After enjoying another fine local theater performance, Beverly Brown Warburton, 82, of Pagosa
Springs, Colorado, left on her final trail ride during the early morning hours of December 16,
2017. Throughout her life, Bev was always passionate about life and truly lived "life to its
fullest". Although she was small in stature, she was big at heart and loved her family,
community, and horse. As a spirited youngster, she grew up in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where her outdoor spirit was nurtured by family and friends. In the 1940's, her love for horses and the Colorado mountains was fostered at Cheley Colorado Camps where she was a camper and a counselor. Her love for travel and learning about other cultures was sparked during a student exchange trip to Switzerland in high school.
As a young woman, she attended Stanford University. Stanford was a major turning point in her life, not only shaping her career, but also laying the foundation for community work and a life- long love of learning. Her friends remember her "cheerful outlook", "bouncing blonde curls" and "smart blue eyes". At Stanford, she received a degree in economics and eventually, she became a Certified Public Accountant. She also met her first husband, Lawson Warburton, whom passed away in 1985.
In 1960, Bev moved permanently to Colorado, first living in Boulder, then in the following communities of Gold Hill, Frisco, and Silverthorne. In 2000, Bev and her new husband, Ed Haynes moved to Pagosa Springs. Over the 50+ years in Colorado, Bev did more than operate her CPA business. In Boulder County, she was instrumental in helping secure what is now "green space" as well as started her work with the League of Woman Voters. In Pagosa Springs,
she and her kindred spirit horse, Princess, spent numerous days in the Weminuche Wilderness monitoring trails and assisting visitors as a San Juan Mountain Association Ghost Rider. Bev was a huge part of the San Juan Back Country Horsemen, 4 Corners Back Country Horsemen, and the Back Country Horsemen of Colorado. Known to her colleagues as the "energizer bunny", she was recognized for nearly 500 cumulative hours of volunteering. She was a founding member and regular contributor to the Southwest Colorado Trails Roundtable, a collaborative effort between volunteer groups and land managers. She also served on numerous not-for- profit boards of directors.
Although Bev had difficulty breathing, she lived by her life motto of "why not?" and her illness did not constrain her energetic spirt or hinder her participation in the things that were most important to her. Bev was a loving, engaged, and generous grandmother to her four grandchildren and never missed a chance to meet up with them for a trip that always included birding, camping, hiking, swimming, cooking, and fun evenings around a campfire.
One of the amazing personal feats that Bev accomplished was riding two sections of the Colorado Trail, mostly above 10,000 feet in elevation, and with her horse Princess and a pack horse to carry her oxygen equipment. In October of 2017, she completed her final, epic road trip to California with her daughter to attend her 60th Stanford class reunion. Just before her passing, she was making plans to lead a group for the local Christmas Bird Count and to start volunteering for another organization because she no longer could do the trail rides or wield a
chain-saw. Bev left behind her husband Ed and her two children: Janet and Doug Warburton; brother Bill Brown; four grandchildren: Landon and Kalena, Victoria and Gabrielle; a vast network of extended family and friends; and her beloved horse Princess. On June 9, 2018, we will celebrate the rich life of Bev in Pagosa Springs. In the spirit of a life of volunteering, the family of Bev encourages everyone to contribute to their charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Miss Beverly. May you treasure and keep the happy memories you shared close to your hearts. I hope the words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 give you peace of mind during this time of loss.
Megan M
January 10, 2018
Bev was an incredible person. She was so active in so many things, I honestly cannot remember how I met her. I worked with her in various groups including the Upper San Juan Forest Health Partnership, San Juan Mountains Association, and the Southwest Trails Roundtable ~~ and will never forget her zest for life; her intellect; her ability to go to so many meetings related to things she cared about; and her love of public lands. I hope she is resting in peace. She has left a legacy.
Marsha Porter-Norton
January 8, 2018
I knew Bev as a fellow attendee at an annual tax update seminar we both attended for over 10 years. She was very friendly and I enjoyed getting to know her. I admire her and that she was still maintaining her license as a CPA and doing her continuing education even late last year. I am saddened by her passing and will miss her.
Susan Blackman
January 6, 2018
Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the Warburton family. May the hope and promise of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 11:24,25
Elizabeth
January 6, 2018
Bev and I had only a few trail projects together, but I remember her as always so happy, even with her oxygen tank burden, and I was so impressed that she wouldn't let her condition stop her. So interesting to hear of her life and accomplishments. A real inspiration!
Jane Robinson
January 5, 2018
Thank you all for your thoughts and sharing your memories. It means so much to the family.
Janet
January 4, 2018
Such an amazing woman and an inspiration to all. I was blessed to ride with her & Princess on the Colorado Trail. We laughed, shared stories on the trail and around camp. Truly one of my most treasured times with a great lady! Happy Trails to you Bev.
Johnna Blanchard
January 4, 2018
Like the trooper Bev always was; she must have surely rode into the sunset riding a great horse. Rest in peace Beverly.
Sandy Young
Sandy Young
January 4, 2018
Bev was always such a spark of life to be around. Always smiling, always the first to offer to help. She will be missed.
Art and Pat Berg
4 Corners BCH
January 3, 2018
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