Gene Roberts

Durango and Vallecito resident Gene Raymond Roberts passed away at his Florida Mesa home on October 31, 2013, due to complications from Alzheimer's and a hiatal hernia. He was surrounded by family, friends, his dogs, and a very loyal cat. Gene was born April 25, 1937 to Raymond and Burnece Roberts in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from East High School in Denver in 1955. He spent two years at Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University), before transferring and graduating from the University of Denver. In 1960, Gene earned a B.S. in Business Management with an emphasis in accounting. He worked for the US Postal Service through high school and college, and he served with the Air National Guard from 1960-1963. Gene married Nancy Nix in 1958 and they had one son, Randy. The marriage ended in divorce. While working as a patrolman at Loveland Ski Area in 1965, he met Jan Tenhunen. They wed May 28, 1966 in Lakewood, CO. Gene and Jan spent several years in Denver and Idaho Springs, where he worked as a comptroller for American Metal Climax on the Henderson Project near Berthoud Pass. Following a dream, Gene and Jan purchased Wilderness Trails Ranch (WTR) in the fall of 1969, and they moved to the ranch that winter. WTR, a renowned and historic dude ranch, is located just north of Vallecito Lake in the upper Pine River Valley. The Roberts owned and managed WTR together, a legacy lasting 44 seasons. Beyond the weekly dude business, Gene packed and guided many folks into the Weminuche Wilderness for recreational, fishing, and hunting trips. The Roberts family still owns and operates the ranch. Winters were spent at their farm on Florida Mesa. Gene worked as a Ski Instructor and Supervisor at Purgatory for over 20 years. While at Purgatory, Gene also taught in the Disabled Ski School (now the Adapative Sports Associaion), where he helped to pioneer the blind skiing program, even writing their first instruction manual. He was a Stage 2 Certified Professional Ski Instructor and he served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President for the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). He received a lifetime season pass at Purgatory to acknowledge his years of service.
Gene served on the board of directors for the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association (CDGRA) for 5 years, and he was President of the association from 1987-1988. Gene also served on the board of directors for the national association, the Dude Rancher's Association (DRA), for 6 years, and was President from 2003-2005. He was widely recognized and respected for his contributions to the dude ranch industry. Through his passion for his profession, he touched and changed the lives of thousands of guests, employees, clients, friends, and family members. Gene was a member of the Colorado Outfitters Association, and he received the La Plata County Western Heritage Award. The Roberts raised, trained, and showed Morgan Horses through the late 1970's and 80's, and Gene showed Cutting Horses in the late 90's and early 2000's. Gene was an avid mountain biker and runner, and he competed in many races and triathlons. He was an outdoorsman, dancer, traveler, and storyteller. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jan Roberts of Durango; children Randy Roberts of Farmington, Lance Erik Roberts and wife Vanessa Holgate Roberts of Silverton, Erika Roberts of Durango, and Sasha Seyb of San Diego; sister Sharon and husband Jim Sample of Palisade; and grandchildren Aksel and Zea Roberts of Silverton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Mercy at 970-764-2800 or online atwww.mercydurango.org/homecarehospicedonate, or to the La Plata County Humane Society at 970-259-2847 ext. 113 or online at www.lpchumanesociety.org/tributesmemorials.html A Roundup for Gene will be held at the Henry Strater Theatre on November 23, 2013 from 5:30-10:30 pm with live music and dancing.