Sanctuaries in the Snow

The Steve P. Welsh Shrine (Aspen Mountain)

This is the Steve P. Welsh Shrine.  Here is his obituary:   "Steve P. Welsh. Steven Patrick Welsh passed away April 27, 2008, at his home in Steamboat Springs. He was 36. Steve grew up in Half Moon Bay, Calif., where he learned to surf in the Pacific. He moved to Colorado in 1996 and lived in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley for about six years. He resided in Steamboat Springs for the past five years. Steve grew up surrounded by the outdoors and enjoyed all the opportunities it provided to fly fish, hike, bike, surf, camp, water ski, snowboard and ski. Steve was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his free time in nature, using his love of these many outdoor sports as a time for reflection, challenge and meditation. In the winter months, it was his quest to balance powder days and work; he was truly at home on a pair of skis. His love of speed and dominance of any mountain was a huge part of who he was. The rest of the year he spent fly fishing many rivers in Colorado and salt water flats throughout the Caribbean Sea. Steve worked for Beverage Distributors Company as a sales associate. The passion for his chosen career and knowledge of wine brought out the best in him. He was recently gifted the opportunity to travel to Europe to visit the Old World where his knowledge of wine grew beyond most. Steve was known to brighten any room he walked into with a big smile, and he held dear many special relationships with local businesses in Steamboat, Aspen and beyond. Steve is remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle and best friend to many who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Marianne Welsh of Steamboat Springs; brother Tim Welsh, sister-in-law Kimberly and nephew Ryan of Carbondale; and sister Crystal Welsh and niece Avery of Steamboat Springs. He is survived additionally by an uncle, Frank Welsh of Sea Ranch, Calif., and many relatives in California and New York. Steve was a very committed son, brother and friend to all who knew him. He cherished his time spent with family and friends and enjoyed living by his motto "Enjoy life to the fullest." All who knew him will never forget his kindness, big heart and beautiful smile, and remember lots of love surrounding him. A celebration of Steve's life was May 31, 2008, at Sunpie's Bistro in Steamboat Springs."

Photo credit: Kimberly Welsh  Click images to enlarge.
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