Obituary: Patrick Gleason
Provided Photo
July 22, 1955 – February 19, 2026
Patrick Leonard Gleason, of Aspen’s Gleason clan, passed away peacefully in his home on February 19th, 2026.
Patrick was born in Denver, Colorado on July 22, 1955 to George and Mary Jean Gleason – the fifth of seven children in a skiing family. He attended Boulder High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Notre Dame. In college he competed on the alpine ski team and won a National Championship with the fencing team. He later moved to Southern California where he met his wife Dede (divorced) and had his first child, Keith. They subsequently moved to Glenwood Springs, then Redstone, where his daughter Mackinna was born. Patrick moved to Alma, Colorado in 2008, his home for most of the remainder of his life.
Patrick worked as a ski instructor at Lake Eldora, Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. He loved teaching – especially kids who affectionately knew him as Gumby. He taught skiing through the 2025 season, despite his ongoing battle with cancer. In Alma he served on the town board, including a year as mayor pro-temp, making significant contributions to town’s zoning laws, water treatment capacity, and public access to nearby 14ers.
Patrick relocated to Salt Lake City in December 2025 to be near his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild, Finn. The large Gleason clan rallied around Patrick to help him through this major life transition. In his short time in Salt Lake he spent significant time with his family and was able to experience Finn’s first Christmas and first Birthday.
Patrick was happiest on his skis, riding his road or mountain bike, watching Notre Dame football, listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends and family. His positivity, infectious energy, and terrible dad-jokes raised the spirits of those around him.
Patrick is survived by his children Keith and Mackinna, his grandson Finn, his siblings Judy (Tom) Wright, Jim (Karen) Gleason, Bob (Penelope) Gleason, Nancy (Greg) Warren, Marilyn (Ed Colby) Gleason, and Gary Gleason, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by Aspen residents George and Mary Jean Gleason and sister-in-law Carolyn.
A memorial will be held on May 30 in Alma, Colorado.
Donations in Patrick’s honor can be made to:
The Alma Foundation
Anschutz Cancer Center
Summit County Animal Shelter
Protect our Winters
