Isidor Hauser
Aspen icon, Isidor Hauser, 57, passed away suddenly on September 21st of a massive cardiac arrest. The news came as a shock to everyone who knew and loved “Izzy.”
Isidor was born in Dudingen, Switzerland and was the youngest of six children. Peter and Maria Hauser, Isidor’s parents, and his brothers Martin, Philippe and Peter precede Isidor in death. Surviving family members are brother Wilhelm in Thailand, sister Lydia in Switzerland, and many nieces and nephews.
Isidor spent 24 ski seasons working in some capacity on Aspen Mountain while working construction in the summers. Subsequently, Isidor continued his work with several residential builders, as a self-employed licensed contractor, and most recently as a property management specialist. Izzy’s commute to work via skiing first tracks down Aspen Mountain and walking to his jobsite was envied by most.
Isidor was one of Aspen’s most vivacious characters who lived life to its fullest. When you asked Isidor how he was doing, his reply was “Simply Fantastic!” with his strong Swiss accent and smiling face.
Isidor lived on the backside of Aspen Mountain for the past 26 years. He built his home on the side of a hill. His love of nature and intense environmental awareness was a defining part of his personality. His neighbors affectionately nicknamed him, “Mayor of the Backside.” At his cabin, with a seemingly hermit-like existence, people still found their way to Isidor’s welcoming door. Both locals and visitors to Aspen recognized Isidor as one of the area’s most accomplished snowmobile guides. No one knew the surrounding mountains better than Izzy.
Isidor maintained his Swiss citizenship, but in 2001 he was determined to become an America citizen and successfully passed his naturalization test.
A celebration of life service for Isidor is Friday, October 10, 2014 at 6:30 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aspen. A reception will follow. A Catholic Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10 AM. All are welcome. Donations in Isidor’s honor can be made at St. Mary’s Church.
