From the Estes Park Trail Gazette March 1st, 2011:

"There is no death.

Only a change of worlds."

Lakota Sioux Proverb

Howard Burkhart, 60 years young, died Feb. 23, 2011. Howard died as he lived -- climbing. 40 feet in the sky, in a tree he was felling for his company, Diamond Tree Service, the rotten tree roots collapsed and Howard fell to his death. Howard, man of the mountains, lived to climb. There was not a rock wall he could not summit, and in the end -- after 30 years of experienced hazard tree removal -- there was only one tree he could not fell.

As truly the kindest man in our personal world, he was a lifelong mountaineer and vegetarian, a loving son, husband and father. The Diamond on Longs Peak was the climb of his heart. Not a year passed when he did not scale its face. When we close our eyes, that is where we know Howard rests. Howard is survived by his loyal dog, Muff; his wife, Janis Reichstadt; his mother, Juanita Burkhart; daughter, Sarah Diane Arnold; sons Peter Waskovich and Michael Burkhart; and granddaughters Uma Rose and Aislin Faye Waskovich.

There will be a benefit concert to help Janis pay for Howard`s medical expenses on March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Rock Inn in Estes Park. A memorial service for Howard will be held at the Aspen Lodge, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park, on Sunday, March 27, at 1 p.m. The reception to follow will be a potluck, with donations to Aspen Lodge accepted to sponsor the event. Everyone, PLEASE come and help his family remember Howard. Come and laugh; do not come and cry. Bring your fondest Howard stories and photographs to create the service for him.

Janis extends her heart to all of you -- loved ones, dear friends, this incredible community for your support. She is forever grateful.

"When you are sorrowful

Look again into your heart

And you shall see

In truth what you weep for

Is that which has been your delight."

- Unknown