Bruce Hilton Edmondson

Bruce Hilton Edmondson, 72, loving friend, brother and father, died May 29, 2008. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, on Feb. 13, 1936. As a child, Bruce and his brother, Lee, lived in Norman, Okla., where he established his first connections with the native American people who would significantly shape his life as an adult, influencing his future love of nature. He has frequently been referred to as both the “birdman” and the “rockman.” Not only did he enjoy communing with nature, he would often communicate with it as well.

Bruce received his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and completed his master’s in economics at Princeton University. Following his education he lived in New York, as a Levi Strauss executive.

In the years to come, Bruce led a life of adventure and thrived on his search for “the meaning of life.” His travels brought him to Aspen, where he found his (ex) wife, Patsy Malone; stepdaughter, Melanie; great friends and a rewarding occupation as a ski instructor for the Aspen Ski Company. Bruce’s diverse love of all things natural and exciting also led him to Hawaii, where he enjoyed his family and the native beauty of the Big Island.

Bruce reunited with family and friends in the Roaring Fork Valley when he returned in the spring of 2004 and accepted a maintenance and landscape position with First Choice Properties and Management. As an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed skiing, biking, hiking and, once again, his peace and serenity were found in nature. His last few years in the Roaring Fork Valley were complete with the love of friends and family nearby.

Bruce is survived by his brother, Lee Edmondson, of Glenwood Springs; his children, David Tye, of Washington, Susan Tye, of Washington, Tao Stelmachowicz, of Lakewood, and Melanie Love, her husband, Monte, and granddaughter, Hunter, of Aspen.

Contributions in Bruce’s name can be made to Lee Edmondson, at Grace Healthcare of Glenwood Springs, 2305 Blake Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO, and also to Alexander Taft, at Cubs Care at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613.

A service for family and friends of Bruce will be held Sunday, June 8, at the base of Aspen Highlands ski area at 4 p.m.