaska, and in January 2011 Joe went ahead to make new travel plans.

Carmen leaves behind her three sisters, Sylvia, Lil (John) and Doris; her son Mark (Karen); her step-daughter Carol (Jim); nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many dear friends around the world. She was a loving and devoted wife, a caring mother, a wonderful sister and fun friend. She will always be remembered for her beautiful counted cross-stitch Angels and flowers, and her obsession with bingo.

Please join us as we Celebrate a Life Well Lived at Jackson Heights, 251 Ute Avenue, Rifle, Colorado, on Saturday, December 17th, at 12 noon.

Alfred Joseph Crowley, Jr., known as “Freddy” by all who loved him, died Monday December 5, 2016 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at the age of 69. Born in Massachusetts on December 18, 1946, Freddy, a Marine combat veteran, was awarded 3 Purple Hearts, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his service in Vietnam. He lived a long and colorful life, marked most significantly by his steadfast commitment to the communities he lived in and served — former Pitkin County Commissioner, dedicated veteran, lifelong volunteer and Elks member, beloved brother, uncle and friend. Fred had a special ability to bring all of his considerable energy to the task at hand, and despite his “gruff” demeanor, wore his heart on his sleeve. Memories of time spent with Fred are memories filled with surprise, delight and laughter. Fred is survived by his sister Miriam Kelly of Pasadena, California, brother Paul of Glenwood Springs, nieces Raegan, Kerith and Catherine Kelly and nephew Brendan Kelly. He will be missed.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Wednesday, 21 December, at 1pm at Aspen Elks Lodge #224, 510 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, Colorado.

The valley — the world — lost one of its greatest lights on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Jedediah was a bright voice of laughter and kind, humble encouragement to everyone who had the privilege of having any part of him in their lives. He was a loving brother and son and a fiercely loyal friend. A non-stop comedian, a philosopher and excellent back country skier, an accomplished pool player and loving friend, Jedediah loved the mountains he worked and played in and had no desire to live anywhere else.

Jededilion is survived by his Mother Goose, Jennifer Wiggins (Duff), father Joey Sissom (Heather), stepfather John, brothers Jeremiah, Josiah and Jamison, and his little sister Jessyca. Jed had and extensive extended family who appreciate him and all he was. Jed cherished spending time with his cousins committing various shenanigans at family gatherings, and was a very dedicated man to all those related to him by blood or choice. The quantity of his friends and acquaintances was only exceeded by their quality, and all who knew him admired him and loved him. We are beyond grateful for the miserly amount of time we enjoyed his presence in our lives and will never stop expecting to hear his voice.

Memorial services will be officiated by Jed’s friend, Aaron Masimer, on December 31, at 12:00 PM, at New Hope church in New Castle. Food and drink will be available at a gathering after the services, where all are encouraged to share the part of Jed they have with the rest of us.

We love you Jeddie. Wait there, we’ll be along in a while bubba.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well wishers donate funds to the JEDEDIAH SISSOM MEMORIAL FUND at Alpine Bank.

Sharon Kay Lee (56) of Rifle, Co, unexpectedly passed away December 17, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Services will be held at Rifle High School on Friday, December 23, 2016, at 2 pm with a Celebration of Life immediately following.

Sharon was born in Denver, Co, to John Frickey and Edna Barnett on May 25, 1960.

She graduated from Thornton High School and later moved to Rifle with her husband (Frank) in 1988, where she worked for the RE-2 School District for 27 Years.

Sharon is survived by her husband Frank of 31 years, her sons Chris (Maddi) and Ryan, granddaughter Allison, sister Joann Thomas, brother Kenneth (Laura) Frickey, mother-in-law Pearl Lee and brother-in-law Steve (Jeanine) Lee.

She is preceded in death by her father, mother and niece (Michelle). In lieu of flowers Sharon has requested a donation be made to the Allison Lee scholarship fund through Alpine Bank.

Alvin A. Engel, age 77 from Rifle, Colorado passed away at home September 30, 2016.

Born in Menno, SD, to John and Sophie Engel. Grew up in Longmont, CO, with his parents and two sisters, Carolyn and Irene, before moving to Rifle with family. He served in the US Navy, was a member of the Rifle Elks Lodge and Rifle Sportsmans Club.

He worked in construction and was a truck driver.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved anything with an engine.

He was a dedicated husband and father, was a hard worker and never settled for “I can’t.”

Preceded in death by daughter Jennifer June (January 24, 1971- January 29, 2016) mother, father and both sisters. Survived by his wife Mary, sons Daniel and Nathan (Bridget) and granddaughter Allie May.

No services as requested by Alvin.

Rebekah was born in Salt Lake City, UT. She grew up in Concord, CA, and Bremerton, WA. She traveled a lot with the family to visit relatives in Colorado. She was a Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient and an Olympic High School Trojan Scholar in Bremerton. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Material Science and Engineering with Honors. Rebekah met Jason at WSU and married on August 4, 2001, in Bremerton.

She was a devoted Christian who loved her Lord Jesus Christ. She also truly loved her husband, sons, family and friends.

For 15 years Rebekah worked as a Failure Analysis Engineer at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, WA. Her volunteer work included being the Group Co-Leader for the Kitsap Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association Support Group and the Vice President and Design Chair for Bremerton Beyond Accessible Play, which built the Bremerton Evergreen Rotary Inclusive Playground in August 2014 “So That All May Play!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlTIeJfjIUE. For this she was chosen as a Kitsap County YWCA 2014 Women of Achievement Honoree. Rebekah was a strong compassionate advocate for those with special needs.

Rebekah was proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents Glen and Marion Taylor of Idaho Springs, CO, and maternal grandfather Adolph Wagner of Glenwood Springs, CO. She is survived by her husband Jason and sons Gabriel, 12, and Jacob, 8; her parents Don and Vicki Taylor of Glenwood Springs; maternal grandmother Katherine Wagner of Glenwood Springs; sister Jennifer Miller with nieces Jaedyn Hilton and Kaelynn Seronello of Bremerton, WA; brother Robert Taylor with his wife Catherine and nephew Ethan of Kingston, WA; uncles and aunts Conrad and Marsha Wagner of Glenwood Springs, CO, Peter and Lynda Taylor of Northglenn, CO, Gary and Glenda Gould of Niwot, CO, Robert Taylor of Hudson, CO.

Services are scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 3 p.m. at Sylvan Way Baptist Church, Bremerton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for a new wheelchair accessible van to “Support Jason and the Boys In Memory of Rebekah Uhtoff” at http://www.jasonandboys.com. Thank you

William A. Rump (W.A., or some know him as Bill) was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 15, 1943, to Willis Ernst Rump and Evangeline Ann Zeller. When he was 8 years old he lost his mother. Willis remarried a beautiful woman, Edna Marie Wise. He worked for the newspapers and radio stations in Indiana, Oklahoma and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Also for a short time he worked in television. He served in the United States Army for three years in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He traveled to Europe five times and lived in Denmark for four months. He loved working on the family tree, read books and entertained his imagination with different kinds of art mediums. He was awarded second and third place ribbons two years in a row at the Glenwood Springs Fall Art Festival and just recently had an art showing in Rifle, Colorado, at the Colorado Veterans Living Center.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela, and husband, Mark Coulter, Glenwood Springs, Colorado; three sons, Jeff Smith of Blissfield, Michigan; William Andrew Rump and wife Ann of Cache, Oklahoma; Chad Aaron and wife Mamy of Dallas, Texas. Six grandchildren: Grant Smith, Morgan Smith and Hunter Smith, Ashley Combs, Erin Chagnon of Heavener, Oklahoma, and Haley Chagnon of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Aubrie Likasi Aaron. His sister Beverly Ann Payne and husband Stan of Fort Wayne also survives.

Noah Maxwell was born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army for 8 years, with a tour in Afghanistan.

He is survived by his daughter, step son, parents, grandmother, siblings and many other family, friends and brothers in service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at any Alpine Bank in his name for his daughter. Services will be held at Farnum Holt, January 7 at 1 PM.

Clifford Oscar Cerise, 87, of Carbondale passed away on December 30, 2016, with his family by his side. Clifford was born the first of 4 children on November 30, 1929, in Carbondale to Oscar and Wilma (Antonelli) Cerise. He spent his entire life as a rancher in Carbondale on the family ranch. Clifford graduated from Carbondale Union High School in 1948 and went on to attend Colorado A&M College in Ft. Collins. He returned home to work on the family ranch until his retirement. In 1951 he married Maecille Tibbetts, and they raised 3 children together on the ranch. In 1984, Clifford married Marcia (Bunn) Salas, and she brought 2 children into the family. Clifford enjoyed the ranching life and took pride in his fine herd of cattle. He always had a good story to tell about his ancestors and their lives. He always enjoyed going to sporting events to watch his children and grandchildren.

Clifford is survived by his wife Marcia, son Robert (Lisa) Cerise, daughter Toni Cerise, son Michael (Eva) Cerise, daughters, Janice Hessel and Brenda Grumley, grandchildren, Jessica (Adam) Cerise-Longnecker, Thomas Cerise, Nick (Roxanne) Hessel, Kim (Nick) Broetzman, Keenan (April) Grumley, and Hannah Grumley. He is survived by his two sisters, Evelyn Showalter and Betty Hackbarth and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Douglas.

A Celebration of his life will be held this Saturday, January 7th, at 2pm in the Gathering Center at the Orchard, 110 Snowmass Drive, Carbondale, with Pastor Dr. Doug Self officiating.

After a short battle with liver cancer, Danny Joe Hilton (Danno) died Wednesday December 14, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the age of 59. Danno was born December 2, 1957, in Pasco, Washington, to Billy Joe Hilton and Wilma Maxine Benson, who predeceased him. Danno retired as a Master Plumber in 2008. Danno married Janet on September 26, 2009, at the park in Silt, Colorado.

Survivors include his wife Janet of Rifle, Colorado, sons David (Emma) of Clifton, Colorado, Skyland and Justin of Hoquiam, Washington, daughter Chandy Gaub of Ocean Park, Washington, stepsons Todd (Kortnie) and Scott (Bubbles) Stricklan of Rifle, Colorado, grandchildren Kaylie Gaub and Tristan Katenlnikoff of Ocean Park, Washington, and Meyka and Myla Stricklan of Rifle, Colorado, sisters Vickie Carrol (Norman) of Kellogg, Idaho, and Arna Benson of Montrose, Colorado, brothers Gary Allen and Thomas of Washington, and step-parents Yogi and Ruby Benson of Palisade, Colorado. Danno was preceded in death by his sister Lore Dinning and Brother DeWayne. Danno requested to be cremated and his hair donated to Locks of Love. A celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2017. Comments can be left at http://www.brownscremationservice.com.

Don Kopf, a true Aspen local, having moved to town in 1961, passed away quietly in his Winter home in Cave Creek, Arizona, surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 17. “The big guy” was known to have a huge love for friends, family, animals and pranks, and kept his sense of humor sharp right to the end. He led a full and story-worthy life. Born in 1929 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Don joined the Navy at 16, and served on the Battleship Missouri BB63 as a Radarman, Third Class, from 1946-1949. Among his interim adventures, Don aspired to stunt work in Hollywood, joined the ranks of original Marlboro Men, raced cars up and down Pike’s Peak, may or may not have painted the original “golden arches” in Aspen, and built homes for diplomats, celebrities and countless locals. There are simply too many stories to tell.

He married his “child bride,” Carol Ann Jacobson, in 1973, and they had two daughters — Dawn (a Physician Assistant in the Aspen Valley Hospital emergency department) and Dani (massage therapist in Basalt and actor/stage manager for valley theatres). Don owned Kopf Construction in Aspen from the early 1970s until the mid-1990s, but continued some participation in home building projects through the mid-2000s. He was a proud member of the Elks club for 35 years, and could think of no place he’d rather go out for dinner and a game of pool. He also loved to play golf, especially if betting. His family will think of him with every game they play. A celebration is planned for breakfast at the Wienerstube, lunch at Cooper Street Pier, and a disco-themed night at the Tippler.

For more information, call 1-900-EAT-AT-GUIDOS.

Gilbert gracefully met the Lord while at his home on New Year’s Day 2017 surrounded by his family after a long struggle with health complications.

Gil was born on September 20, 1939, in Boulder, Colorado, to Harry James Lee and Georgia Emmer Lee (Green). He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gene Richard Lee.

Gil served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany from 1958 – 61.

After serving, Gil built a successful career in industrial construction that took him all over the state of Colorado and the western U.S.

Gil married Jane Weiffenbach in Boulder in 1962 and briefly resided in Durango, CO, before making Glenwood Springs their home for the next 42 years.

He touched the lives of many with his endless generosity and an ornery grin that spoke more than words. Gil loathed the game of golf but still managed to challenge himself to play several times per week. He loved to go fishing on his pond and enjoyed many excursions to Alaska.

Gil is survived by his wife Jane, sons Thomas Gene Lee and William Thornton Lee, daughter Catherine Jane Lee, his 7 grandchildren and his brother Harry Raymond Lee.

Gil was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Stephen’s Church in Glenwood Springs.

He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be announced this coming spring.

In lieu of cards and flowers, please donate to St. Stephens School. https://scsglenwood.org/online-giving.

With great sadness we mourn the loss of Edward ( Ed ) Shattuck Jr. age 74, who passed away on December 29, 2016. Ed was born in Ithaca, New York, the first of four children to the late Edward Sr. and Mary Shattuck. He is survived by his wife Julie, her sons, John and Andre Mpitsos of Aspen, Co., sisters Mary (Rick) Bush of Saratoga, NY, and Claudia ( Lou ) Szitar of Clay, NY, brother John Shattuck ( Patti Vanvalkenburgh ) of Schenectady, NY, and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Ed proudly served in the U.S. Navy abroad the USS Barry during the Cuban missile crisis and blockade. Following his military service he continued his education and received degrees from SUNY Oswego and the University of Wisconsin. His degrees and interest in vocational rehabilitation led to his career with the Commission for The Blind in Portland, Oregon. After retirement Ed and Julie moved to the Roaring Fork Valley (Colorado).

Ed’s love of sports began early in life. His high school classmates in Ilion, NY, called him “Ace” because of his drive to excel in sports. Later he became “Fast Eddie“ to his Oregon and Colorado friends. That drive to excel fueled his zest for life and led to many adventures: traveling the world with Julie; competitive running; climbing, biking and skiing legendary mountains. He was brave, determined, enthusiastic, outgoing, fun loving, patriotic and successful. He will be unforgettable and sorely missed.

Interment will take place at the Gerald B. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga, NY. The date for interment as well as a date for a celebration of Edward’s life in Carbondale, Co., will be announced at a later time.

We are particularly grateful to the staff of Hospice of the Valley for the care and support they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice would be welcome. HomeCare & Hospice of the Valley, 901 Grand Avenue, Suite 206 Glenwood Springs, Co., 81601.

Terri Ellen Odell, age 64, died Wednesday morning December 28, 2016, after a battle with cancer. She died peacefully at home in Palisade, Colorado, with her brother Tim by her side.

Terri i was born in California on April 28, 1952, but was a Colorado girl and moved back to the family farm outside of Gill, Colorado. Terri moved with her family to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in 1958 and graduated from high school in Libertyville, Illinois. Upon graduation she moved back to Colorado and lived in Greeley and along the Front Range for a number of years. Terri moved to her beloved Grand Lake and became a part of the community. One of Terri’s great passions was world travel. She made trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the British Isles. She would save her money until she had enough to make the trip, then would spend several months traveling.

Terri earned an Associate’s degree from Ames College in Greeley and a Master’s degree from Adams State College in Alamosa to enable her to pursue her other passion which is giving children a good start on the road to an education. Terri taught in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Rifle and some substitute teaching in Palisade.

Terri is survived by her parents, William Edward and Mary Carolyn Odell of Glenwood Springs; son Aaron Leibowitz of Parachute, Colorado; stepdaughter Kaitlin Leibowitz of Charlotte, North Carolina; brothers Timothy (Anne) Odell of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jeff (Annette) Odell of Greeley, Colorado, and Patrick (Tara) Odell of Lake Villa, Illinois; and sister Beth (Al) Moore of Eagle-Vail, Colorado.

A memorial Service will be held on January 22 at 1:00 PM at The First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Charles (Chuck) Peter Leuallen, 78, of Parachute, Colorado, passed away on December 28, 2016.

Charles was born to Floyd & Montella (Carson) Leuallen on May 2, 1938, in Peoria, Illinois. He married Elaine (Fran) Tooker on February 20, 1960. Charles enjoyed camping, traveling, and most of all spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Fran; three sons, Steven Charles (Vicki) of Parachute, Kevin Scott (Tammy) of Grand Junction, and Darin James (Brenda) of Ishpeming, Michigan; two brothers Robert James of Paonia, and Kelly Todd of Grand Junction; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Floyd and Montella; and grandson Jeremy Keith Leuallen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Charles P. Leuallen Memorial & Medical Fund. Donations can be made at any Alpine Bank.