March 26, 1961 — April 3, 2017

Did you ever meet somebody who made you smile as soon as you saw her? A woman who would tell the most irreverent joke at just the wrong time, yet everybody in the room would laugh and appreciate it? A woman whose smile was contagious and whose love for people was genuine? A woman who was loved and appreciated by everybody she met?

That was my wife and life for nearly a quarter of a century — BilliJo Peterson Lackey.

Like all of us, BJ had her ups and downs. But she also had her dreams and aspirations — she always had that “next great idea” that she couldn’t wait to work on. BJ was one of the most creative and honest people I’ve ever known. She loved getting in front of an audience and doing one of her many stand-up comedy routines. Yet she also loved just hanging around with her best hound dog, Lily Belle, and me. Maybe cooking up a pot of green chile or some other concoction she had dreamed up.

And she had a running narrative of her and Johnny Depp on Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, she had nearly 3,000 “friends” there — what was that all about?

She was fiercely loyal to me and was truly my best friend ever. We took care of each other for decades — and it wasn’t a burden, it was a life-long commitment we had to each other.

Then, on the night of March 28, she took a fall. In the morning, she didn’t wake up and was transported to the emergency room at Mayo Clinic. It was there that the devastating news unfolded — BJ had suffered irreparable brain damage.

On Monday morning, April 3, I sat with her in hospice, holding her hand and playing some music for her. I told her I loved her. I told her everybody loved her. The song was “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” by George Jones. Half way through the song, she took a deep breath, exhaled and stepped onto the chariot.

To all of you who knew and loved BJ, including her brother, Vaughn Jacobson, and her sister, Mindi Dodd, and many of her nieces and nephews, just know that she’s at peace now. You and I will never forget her or the impact she had on our lives.

And we’ll all remember that smile and quick wit of hers. Rest in peace, my love, you will be in my heart and mind forever.

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Betty J. Wilson, 88, born Feb. 3, 1929, in San Bernardino, Calif., passed away peacefully April 7 at the Pine Ridge Extended Care Facility in Pagosa Springs. She is survived by her brother, Gerald L. Bortle, and his wife, Glenda, who live in Edmond, Okla. She was born to parents Faye Reece and W. Ward.

She lived and attended school in Farmington, N.M. After high school graduation, she married and made a home in Farmington and worked for the local newspaper and picture studio. She developed into a skilled photographer and opened her own picture studio. She was active in the Farmington Professional Women’s Association and was awarded Business Woman of the Year in 1971.

She returned to academic studies and earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of New Mexico in Las Cruces, N.M., in 1974. She was hired by NASA at the White Sands Test Lab near Las Cruces, notably the first woman chemist to be hired at that location. She began a 22-year successful career with NASA and was promoted to senior research chemist and was recognized in developing new techniques and methods using mass spectrometer and other test instruments to test materials for toxic vapors. She was involved in testing materials that were going to be used in the space shuttle programs for all flights of the shuttles from 1975 to 1995, when she retired. She was honored to be given a free trip to Florida to witness an actual space shuttle launching.

After her retirement, she met and married Bob Wilson and began a wonderful time traveling before they decided to move and buy a home in Pagosa Springs in 1998. They embraced the Pagosa Springs community life, finally becoming a full-time caregiver for Bob until he passed away in 2006. She continued to live at her home with the help of friends and neighbors until February 2017, when Visiting Angels supported her continued living in her home.

A special thanks to the Pine Ridge Extended Care Facility, Pagosa Springs Hospice,Visiting Angels and her many friends who had helped and provided life care, especially during the last three years.

Friends of Betty will be gathering to sprinkle her ashes in the mountains near Wolf Creek Ski Area on Sunday, April 23, at 2:30 p.m. Please call Liz if you want to join us, 749-7405.

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Donald “Don” Houston English of Chromo, Colo., passed away March 24 at Pine Ridge Extended Care Center in Pagosa Springs.

Don was born Sept. 20, 1936, to Will H. English and Laura Chappel in Warner, Okla. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Warner High School in 1954. After some college, he went to work for OneK Gas as a computer technician when a computer was the size of a room. He then moved to Albuquerque, N.M., with his family, where he worked at University of Northern New Mexico as a computer technician. After becoming enamored with beautiful southern Colorado and its real estate opportunities in the early 1980s, he moved to Pagosa Springs in 1983 and spent the next 25 years buying and selling real estate.

Don loved the outdoors and wildlife and was an avid participant in hunting, fishing and horseback riding. He loved feeding his fish in his Chromo Valley Ranch ponds and enjoyed sharing the beauty of the ranch with adults and children alike, teaching anyone with the desire how to fly-fish.

Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Laurel Penwell; his brother, Boyd, and wife Charlene English, of Oklahoma; brother James and his wife, Brenda English, of Texas; sister Wanda and Allen Travis, of New Jersey, and sister Wilma Nell McClure, of Oklahoma; his daughters, Diana Kadle, and Lynda Lee and husband Tom Mullen, his son Larry English, all of Albuquerque, N.M.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has occurred and his ashes will be scattered on the ranch in a Celebration of Life in the near future. Please call Laurel at 749-3357 for information about the celebration. In lieu of donations or flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or cause.

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Leo Fredrick Tautges, age 90, of Brainerd, went on to meet Jesus on April 21 while at the Veteran’s Home in Minneapolis. Leo’s Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, April 26, at noon, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, with Fr. Paul Strommer officiating.

Leo was born Oct. 17, 1926, in St. Mathias Township, to Martin and Margaret Tautges. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Brainerd. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard a ship in the Marshall Islands in the North Pacific. Leo was united in marriage to Carol E. Rowland. The couple raised their family in the Brainerd area. Leo worked at the Potlatch Paper Company for 37 years. He was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed biking, fishing, dancing and gardening. After spending 87 years in this area, he moved to Minneapolis in 2014.

Leo is survived by his children, Colleen (Paul) Insley, of Cambridge; Gene (Debbie) Tautges, of Pagosa Springs; Joan (Roger) Svare, of Blaine; and Karen (Jon) Parisian, of Minnetonka; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Laura Stang, of St. Cloud; and a sister-in-law, Ruby Tautges, of Brainerd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Margaret; his wife, Carol; a son, Wayne; a sister, Margaret; and two brothers, George and Ray.

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(1918-2017)

Longtime Pagosa Springs resident Colonel Harold “Gib” Gibson gracefully made his transition on April 19, at age 98, surrounded by loving family in a nurturing environment.

Gib was active until the last weeks of his life, living in what he called, “one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Pagosa Springs. Up until a few months ago, he was still mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, fixing his own vehicles, chopping firewood and visiting with friends at the Pagosa Pilot’s gathering every Friday evening and Saturday mornings.

Gib was born on Aug. 16, 1918, — the era of the Wright Brothers — and wanted to fly from a young age. He was a mechanical wunderkind fixing almost any kind of motorized vehicle whether land, sea or air. He started flying in his teens and, when just 23 years old, received his pilot’s license while still in college. Gib served in the Army Air Corps which later became the United States Air Force. During WWII, he instructed pilots, he flew in the Korean conflict, led jet squadrons in the Cold War, and served at the Pentagon. Two future astronauts, John Glenn and Gus Grissom, were under his command during the Korean War. He was a colonel during the Vietnam War and served as chief of safety at the Colorado Springs headquarters of the Air Defense Command.

After retiring, he settled in Colorado Springs, where he was a civilian flight instructor and continued flying his own plane for more than 75 years — logging nearly 10,000 flight hours without a single incident.

While in Colorado Springs, he married the love of his life, Lynn, with whom he traveled the world and thoroughly enjoyed a full life together for over 30 years.

Up to his very last breath, Gib lived his life in the spirit of true friendship with the same grace and dignity that he demonstrated for nearly a century.

Colonel Gibson is survived by his wife, Lynn F. Gibson, of Pagosa Springs; two daughters; six stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pagosa Pine Ridge Rehab Facility, the Boy Scouts of America or the National Wildlife Federation.

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In memory of Barbara Blackburn, please join us at Borde Rio Saturday, May 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the light and life of Barbara. Bring your memories and stories to share of this incredible woman we all call friend.

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Dale H. Schwicker, of Pagosa Springs, passed away on April 22. He was born in Pasadena, Calif., to Henry C. and Viola E. Schwicker on Sept. 22, 1939.

Schwicker graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and he earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado. He worked in the field of health care administration for over 25 years and was a member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. On Feb. 18, 1984, he married Elizabeth R. Schwicker of Denver.

A retired U.S. Army veteran, Schwicker served his entire career in the Medical Service Corps, including two tours in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star medal and numerous other Vietnam campaign medals. He was also an avid tennis player his entire life, playing for and coaching the All Army Tennis Team. Although he thrived on playing competitive tennis, teaching and coaching were his first loves.

Schwicker is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Karen Roberts, of Wellington, Colo.; son Timothy Schwicker, of Aurora, Colo.; granddaughters Allyson Chatfield and Hannah Roberts; and grandsons Kyle and Cayden Schwicker and Nathan Trevarton. He is also survived by his brother, David Schwicker, and Joan Archer, both of California.

Any memorials for Dale Schwicker may be given to the Food Pantry at Community United Methodist Church in Pagosa Springs.

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Bernice “Barney” Storm was born on Feb. 22, 1924, in Denver, Colo. She was raised by her adoptive parents, Wesley and Addie Martin, on a farm in Jackson, Mich. She attended school in Jackson and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation.

She married Col. William W. Storm in 1968. After Bill retired, they discovered Pagosa Springs and moved here permanently in 1981.

Barney enjoyed traveling, gardening and playing golf with her husband and dear friends. Her Pagosa home built by her son, Jerry Buckley, was her pride and joy.

She passed away April 19 in Pagosa Springs.

Barney is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Addie Martin, sister Loraine Meyer, brother Clayton Martin, husband William W. Storm and son Jerry Buckley.

She is survived by her sons, Bob Buckley and Ronald (Marlene) Buckley, of San Diego; daughter-in-law Muriel Buckley; grandchildren Melissa and Nicole Buckley (Macomber), Ron, Keith and Joel Buckley; and eight great-grandchildren.

Barney had a sharp wit, a keen sense of humor and a beautiful heart. She will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Norman Lee Karn Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 16, 1950. He moved to Washington state when he was young and then to southern California at the beginning of his adult life. He moved to Pagosa Springs in 1996.

Norman was a master mason with stone and brick and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. As a Brick Layers Union representative, he taught high school students his trade for several years in the CETA program. He continued his profession in Pagosa Springs by creating public and private structures, while teaching other people his trade.

He was also a member of the Colorado Mounted Rangers volunteer organization.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Lee and Gloria Stevens Karn.

Norman is survived by his wife, Janet Karn; and his children, Stacie Jordan, David Karn and Jeffery Meyer.

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Born Dec. 22, 1930, Eva passes into God’s hands on May 4.

She asked for her Rosary, it was perhaps the last intelligible words she uttered. She was nothing if she was not a Catholic woman of strong faith. As she made the peaceful transition just before sunrise on May 4, Eva Martinez was in the hands of her loved ones and passed to be with God and her beloved soul mate of 65 years, Amadeo (Andy) who had passed just eight months prior. A Rosary will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary church Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception and celebration of her life in the parish hall. The following day, a Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The burial will take place at Hilltop Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the parish hall.

A lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, Eva was born to Jose L. Espinosa and Clarita O’Cana-Espinosa on Dec. 22, 1930. Her father was born in Arboles, Colo., in 1887, and her mother was born in El Rito, N.M., also in 1887. They first settled in “Encinosa” (Burns Canyon), moved into town where he worked as a carpenter/laborer, and she, a homemaker who had eight children. Jose worked at the light plant in Pagosa Springs from 1923 to 1946, where Eva was born.

Eva prayed daily for many, amongst them were those that preceded her such as her parents and husband. She was also preceded by her in-laws, Lucas and Maria Martinez, and her brothers and sisters: Pablita and Juan Martinez, Jose and Lula Espinosa, Abel and Lela Espinosa, Louie and Donna Espinosa, Trudy Espinosa, Daryl and Lucia Staner, Cesario Espinosa, Santiago Espinosa and the infant Cesarito Espinosa, Corina and Porfirio Martinez (who were also her Padrinos), Juanita and Lazaro Salazar, Manuel Martinez, Rupert Martinez, Clara Martinez, Lily Martinez and Mary Ann Martinez. Included in her daily prayers were the souls of all the departed she could recall. This included her numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Her daily prayers for those that preceded her was a net that was cast very broadly. She prayed for all that were involved in building the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish and what has become the local Catholic family. For 71 years, she was a member of the Fatima Society. She will be buried one day before the 100-year celebration of Our Lady of Fatima. She was active with the Guadalupanas, the Carmelitas and the Alter Society and prayed for members past and present.

She prayed daily for her neighbors, especially those who had departed. She prayed daily for those who were traveling and those who had lost their lives on the road. She prayed daily for those suffering from poverty and addiction, especially those in our own neighborhood, unseen by most and who had died in loneliness. She prayed for those who were victims of injustice in life in matters small and large. And she prayed for the unborn, clearly they had preceded her.

Those neighbors, friends and family who succeeded her were attracted to her nonjudgmental and spiritual nature. She knew her own tendencies to see the downside of things, but she wished nothing but the best for those close to her.

Her family and their children/grandchildren succeed her: Leonard (Kindy) Martinez; James (Edna) Martinez; and Vindred (Wendell) Qualls; grandchildren Alba Palmira (Marlon Oaks) and son Kaidence, from Baltimore, Md., Laila Estrella Martinez from Albuquerque N.M., and Jose Martinez, from Albuquerque, N.M., Alyssa (Fernando Trujillo) and sons Anthony and DeAngelo, from Phoenix, Ariz., Mia Valencia, from Albuquerque, N.M., Tristan and Spencer Martinez, from Durango, Colo., and Mallorie Godbold, from Ignacio, Colo. Her brothers and sisters: Lydia Martinez, Benino Martinez, Moises and Clara Martinez, Sadie Martinez, Wilford Martinez, Dolores and Tomas Perez, Lucas Martinez, Celestino and Juanita Martinez. As adoption ran in the family, she figuratively adopted Gabriel and Barbara Hendricks, Pat and Dave Libhart and Lucas Martinez (the cousin) and Margarita Espinosa as her own. She has numerous nephews and nieces that succeed her from the O’Cana, the Espinosa, the Archuleta and the Martinez families.

As a lifelong resident, she also worked in several places and supported local causes. Her first job was at the Jackisch Drugstore. She graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1950. She also worked at the Gambles store, which has recently been torn down, as have many of the buildings she knew as a young woman. Many labored to build the Immaculate Heart of Mary church as did she, sometimes collecting nickels and dimes, other times doing the physical labor required. It was completed, consecrated and staffed in 1951 and she and Amadeo were the second couple married in the new church on April 2, 1951. The paint was hardly dry on the newest Catholic field unit at that time.

Eva was a homemaker first and foremost. She supported Andy in his 35-year career as a barber in Archuleta and La Plata counties. She worked seasonally supporting the election process as a volunteer and was as a lifelong Democrat. She also worked in the school kitchens for many years. No task was insignificant, but cleanliness was really her forte. She supported education, however, she loved sports and would listen to every Pagosa Pirate game on the radio. She would follow Tristan’s wrestling matches, always at a distance … “call me with the results.” Same thing with her beloved Broncos, “I’ll listen to the game but I can’t watch them …” She did approve of the recent signing of Jamal Charles.

In her final hours and days, although afflicted with painful cancer that had spread, she was laughing and smiling. She enjoyed a meaningful Lent and a joyous Easter season preparing herself to meet God. She loved her garden and flowers, so they will be planted in her honor this year. She looked out her window hoping 8th Street might get completed, but alas, she will have to oversee this project from above.

It will be hard not to find yourself amongst those she prayed for. Pray for her now as we are sure she will continue to pray for you. Rest in peace, our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend.

She loved flowers and flower arrangements are fine, but she loved her church even more. For a longer lasting impact in lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the preservation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

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Dorothy “Dottie” Anne Davis passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2016, in Rockledge, Fla. She was born Sept. 20, 1931, in Ashbury Park, N.J., and was the eldest of the five Ruppel children: Kathy (Akins), Lorraine (Larson-Johnson), Barbara “Bobbie” (Ross) and William. After graduating from St. Rose High School, she worked as an accountant and as a realtor for Welchert Realty. Dottie spent the first half of her life in New Jersey. She eventually moved to the mountains of Colorado, and later the sunshine of Florida, but she was always a “Jersey Girl” at heart. An avid golfer well into her 80s, her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and friends. “Memories” was her favorite song and we thank God for our memories of her.

Dottie was predeceased by her siblings Bobbie, Kathy and William and former husband Viktors Eichvalds.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, of Florida; sister Lorraine Johnson, of Maryland; son Linus Rhoades and his wife Karen, of Spring Lake; daughters Lynda Davis, of Washington, and Nora Eichvalds-McCormick and her husband, Michael, of Howell. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Jonathan and his wife, Tarin, Catherine, Patrick, Jillian, and Stephanie; and great-grandsons Gavin and Oliver.

Services have already been held in Florida and New Jersey.

Dottie’s cremains were interred at Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs in May 2017.

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Born Dec. 22, 1930, Eva passes into God’s hands on May 4.

She asked for her Rosary, it was perhaps the last intelligible words she uttered. She was nothing if she was not a Catholic woman of strong faith. As she made the peaceful transition just before sunrise on May 4, Eva Martinez was in the hands of her loved ones and passed to be with God and her beloved soul mate of 65 years, Amadeo (Andy) who had passed just eight months prior. A Rosary will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary church Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception and celebration of her life in the parish hall. The following day, a Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The burial will take place at Hilltop Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the parish hall.

A lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, Eva was born to Jose L. Espinosa and Clarita O’Cana-Espinosa on Dec. 22, 1930. Her father was born in Arboles, Colo., in 1887, and her mother was born in El Rito, N.M., also in 1887. They first settled in “Encinosa” (Burns Canyon), moved into town where he worked as a carpenter/laborer, and she, a homemaker who had eight children. Jose worked at the light plant in Pagosa Springs from 1923 to 1946, where Eva was born.

Eva prayed daily for many, amongst them were those that preceded her such as her parents and husband. She was also preceded by her in-laws, Lucas and Maria Martinez, and her brothers and sisters: Pablita and Juan Martinez, Jose and Lula Espinosa, Abel and Lela Espinosa, Louie and Donna Espinosa, Trudy Espinosa, Daryl and Lucia Staner, Cesario Espinosa, Santiago Espinosa and the infant Cesarito Espinosa, Corina and Porfirio Martinez (who were also her Padrinos), Juanita and Lazaro Salazar, Manuel Martinez, Rupert Martinez, Clara Martinez, Lily Martinez and Mary Ann Martinez. Included in her daily prayers were the souls of all the departed she could recall. This included her numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Her daily prayers for those that preceded her was a net that was cast very broadly. She prayed for all that were involved in building the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish and what has become the local Catholic family. For 71 years, she was a member of the Fatima Society. She will be buried one day before the 100-year celebration of Our Lady of Fatima. She was active with the Guadalupanas, the Carmelitas and the Alter Society and prayed for members past and present.

She prayed daily for her neighbors, especially those who had departed. She prayed daily for those who were traveling and those who had lost their lives on the road. She prayed daily for those suffering from poverty and addiction, especially those in our own neighborhood, unseen by most and who had died in loneliness. She prayed for those who were victims of injustice in life in matters small and large. And she prayed for the unborn, clearly they had preceded her.

Those neighbors, friends and family who succeeded her were attracted to her nonjudgmental and spiritual nature. She knew her own tendencies to see the downside of things, but she wished nothing but the best for those close to her.

Her family and their children/grandchildren succeed her: Leonard (Kindy) Martinez; James (Edna) Martinez; and Vindred (Wendell) Qualls; grandchildren Alba Palmira (Marlon Oaks) and son Kaidence, from Baltimore, Md., Laila Estrella Martinez from Albuquerque N.M., and Jose Martinez, from Albuquerque, N.M., Alyssa (Fernando Trujillo) and sons Anthony and DeAngelo, from Phoenix, Ariz., Mia Valencia, from Albuquerque, N.M., Tristan and Spencer Martinez, from Durango, Colo., and Mallorie Godbold, from Ignacio, Colo. Her brothers and sisters: Lydia Martinez, Benino Martinez, Moises and Clara Martinez, Sadie Martinez, Wilford Martinez, Dolores and Tomas Perez, Lucas Martinez, Celestino and Juanita Martinez. As adoption ran in the family, she figuratively adopted Gabriel and Barbara Hendricks, Pat and Dave Libhart and Lucas Martinez (the cousin) and Margarita Espinosa as her own. She has numerous nephews and nieces that succeed her from the O’Cana, the Espinosa, the Archuleta and the Martinez families.

As a lifelong resident, she also worked in several places and supported local causes. Her first job was at the Jackisch Drugstore. She graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1950. She also worked at the Gambles store, which has recently been torn down, as have many of the buildings she knew as a young woman. Many labored to build the Immaculate Heart of Mary church as did she, sometimes collecting nickels and dimes, other times doing the physical labor required. It was completed, consecrated and staffed in 1951 and she and Amadeo were the second couple married in the new church on April 2, 1951. The paint was hardly dry on the newest Catholic field unit at that time.

Eva was a homemaker first and foremost. She supported Andy in his 35-year career as a barber in Archuleta and La Plata counties. She worked seasonally supporting the election process as a volunteer and was as a lifelong Democrat. She also worked in the school kitchens for many years. No task was insignificant, but cleanliness was really her forte. She supported education, however, she loved sports and would listen to every Pagosa Pirate game on the radio. She would follow Tristan’s wrestling matches, always at a distance … “call me with the results.” Same thing with her beloved Broncos, “I’ll listen to the game but I can’t watch them …” She did approve of the recent signing of Jamal Charles.

In her final hours and days, although afflicted with painful cancer that had spread, she was laughing and smiling. She enjoyed a meaningful Lent and a joyous Easter season preparing herself to meet God. She loved her garden and flowers, so they will be planted in her honor this year. She looked out her window hoping 8th Street might get completed, but alas, she will have to oversee this project from above.

It will be hard not to find yourself amongst those she prayed for. Pray for her now as we are sure she will continue to pray for you. Rest in peace, our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend.

She loved flowers and flower arrangements are fine, but she loved her church even more. For a longer lasting impact in lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the preservation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

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A wonderful ride has sadly come to an end. For 54 years, Gordon Kahn Sr. has been Prince Charming (P.C.) to his Cinderella (Cindy), Pat Kahn. He was Pops to his children and grandchildren. Raised by his parents in the Los Angeles area, Gordon spent his youth playing sports, surfing, working on cars and spending time in the southern California wilderness camping, hiking and fishing.

As a young man, Gordon was enlisted for six eventful years as a sonar operator in the U.S. Navy. His love of cars continued past his time in the Navy, leading to owning and operating a garage in Los Angeles before going to work as a mechanic for the California Department of Transportation.

The story of Prince Charming and Cindy started in 1962. The romance blossomed over several dates, the most memorable one at Disneyland. Gordon collected Mickey Mouse memorabilia throughout his life, a passion sparked by the love he found with Pat at The Happiest Place on Earth in the fall of ’62. Prince Charming and Cindy married in December of the same year and started a family shortly thereafter.

Gordon and Pat moved around southern California, building a career and a family. From a remote ranch in the high desert of southern California to a suburb in the Los Angeles valley, they loved and grew together as husband and wife and as a family.

In the early ’80s, Prince Charming and Cindy moved their family to the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. Gordon took on the task of helping build a small country town into a thriving suburb of Dallas. Pat found great success with a company supplying the booming clean room industry. Shortly after the move to Texas, they made the youngest addition to the family.

Gordon and Pat remained in Texas through the mid ’90s, but the siren song of the mountains was calling them. Years of camping trips led them to fall in love with a small mountain town in southwestern Colorado. What began as plans for a vacation cabin morphed into plans for a new home. Prince Charming and Cindy decided to retire (they thought) and move to their new home.

Not long after moving, Prince Charming and Cindy decided to start a small business and Victoria’s Reign was created. What began as a small, family endeavor slowly grew and took on new form, culminating in the highly successful restaurant Victoria’s Parlor. Fifteen years after retiring from professional life in Texas, Prince Charming and Cindy retired from small business ownership in southwestern Colorado.

Prince Charming and Cindy spent the following years traveling, camping, exploring and connecting with friends and family spread across the country. With a truck and travel trailer, they ventured together from coast to coast. Together, they lived these years as most only dream, crossing things off their bucket list and adding new things as they went.

Sadly, all great stories must have an end. After surviving many times where others would have abandoned hope or perished, Gordon’s final entry in the Book of Life was made on May 10, 2017. He was met in Heaven by the Lord and a great number of friends and family that preceded him. He is remembered fondly by a loving family — his wife, Pat (Pat a.k.a. Cindy); five daughters; two sons; 11 grandchildren; and a host of friends as a kind, loving, devoted husband and father. He was respected and admired by those who knew him and the numerous lives he touched during his time here.

A memorial service was held at Pagosa Bible Church on Saturday, May 13, to honor Gordon’s legacy and his memory. Gordon requested that any contributions be made to the Pagosa Bible Church Building Fund. Further information is available at 731-3120. Gordon’s family invites any who wish to offer condolences or (preferably) reminisce about the life he lived to contact them

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A memorial for Fred Harman will be held on May 20.

Fred Harman III passed away on Oct. 10, 2016, at Pine Ridge Extended Care facility at the age of 89.

In past years, Fred always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with an open house for all residents of Pagosa Springs close to his actual birth date, which was May 21, 1927. He loved sitting down and telling stories about his early years as a rancher in the Blanco Basin as well as stories of his father’s early days here, while enjoying a glass of iced tea or lemonade and a cookie.

He would have been 90 years old this May 21 and, instead of a birthday party, we will have a memorial service for him at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse on Saturday, May 20, at 3 p.m. Please join us that day and share some of your “Fred” stories. If you would like to bring some finger food to share, that would be welcome.

After a short service conducted by the Rev. John Longcamp of Trinity Anglican Church at the Clubhouse, we will have light refreshments and then proceed to Hilltop Cemetery for a Military Honors Team ceremony at the graveside and interment of his ashes in the Harman family plot.

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Michael James Burdett went to be with the Lord on April 8.

Mike was born March 1, 1967, in California, where he grew up on a farm. He was a veteran of the Gulf War and served in Desert Storm. He was a great cook and worked in Pagosa at the Lodge and Pine Ridge nursing home. He was a man of few words and had a big heart.

He enjoyed being outdoors fishing and camping at Navajo Lake. He also liked reading, painting, building furniture, listening to music and smoking a fine cigar.

He will be greatly missed by his mother, Betty Pelton, brother Thomas Marin, sisters Joanne Berry and Catherine Cline. He loved all his nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his stepdad, Charles “Chuck” Pelton, his brother, Dan Marin, grandmother Ruby Lowry and his niece, Cassandra Pfeifle.

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A memorial for Fred Harman will be held on May 20.

Fred Harman III passed away on Oct. 10, 2016, at Pine Ridge Extended Care facility at the age of 89.

In past years, Fred always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with an open house for all residents of Pagosa Springs close to his actual birth date, which was May 21, 1927. He loved sitting down and telling stories about his early years as a rancher in the Blanco Basin as well as stories of his father’s early days here, while enjoying a glass of iced tea or lemonade and a cookie.

He would have been 90 years old this May 21 and, instead of a birthday party, we will have a memorial service for him at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse on Saturday, May 20, at 3 p.m. Please join us that day and share some of your “Fred” stories. If you would like to bring some finger food to share, that would be welcome.

After a short service conducted by the Rev. John Longcamp of Trinity Anglican Church at the Clubhouse, we will have light refreshments and then proceed to Hilltop Cemetery for a Military Honors Team ceremony at the graveside and interment of his ashes in the Harman family plot.

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Dale H. Schwicker, of Pagosa Springs, passed away on April 22. He was born in Pasadena, Calif., to Henry C. and Viola E. Schwicker on Sept. 22, 1939.

Schwicker graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and he earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado. He worked in the field of health care administration for over 25 years and was a member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. On Feb. 18, 1984, he married Elizabeth R. Schwicker of Denver.

A retired U.S. Army veteran, Schwicker served his entire career in the Medical Service Corps, including two tours in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star medal and numerous other Vietnam campaign medals. He was also an avid tennis player his entire life, playing for and coaching the All Army Tennis Team. Although he thrived on playing competitive tennis, teaching and coaching were his first loves.

Schwicker is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Karen Roberts, of Wellington, Colo.; son Timothy Schwicker, of Aurora, Colo.; granddaughters Allyson Chatfield and Hannah Roberts; and grandsons Kyle and Cayden Schwicker and Nathan Trevarton. He is also survived by his brother, David Schwicker, and Joan Archer, both of California.

Any memorials for Dale Schwicker may be given to the Food Pantry at Community United Methodist Church in Pagosa Springs.

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William Gardner Church passed away on May 8 at home with his beloved family gathered together. We know that we will all be together again and this is only a temporary separation. Bill’s passing is just goodbye for now.

Bill was born and raised in Santa Ana by Clarence and Persus Church along with his brother, Robert, and sister, Mary. Bill’s parents raised him to be a man of integrity, character and honor.

Bill attended UCLA and Fresno State, graduating with a degree in civil engineering. He met and married Mary in California. They were loyal, loving companions for 56 years. Together they raised two sons, of whom they are very proud, and spent the past 16 years on their ranch in Pagosa Springs watching their grandchildren, Michelle and Brandon, grow up. Bill lived to the fullest and loved the life he had built for his family.

In 1964, Bill opened Church Engineering in Irvine, Calif. The company would grow to three offices in southern California and Nevada. Church Engineering played a significant role in the infrastructure of Orange County including toll roads, highways and land development.

Bill’s early passions was with his boys, Mike and Brian, racing off-road cars and trucks, winning the Baja 1000 twice. The reputation of Bill Church is still well known and respected in off road and racing today.

Bill’s latest passion was building and living the ranch life in Pagosa Springs. He was most happy riding horses and training his great Pyrenees. For many years, he traveled with his granddaughter, Michelle, to horse shows, where their Tennessee walkers became national champions in both English and Western competitions.

Bill helped establish the local Trinity Anglican Church and served on the vestry. His deep faith gave him much comfort as he fought hard to stay with us as long as possible. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Church; sons Mike and Brian Church; daughters-in-law Julie and Jennifer Church; and his grandchildren, Michelle and Brandon Church. We will miss our patriarch tremendously, but are so thankful to God for the incredible years we had together.

The family held a private memorial service on the ranch for Bill on Saturday, May 13.

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Jerry B. Gazaway, 75, former resident of Pagosa Springs, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 23. He was living near his daughter in Duncan, Okla., the last few months of his life.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 26, at 2 p.m. at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, at which he was a longtime member. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, Texas. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Ave., Brownwood, Texas.

Jerry was born to J.B. and Julia Ann (Jan) Gazaway on June 27, 1941, in Seminole, Texas. He married the love of his life, Judy Ann Wester, on June 4, 1960, in Las Vegas, N.M. To this incredible loving relationship were born their two children, J. Byron and J’Nell Lynn. Throughout Jerry and Judy’s 52 years of marriage, they lived in numerous communities over the states of New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, with Pagosa Springs, Colo. (1978-1996), and Brownwood, Texas (1996 to February 2017), being the two communities in which they spent most of their married lives.

Jerry was an accomplished metal fabricator and machinist. He was one of the early pioneers of the shaving baler industry. He and his dad started baling shavings in the early 1970s. He designed, built and marketed the Real Tuff Shaving Baler. He owned and operated The Machine Shop that was located on South Hwy. 84 in Pagosa Springs from 1980-1996. Jerry and Judy moved to Brownwood, Texas, to be closer to family, where he continued to market the Real Tuff Baler from his Real Tuff Industries machine shop until his retirement in 2007. After his retirement, his greatest accomplishment, which he was most happy to do, was to build the fence around the playground and the swing set at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.

Jerry was a great man of faith. Because of his faith, he desired to follow the commands of his Lord which led him to being a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. His greatest desire was for all his family to put God first. He loved to serve his church family. In every church he attended, he served in some capacity. Most often he was a Sunday school teacher, which he enjoyed tremendously, and in several churches he was also music director. He was also a very generous man. He received much joy meeting the needs of others, never wanting repayment.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Jan Gazaway, and his loving wife, Judy. He is survived by his son, J. Byron, and his wife, Adela, of San Antonio, Texas; his daughter, J’Nell Ash and her husband, Greg, of Duncan, Okla.; his granddaughters, Brianna Ghosn, and husband, Jay; Kimberlee Ash and Bexy Carpenter and her husband, Gary; his grandsons, Jeffrey Ash and Jason Gazaway; and his great-grandsons, Preston and Isaiah Estrada and Jaxon Gazaway and great-granddaughter, Alaina Ash; one sister, Boby Harris, and her husband, Ken, of Brownwood, Texas; one brother, Tom Gazaway, and his wife, Judy, of Lemon Grove, Calif.; his nieces, Kathy McClure and Terry Goodman; his nephews, Jeff Harris and Keith Gazaway; and cousins and close friends.

Online condolences may be sent to www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Missions Fund of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church of Brownwood, Texas.

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Constance Kirby Ruth Wilson’s battle with cancer ended Tuesday, May 16 (Sept. 4, 1949-May 16, 2017). After her diagnosis in November of 2016, she spent her time wrapping up her work and traveling to spend with loved ones and friends. Connie was preceded by her father, Marion Austin Kirby. She leaves behind her mother, Frances Monday, of Quitman, Texas; her five siblings; her husband, Richard Souza; her ex-husband, David Wilson; her daughter, Ashley Wilson, and her grandchildren, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.

Connie spent 25 years working and raising her daughter in Pagosa Springs, and though she disliked the snow, made good friends and good memories.

Her last few years of semi-retirement were spent in Visalia, Calif., making some wonderful new friends and attempting to learn how to retire.

She returned to Pagosa during the last two months of her life to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Connie’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 7, at Restoration Fellowship in the fellowship hall, from 6 to 8 p.m. A short service will be held followed by dinner and a time for friends to remember her. If you would like to help with food, contact Ashley at (970) 403-2558.

We ask that you bring a note with your favorite memory of Connie for the family to have.

In lieu of flowers and cards, Connie (Mimi) wished for people to contribute to a local charity or to contribute to Sofia and Livia’s college fund. The Connie Wilson Memorial Fund is set up at Citizens Bank; you may go in to either branch and ask any of the tellers for information.

With love and remembrance Connie was welcomed into heaven.

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