Obituary: Tami Frances Word

November 11, 1964 – February 29, 2024

Tami Frances Word, beloved partner, friend, mentor, and mountain soul, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, after an eleven-month courageous and unrelenting battle with cancer. At the time of her passing, she was lovingly accompanied by her longtime partner, Julie Garside, who was by her side.

Born in Rifle, Colorado, and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Tami always felt the pull of the mountains. She eventually made Aspen her true home, where her passion for skiing and outdoor adventure could flourish. A proud and devoted member of the Ski Schools of Aspen for 30 years, Tami was known for her extraordinary talent, professionalism, and joyful spirit. She was part of the original Diamond Pro program, a Level IV instructor, and a member of the Diva team. Tami was never far from the slopes and was rarely seen without skis on her feet and a smile on her face.

Tami’s adventurous nature extended beyond skiing. She was an avid mountain and road biker, hiker, paddle boarder, and world traveler. Her energy, kindness, and positivity touched everyone who knew her. Off the mountain, she was deeply engaged in her community through volunteer work, her devotion to faith, and her love of music—expressing herself through singing and songwriting.

Tami was a co-founder of the Inspire Aspen Foundation, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to creating opportunities for young people in the Roaring Fork Valley through music education. She was a partner at the legendary Mad Dog Ranch + Studios, where her passion for creativity, music, and connection found another home. Tami’s legacy is one of boundless joy, unwavering courage, and relentless kindness. Her motto, “Throw kindness around like confetti,” is a reflection of the way she lived her life—bright, generous, and full of heart. She lead her life with an open heart, always embracing each person and moment fully— and she leaves us a powerful reminder to do the same.

Tami is survived by her devoted partner, her many close friends, her mother Eunice, her brother Jon, her Nephew Kyle, her Niece Taylor, and her colleagues—as well as the vast Aspen community she so deeply loved and impacted. She will be remembered with profound love and admiration.

In honor of Tami’s memory and her enduring dedication to the next generation, donations may be made to the Inspire Aspen Foundation at inspireaspenfoundation.org or mailed to: P.O. Box 1968, Aspen, Co 81612.