Doris Swift
unknown - September 10, 2010
Steamboat Springs resident Doris Jean Lay Swift passed away Sept. 10, 2010. She was 85.
A loving daughter, sister, mom, grandma and great-grandma, Doris remained remarkably active until her death. In any season she could be seen walking to T’ai Chi, the library or the community center.
A powerful role model, she taught us to love and appreciate nature, always stop to think, be strong no matter what and always walk with purpose. Equally important, she always followed her heart.
Doris climbed most of Colorado’s fourteeners, as well as hiked the Himalayas. She traveled to Africa, China, Mongolia, Russia, Tibet, Thailand and Iceland, rode a freighter to Newfoundland and traveled border to border in the U.S. and Canada. She considered each trip a lesson in the lives and histories of people and, of course, local plant life. All of life was an adventure in learning for Doris.
A horticulturist, Doris’ involvement with the Colorado Garden and Home Show spanned 20 years, including 10 years as president. She was active in the Arvada Garden Club, Denver Botanic Gardens, Ojai Land Conservancy in California, and most recently involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Yampa River Botanic Park.
On a volunteer team for a number of years, she worked to create and rebuild trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.
She was founder and president of the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show; it was the largest in the Denver area during her term of 11 years.
Doris is survived by her children, Mark Evans and his wife, Debbie, L. Gayle Evans, and Wendy Vaughan and her husband, Steve; her brother, John Lay, and his wife, Patricia; five grandchildren, Mathew White and his wife, Michele, Toby Bunkelman and her husband, Travis, and Lennon Vaughan, Spencer Vaughan and Winston Vaughan; and five great-grandchildren, Grace White, Jessica White, Lucas Bunkelman, Madeline Bunkelman and Josie Bunkelman.
Doris believed it behooves each of us to leave a place better and prettier than when we arrived. She leaves a powerful legacy and big shoes to fill. We will miss her very much, but hold her close in our hearts.
