Karyn Gabaldon Obituary

Karyn was often available for a chat about everything big and small. My lifestyle didn´t have space for extra things so although she preferred that I buy something, had a great laugh and always welcomed me to visit her, absorb the colors, and enjoy. Passing it on whenever I can. She is missed.

Yes I was that person who walked passed her beautiful store and waved. Then I was that person who stopped by for a chat and a hug. I was blessed with the dancing, music, and laughter we shared at Zumba. She always gave of her time - 100% whenever and wherever we met. Our world is a better place because of Karyn.

Karyn is on my list of people who make Durango a better place.

I can always feel you on the river you loved so much. Sail on, sweet friend.

Our kind and gentle friend....you saw beauty, hope, & promise in the dawning of each day. You brought joy into our lives & your art graces our home. You were a shining light in a world so needy of your kindness & compassion. Karyn, your generosity of spirit exhibited the best qualities of the human heart. Your gorgeous smile will always light our world. Soar like an eagle, our dear friend. You have earned your rest.
Our sincere condolences to Jeff. Your loss is unimaginable. Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul with so many of us. Zeke & Glennda

I owned a shop just a few doors down. My favorite place to retreat during a busy or not so busy retail day was to her gallery. Just talking about her paintings and gazing upon them would bring me back to center. Long talks, laughter and she always changed the mood. Even when things were getting tough downtown. Karyn you will be missed.

Karyn will be so dearly missed by myself and my family.
Her love and light was infectious. She touched so many, ans evident in the out pouring of all the beautiful words written here. My candle is lit, please visit anytime heavenly friend.

We like to think the bright light on this photo is our friend´s bright spirit shining at us and not just our lack of photographic talent!
The hands in this photo were so talented and always quick to hug.

I personally never met Karyn, but I got to know her through her mom Del, who is a dear friend (Albuquerque). When I learned about Karyn's cancer, I asked Del for Karyn's address so that I could send her a card. I never expected to hear from her, but I was wrong, that became a friendship through mail, she always took the time to respond to my cards, religious metals, Masses that were offered on her behalf, and my words of comfort that I tried my best to convey to her. Del, she always knew how much you were suffering seeing her suffer, but she was forever grateful knowing you had a friend who cared for you deeply. I now have some of her post card paintings, because that is what she always sent me, I will treasure them. Karyn will forever be in my prayers, and also her family; that is what she would want. Del, Jeff, Belinda, Mark, and all other family and friends may God Bless you, wrap you in His Loving Arms and grant you the peace and comfort that you need at this time. May Our Blessed Mother Mary wrap you in Her Precious Mantle and keep you safe.
Con Amor y Bendiciones Para Siempre

Of all the people that had to leave this planet early....
Lovely, gracious, talented, kind....so we are left diminished and somewhat smaller. There is now a hollow place.
...´she walks in beauty like the night..´
So sorry for our loss. Wishing Karen´s family peace and healing and a way forward somehow....Michele De Lacey

Jeff and Family,
The beauty Karyn carried inside was consistently expressed throughout her life and in the art she created and the beautiful galleries she cared-for.
Our hearts go out to you and your family at her passing. We will miss her warm smile and infectious laughter greatly.

I walked into my favorite Durango gallery last December on one of my frequent visits to see family over the last almost 20 years. I often bought jewelry there and had fun conversations with its lovely, welcoming owner, Karyn. She hadn´t been there my last several visits. On this particular day, a beautiful woman with SHORT white hair was sitting at the desk. She turned and I said "Karyn?" I complimented her hair cut and she shared the story of her cancer battle with me. It was a meaningful, memorable conversation that I am grateful to have had.
That same trip I was in the antique mall down the street and picked up a beautiful small vase that "spoke" to me. On the bottom was painted "Snowdown" 1989 - Karyn Gabaldon. Of course I snapped it right up and it sits on my dining room table, often holding fresh flowers. I was excited to tell her that I´d found it, but I never got the chance. Karyn was a TREASURE; I already considered my vase a treasure, and now I will treasure it even more. My sincere condolences to her family and all of those who loved her.

Karyn, I first met you when your clay studio was in the building next door to my graphic design studio... in the early 1980's??? I am glad to say that I have one of your pottery pieces "Subtle Change" 1987 which so reminds me of you! A treasure! As you were a treasure to all who knew you. I stopped by your gallery this July to say "Hello", and you were not in that day. So sorry to have missed you! And now I am writing this note to you, sure that you are receiving my message, and all the messages from your friends and family who knew you and experienced your beautiful spirit. Bless you.
Jeff, my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Karyn.

An advocate for art and community, I am grateful to have met Karyn in Durango. She was a mentor, role model, and beautiful human being. Travel in love and beauty sweet Karyn. See you on the other side. Sandra Butler

Karyn was a many faceted gem in the art world of Durango.
She was truly a real and lovingly kind soul. She blessed many around her

Oh dear Lord. The world just got smaller. My love goes out to her family and friends. Blessed to have known her. Will never forget how her sweet smile and caring manner touched Durango in so many ways.

12 years commiserating as downtown Main Ave merchants bonded us as neighbors and friends. I often stopped by on my way home just to see Karyn's smile. That smile lit everything she shined it on with the luminosity that you can see in so many of her paintings.

She will be missed by all whom she touched. My deep condolences to Jeff. Rest in Peace Karyn.

Such a beautiful, loving spirit. Heaven must have needed another angel. Her absence will be felt for years to come. May the Light of Karyn's spirit live on in all who knew her. Deepest condolences to Jeff and family.

My heart aches and breaks for the loss the beautiful soul that was Karyn. Jeff, my brother, my thoughts and love are with you.

Jeff,
We are so sorry to learn about the loss of Karyn. We met her years ago through her beautiful artwork. As we got to know her we learned about her as a warm, kind, happy person who helped light up the world. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to meet her.

I was so sorry to hear about Karyn. My father, Pete Ferrari, thought her pottery was wonderful.

The world has lost a lovely person and a good friend. Karen was such a kind person and we valued her friendship. She will surely be missed.

Karyn had the ability to place her entire focus on the person she was talking with and made them feel they were the most important person in the world!! She will be so missed but left the world a much better place.

I met Karyn (then Bucky) shortly after moving to Durango in the late '70s, and thought she was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen. I have one of her pieces hanging in my guest room.
Hugs to you, Jeff. She'll be deeply missed by all of us.

I first met Karyn close to 50 years ago and our paths continued to cross many times over the years. I will miss her, and Durango has lost one of its treasures.

Karyn was an extraordinary woman, lovely inside and out. She was a brilliant business woman and an accomplished artist. You will be missed.

Karyn was a remarkable person. She was beautiful, kind, creative and very wise. I will miss her spirit and presence on this earth. Godspeed, dear Karyn.

In her person and her art, Karyn brought light and beauty to our world.
Rest in peace, Karyn.

Karen and her gallery was one of my favorite things in Durango. She Wii be missed.

My dad, Jack Sylvester, first introduced us to Karyn who was then karyn Buckey. He encouraged her to use her beautiful maiden name, Gabaldon. Over the years, it has been a pleasure to encounter this beautiful woman and her art. She never failed to know who we (my family) were. She was generous, inspiring, a conduit to the spiritual world and such a creative artist.

I´m fortunate to have several pieces of Karyn´s art displayed in my home. I first met her around 1982 and always enjoyed her spirit and love of life. Sending condolences to her talented partner, Jeff.

Karyn was such a remarkable friend. She was sone of the first people I met when I moved to Durango in 1989. She was always so much fun to be with. I purchased a number of her beautiful paintings and I will remember her each time I look at them. I will miss you and love you always.
Marilyn Holland

We will miss you dear friend.

Surrounded by Karyn´s, art and hearing the Zumba music in my head give me wonderful memories of our friendship. Dance into heavenly peace dear Karyn.

The myriads of remembrances shared highlight Karyn's impact...her family, her friends, her brief acquaintances have all been touched by her gracious persona. She has left her beauty everywhere in our community as well as with the travelers who were fortunate enough to be in her company. She will be missed.

"Life is an art...."
Karyn Gabaldon, 1990s

May Karyn's life and memory be a blessing for you Del, Jeff, Belinda, and Mark. I am so thankful and truly blessed to have been your neighbors in Albuquerque. Peace, love, aloha, and a special prayer for you, Karyn, and for your mom, family, and dear friends.

Not only did Karyn' smile light up the downtown, but you could also find her among the meadow flowers on Coal Bank Pass, getting her inspiration for more art. She called my John, Grasshoppa, an old joke between them. You both left too early & Durango can never be the same for me, Eliane Viner

I met Karyn on Main St. in the early 90's. I had just opened my store The Angel Station in Main Mall. She welcomed me, gave me retail guidance, made me feel a part of the community immediately. From that moment our friendship flourished and grew into a sisterhood that I have no words to express other than Magic. I am so enriched by having Karyn and Jeff in my life all these years and honored to have been a part of these past few in such a touching way...Karyn and I had a cloud fetish:) We could sit for eternity talking about them. I now look up everyday since her passing at the wonder of her now limitless canvas to bless all with magnificent clouds...Thank you, dear soul sister for all that we shared and for such inspiration on living life fully, giving of your love freely, helping those around you and you and Jeff living as an amazing example of love......

Karyn

I dreamt of you in a stone room
seated at a rough hewn table with massive legs and a table top thick as roof timbers

You were dressed in clothes of indigenous ancestors,
a hand woven blouse, a huipuil perhaps, embroidered across your delicate collar bones
with a clutch of flowers -like Frida or Ultima might have worn
topping the heavy dark skirt a curandera would wear to gather seeds and roots and bark at the close of summer

You welcomed me as my eyes adjusted to the room´s dim light
I could see a pallor of your skin,
a certain weakness
rendering you ethereal

I came to comfort you, hearing of your illness, but instead your breath enveloped me, carrying the scent of pennyroyal and sage like a mist of compassion that rolled from you to me, washing me in your grace and rendering me speechless

I removed my shawl of fine fringes and wrapped your bird like shoulders in a tapestry of love.

You offered me tea, a mix of plant spirits drawn from your skirt pockets and boiled creek water hot from your fire.

As we drank your eyes held light like shooting stars, beacons shying me from worry, pity or fear

The sallowness lifted from your visage and the glow of embers lit your cheeks

A mourning dove appeared from an unknown corner and made purchase on your shoulder

She intoned a liturgy that spanned epochs, the hum of glacial sculpting, the rise of incessant tides called in by moons beyond my hearing, the lift of fragrance from summer alpine flowers....

When her song waned, you rose and bid me on my way, and I left buoyed, content, knowing your spirit will abide on many planes, in forms known
and beyond knowing.

Kalima Rose
Your grateful friend since 1978
8/21/24

To my cousin Karyn, I talk to her as if she is still here on earth. Do you remember we were teenagers or maybe early 20's? We were in your old truck driving in Albuquerque after a rain. We passed an intersection that had puddled a bit, and as you drover through the overspray completely covered a man standing on the corner waiting to cross. You didn't know it had happened until I told you...since we didn't know what to do, we laughed and kept driving. I have remembered that for 50 years and smile. It may have been the only time we drove together. Your gallery was amazing as was your work. I have two pieces of your pottery that are more precious than you know and wish I had told you. Keep an ear Karyn, I will be talking to you as I drive. Ha! People think I am using Bluetooth.

I will keep Karyn´s beautiful smile and infectious laugh in my heart
Knowing Karyn was a true blessing.
Judy

Purnima
Beautiful goddess of the shining moon,
my friend, Karyn,
Tonight is the dark of the moon and stars are shining bright. I know that you are making your journey from our earth,
our human sphere, to the luminous clarity of the unimaginable white light.
I thank you for journeying here in my life,
through my life as my friend,
An Inspiration, always laughing, creating beauty wherever you go

Thank you for gracing us with this MoonLight
a light that cannot be reproduced.
You teach me that each soul cannot be reproduced. You, my friend, are so unique.

No one will ever be Purnima. Only you, Karyn,
Be well on your journey.
I have lit the candle and I hold you close as you make your journey into the Clear Light.
The clear Moon Light
Love to you and Jeff,
Jessica Zeller

We lived and meant at a commune in Hesperus, CO, we studied with a 103 year old man known only as Lee. My heart is broken, I am gutted at the news of her passing. Her vision was never one of this world. May she rest in peace, surrounded by our love. It is only our Art that remains.

I have 4 of Karyn' paintings hanging in my home. I think of her whenever I pass them by. She brought beauty into my life.

A beautiful life, a beautiful obituary, many beautiful memories.

So many incredible memories with this beautiful, inspirational soul. We´d laugh together, share books together, contemplate life together- and all the talks on caring for our parents...wow. :-)

Karyn, I´m going to
miss you more than you know, but my home and heart will always be filled with memories of you.
Joy Hess

Dear Belinda,
Remember the time you and I hitchhiked from Durango to Albuquerque to see your family. You were homesick and I was bored. That was the weekend I met your little sis Karyn who was about 15? I left Durango for northern Colorado but continued spending time in Durango running into Karyn and sitting in with Jeff and fellow musicians over the years. I knew Karyn more as your little sis than the amazing artist that she was and she was more beautiful a person than her art even! Jeff I know you have been so blessed to have her as your life love and will miss her so. Words are not sufficient but I know your heartache. Heaven has gained a real presence and I'm sure she has already given it her personal touch, Rest in peace dear Karyn.... Delia Bell....Friend

You were my inspiration to get back into art. So many memories of your kindness and love of life you will be truly missed.

I am so blessed to have. Known her. A bright light has gone out in the world!

I loved this magnificent human with all my heart!! Rest well sweet friend xoxo

I still have a Karen Bucky vase - one of my first purchases when I moved to Durango; and I became a fan for life. Karyn´s smile, kindness, brilliance, and talent made my heart sing. She changed all our lives, and made us all better.

I´ve known Karyn for many years. She was one of the most creative artists of our community. Visiting her galleries through the years was always a joy! I will miss her greatly!

You are a brave soul. Fly with the angels. My friend. Julie

Karyn was the voice for the downtown business district. I would stop by and catch up on all the
news. I always brought my family to the shop and they bought jewelry as their memory of Durango. Her smile , her laughter was so special. The lights of Dgo dim for our friend.

At the age of 18 I met Karyn, she was 20. We were roomies near Fassbinder park. She filled every day with joy and sunshine and laughter. So much laughter. Over the years when we saw each other, I marveled at her talents as they expanded. I was in her gallery today, expecting to see her beautiful face as usual. When I learned she had passed it was like a boulder slammed into me. Karyn you are at peace now. No more pain. I love you. I will always think of you when I see crows.

Soo awesome to see the love Karyn's friends had for my cousin. She was soo lifted. I wished I has even the tiniest shred of talent shed had. There was a bit of an age difference between us and we certainly didn't get the opportunity to spend quality time together but I always envied her for her amazing talent. We have several pieces of her Art work and will always treasure them. So glad I got to see her a couple of years ago. She will be missed but heaven obviously felt they needed an artistic makeover! Love you Karyn! See you on the other side.........

Many lovely memories of conversations with dear Karyn.

I will always cherish the hugs, laughter and love that we shared. Karyn was very special. It was a privilege to know her.

So sorry for your loss. A huge loss to Durango as well.

Karyn was so kind and so talented. She will be missed. There is a hole in Downtown Durango.....but her spirit lives on in her art.

Karen was the first woman I met when I moved to Durango in 1991. I walked into her studio when it was further north on Main Street. She was squatted down in a corner picking wet clay up from the floor. She looked up at me and with great need in her eyes, pleaded to this stranger to quickly grab that bucket over there. We meet each others needs for years after that! What a true friend and mentor she was in my life. How lucky you are Jeff to have had her all these years. I cry for our loss but shall go find that crow painting she gave me and laugh my head off at our past antics. Neil and I shall raise a glass in your remembrance. Love, love you, Marti Bourjaily

Walk with the universe you so loved to paint.

Most rooms in our house have a painting by Karyn. We have her book and many friends have received a Karyn Gabaldon note card. When I was reluctant to join her Zumba class at the Smiley Building she convinced me that I could do it and have fun doing it. She was so right!

Karyn was never Mayor of Durango or on the City Council or held other positions of public "importance". She was an ambassador of love, kindness and beauty for all of us who lived here and knew her. May her spirit live on and may Jeff and her family find some peace knowing how much she was loved.

Donna and Jim Martin

Karyn made the community of Durango richer in so many ways. With her kind heart, warm presence, love of people and the beauty she brought to all who knew her.

One of the kindest women I have ever had the pleasure to know. Rest in Peace, Karyn. You will be missed.

16 years we were business neighbors, friends, partners in crime in the 600 block of Main. I love that a piece of her is spread around the world with her cherished pieces of art. A most beautiful woman I will miss. Jeff, love and my deepest sympathy.
Peggy Folsom

A beautiful woman who created more beauty for all of us.
What a loss!

Karyn brought us beauty, friendship, and dance. Her loving spirit will endure in my heart.

Heaven took her angel home. Karen is forever in our hearts.

We will miss everything about Karen. Our hearts are with you, Jeff.
Dorothy & Bill Tarpley

I´ve known Karyn since 197mumble. I was 8 months pregnant and had to waddle up metal stairs past her studio by the Durango Herald. We would greet each other and smile knowing that we had a secret... we had never been introduced.
So when Hal and I

would run into friends downtown, they would inevitably ask if I had met Karyn. Truth was that we had never been introduced.

Well it was true... we ran into her but had never actually been introduced!

And in true Durango style... we laughed since it dawned on us that we had known each other for years but we had never been "formally" introduced.
I think we kept that going for years!

Condolences to Jeff .. to have known of Karyn is to have known what life is truly meant to be lived as in this world!

Such a very wonderful lady. She will be missed

Oh shucks, I am so sorry to hear of Karyn's passing. She was such a mainstay in Durango's art world. She's one of those people one just figures will always be there, walking up to greet you as you entered her gallery. I only knew her there, but had stopped in frequently over many years. Conversations with her felt as soft and colorful as her art, comfortable as with a dear friend. My heart surely goes out to Jeff and all her family and friends.

Met Karyn in the early 70´s, living up LaPlata Canyon - seems
like only yesterday - She was a ball of Sunshine!
Great memories
( A passing acquaintance)