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Jonathan Abshagen Obituary
Born in a Durango snowstorm on December 18, 1978 to Beatle and Sharon Abshagen. From an early age, Jon was sparked with an energetic spirit, curiosity and a winning smile which garnered him many friends from elementary school through his Durango High School graduation in 1997 and earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Finance and Accounting from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 2001. Following his graduation from CU he ventured out to northern California where he began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Silicon Valley. While he cherished his few years in Northern California, his love for his family, friends and community drew him back to his hometown in 2010. He soon began his work for the Southern Ute Tribe where he worked until the time of his death, most recently as the President and COO of GF private equity group.
Jon met the love of his life and Durango native, Lindsay Eppich in 2010. They were married in Durango on October 8, 2011. Jon was most passionate about family, they were his life, his joy and his pride. He poured his heart into being a loving father to his two children, Alyson (11) and Will (9), and created a home filled with laughter and togetherness and an infinite wonderment for outdoor adventures camping, skiing, fishing, backpacking, hiking and biking in southwest Colorado and beyond. Jon and his family shared two magical and memorable trips to Iceland in recent years. Every Memorial Day weekend, you could find Jon riding his bike from Durango to Silverton in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Always having a special connection to Durango, Jon was an active supporter and contributed to his community. He was a past board member of the La Plata Open Space Conservancy and currently served on the Fort Lewis College Foundation Investment Committee. Jim Foster, former Chairman of the FLC Foundation, knowing Jon as a young man, said Jon was beyond his years in maturity and seriousness and became an invaluable contributor in his knowledge of private equity.
Some of Jon's most special times were fly fishing with his Dad, Beatle, which evolved into many father-son trips fly fishing in the boundless wilderness waters of British Columbia. As Beatle reflected "it's not just about fishing, it's the relationships, the shared passion, the skill and challenge of fly fishing." The last trip became his final trip, as Jon's life was taken in a tragic accident on the Kispiox River on October 14, 2024.
The impact and enduring legacy of Jon's life will live on, but he will be sorrowfully missed by his loving family and friends. Jon is survived by his wife Lindsay; children Alyson (Aly) and Will; parents, Sharon and Beatle Abshagen; in-laws, Kathryn and David Eppich all of Durango, CO, Meghan and Walt Peeples and nieces Madeline and Milly of South Korea; Uncle Mike Brouwer and Aunts Laurie Hedger and Lisa Haydel.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up for to memorialize Jon's legacy: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-memorialize-jon-abshagens-legacy
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 26th at 1383 CR 204.
A bike escort will begin at the La Plata County Fairgrounds to ride to the property at 2pm, followed by a Stillhouse Junkies performance at 2:30 and a ceremony at 3pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Abshagen
Nathan Elk
November 15, 2024
Jonathan was a great mentor, friend and awesome worker at the Southern Ute Growth Fund. I started on a walk today and almost got to where we walked the last time. Condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched. I seen a bird flying this morning and know that he is with the Great Spirit and someday we will meet again. God bless him, his family, friends and co-workers.
Nathan Strong Elk, Jr. f/k/a Nathan William WInder, Jr.
Julie Cooley
October 28, 2024
Jon was such a good dad - showing loving support to Will and Ally and leading the way on great adventures. His love for Lindsey shown with his smile and loving heart. My heart goes out to the Abshagen and Eppich families
Karie Brown
October 27, 2024
Dear Lindsay,
We just heard about your dear Jon. Words can´t express our sorrow for you and your family. You´re in our prayers and hearts.
Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead, and loving memories to hold in your heart.
Karie and Craig Brown
Sam Conti
October 27, 2024
Dear Beetle and Sharon, My deepest condolences to you. The loss of Jon must be so devastating. I am thinking of you this day and hope you can find comfort with each other.
My best to you.
Ken Beegles
October 26, 2024
I remember Jon early on being on my first Soccer team around 1988. Good kid and quiet as he did contribute to team success on the field. Awful sad news for all of us. We send our sincere condolences and prayers for the family! Ken and Jo Ann Beegles
John Silva
October 25, 2024
My condolences to family and friends of Jonathan. I remember how excited upon his arrival Beatle and Sharon were when he was born. Showing him off to everyone in the Ore House.
Martha Elbert
October 25, 2024
I worked with Jonathan for 17 of his 19 years with GF Private Equity Group. In that time, his movement from Business Analyst to President of the group paralleled admirable personal growth from a very diligent young professional to happy husband to loving father to esteemed leader. He put his heart and soul into all of his roles. We all benefitted as a result. He built a great team and guided us well. Job well done, my friend.
Chris Bauer
October 24, 2024
I remember Jonathan as a young boy coming with his father to my veterinary hospital with their dog.
To this day I recall his engaging personality and smile. This was in the early 1980's. That I remember this, years later, speaks to his charisma
even as a boy of around 4 or 5 years old. And I remember telling Beatle how much I enjoyed Jonathan accompanying him.
Bijan and Jennifer Katebini
October 24, 2024
Our hearts are with you at this time.
Michael Chapman and Shelley Appenzeller
October 23, 2024
Beatle and Sharon - Please know that you and Jonathan's family are in are thoughts daily. Jonathan was indeed special to our community and loved by many. I hope knowing how much he was loved provides you some comfort at this time. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to you and Jonathan's family.
Michael LaVerghetta
October 23, 2024
To Sharon and Beatle: So sorry to learn of Jon´s passing. I know how much he meant to you and what his immediate family is experiencing. Take care. Michael LaVerghetta & Leslee Shell
Sherrill Stone & Tim Dyer
October 22, 2024
With heavy hearts we send condolences to Beatle, Sharon, Lindsey, Aly & Will for the loss of their dear Jonathan. Such a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by so many people. Blessings and love to all of you. The angels are rejoicing.
Trudy Obrien
October 22, 2024
Dear Sharon & Beatle, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss of Jonathan. My heart goes out to you both & to his wonderful little family. Love Trudy O´Brien
James Walker
October 22, 2024
Many people have told me over the years that if you want to have a good day of fishing you better not be floating behind the Abshagens. Here's Jon and Beatle getting it done on the Kispiox in B.C.
Butch Keller
October 22, 2024
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Sharon and Beatle and the extended Abshagen family during this time of extreme sorrow.
It is especially difficult for parents to lose their child at such an early age and to miss out on the bright future Jon had to offer his family and the world around him.
May he rest in peace.
God Bless him and his family and help them through this tragic loss.
Butch and Karen Keller
friend
Antonia and Jackson Clark
October 21, 2024
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Sharon and Beatle, Lindsay, Aly and Will; and all of Jon's friends.
He was a truly amazing, kind and generous individual who won friends at every turn. He was one of those people you just couldn't help but like immediately.
He lived life fully and with enthusiasm and shared that with everyone he knew.
His spirit lives on in his children, his community, every trout laden stream and the mountains around
Durango. That spirit will never die.
We are just so sorry for the loss of this wonderful young man.
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