“Amazing Grace” with the Denver & District Pipe Band
Not a great picture from me in the stands but a great family!
On Sunday afternoon, Dobson Arena filled with friends, neighbors, business leaders, ski industry pioneers, athletes, and longtime locals for a celebration of life honoring George Gillett Jr.
From the opening performance by the Denver & District Pipe Band to the final remarks from members of the Gillett family, the afternoon felt less like a formal memorial and more like a reunion of the many communities George touched throughout his life.
Master of Ceremonies James Deighan guided the event through a remarkable lineup of speakers that included two-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North, ski industry icon Walt Chounard, former Vail Valley Foundation President John Garnsey, Booth Creek Management partner Jeffrey Joyce, local mountain biking legend Mike Kloser, longtime friend and neighbor Bjorn Erik Borgen, and George's sons, Foster and Alexander Gillett.
Johnny Schleper adds in his own Colorado Flare to “Rocky Mountain High”
James Deighan and Bjorn Erik Borgen hold up the George Gillett Jr Proclamation
One of the most memorable moments came when Johnny Schleper took the stage to perform John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" before sharing his own song, "River." In a town where music, mountains, and memories often become intertwined, it was a fitting tribute.
The ceremony also included a proclamation from Colorado Governor Jared Polis declaring November 1, 2026, as George Gillett Jr. Day in the State of Colorado.
Local Legend Mike Kloser speaks about biking with George.
George Gillett and Dr. Richard Steadman
As I listened to the stories throughout the afternoon, I found myself thinking about a very different Vail.
Many longtime locals often talk about how much Vail has changed over the years. That's certainly true. But as speaker after speaker shared their memories of George, I was reminded of a time when the community seemed especially excited about its future. There was an optimism in Vail during those years. People were proud to live here. Proud to work here. Proud to show off what this valley was becoming.
George seemed to embody that spirit.
While listening to stories about his big ideas and larger-than-life personality, I found myself laughing about something I've thought for years. Back when George owned Vail Associates, I was convinced he would eventually find a way to connect Vail and Beaver Creek with gondolas. It sounds ambitious, maybe even a little crazy, but if there was anyone who might actually try something that bold, it was George Gillett. Can you imagine??
Several speakers described George as someone who went all in. If he believed in something, he committed himself completely. He wanted to know what people were thinking. He wanted to hear ideas. He wanted to be part of the conversation.
For me, Bjorn Erik Borgen summed it up best when he said:
"No deal too big, and no people too small."
That simple phrase seemed to capture everything the afternoon was about.
My own memories of George are smaller, but no less meaningful.
Growing up in my family's restaurant, we saw the Gillett family often. Like so many local families, our lives crossed paths through businesses, community events, and everyday life in Vail.
I'll never forget sitting in a board meeting with George Gillett while I was presenting off a computer. In the middle of it, George looked right at me and essentially told me to shut the machine off. We weren't there for a computer lesson—we were there to do business.
There was no sugarcoating it, and honestly, I appreciated that.
It told me everything I needed to know about him in ten seconds flat. George valued time above all else, ignored the window dressing, and demanded total engagement when real decisions were on the line.
Foster and Alexander are still cool.
Another bad picture from me in the stands but you could tell that George loved it here!
I was also fortunate to know his children and spend time with members of the family over the years, including during college. Watching Foster and Alexander address the crowd and thank everyone for attending was a touching reminder that while George's accomplishments were extraordinary, the family he leaves behind remains one of his greatest legacies.
As the afternoon came to a close, I looked around Dobson Arena and saw something that has become increasingly rare.
People from every corner of the Vail community were gathered in one place, sharing stories, laughter, memories, and gratitude.
That's probably the highest compliment anyone could receive.
George Gillett helped shape the Vail many of us remember. More importantly, he left an impression on the people who were fortunate enough to know him.
What a wonderful celebration of life.
I'm grateful to have been there.
Jean-Claude Moritz
Vail Valley Insider
