Michael Kay Obituary

Wolf Creek Ski Area Ski Patrol Director Michael Kay died Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, at the area while working avalanche control. He was 41.

Known as "Scott," he was born to Skip and Jo Kay on Jan. 5, 1969, in Grand Junction. He spent his early years in Lakewood, then moved to Walsenburg, where he graduated from John Mall High School in 1987.

Upon graduation, Mr. Kay enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served honorably for the next six years. He was a reconnaissance Marine and veteran of the Gulf War.

Mr. Kay had worked at Wolf Creek for 16 years. In the offseason, he owned his own business and did stucco and plaster work.

On May 10, 1996, he married Chantelle Zweygardt in Pagosa Springs.

"There was nothing more important to Scott than his family," his family wrote. "He was an amazing dad and devoted husband."

Mr. Kay enjoyed anything and everything in the "great outdoors." He was an avid hunter, snow skier, water skier, kayaker and dirt bike enthusiast.

"Scott leaves behind a piece of himself in all those who knew him," his family wrote. "He was an amazing man, full of life, exuberant, fun-loving, hard-working, and dedicated."

Mr. Kay is survived by his wife of 14 years, Chantelle Kay, of Pagosa Springs; sons, Nolan, 8, and Rhead, 6, both of Pagosa Springs; father, Skip Kay, of Bloomfield, N.M.; mother, Jo Kay, of Pagosa Springs; sister, Danielle Vigil, of Lakewood; and grandmothers, Pauline Young and Marie Kay.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 4, 2010, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 330 S. Pagosa Blvd., in Pagosa Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chantelle Kay, Memorial for Scott Kay, at Bank of the San Juans branches in La Plata and Archuleta counties.

Online condolences and memories may be sent at www.whitesfamilyfuneralhome.net.