2009... A year of tragedy in Steamboat. It seems that every month or so, I would open the paper, or get a phone call, with heartbreaking news. How is it that we lost so many of our "own" so suddenly? How is it that "everyone knows everyone" in Steamboat? Because we are small. Because we are community. Because we are one. Someone once told me, "Through tragedy, comes compassion." The truth in this statement is astounding. With every memorial service, prayer vigil, and community gathering for those we have lost, the people of Steamboat have shown the most amazing compassion to their neighbors and friends. It is almost as if we share a secret. Living in Steamboat, living in near "isolation", we become a family. One very large, extended family. And like families, we bicker, we complain, we laugh, cry, and have secrets. Perhaps our secret is that of understanding, compassion, empathy and community. People may come to ski, stay for the summer, but ultimately it is the people that are the "Yampa Valley Curse". The people bring you back no matter what.

Loving memory of: CC,RG,BS,BM ---you will be remembered in our hearts