Leif Borgenson's Celebration of Life

Leif Borgenson passed away this winter while hiking Highlands Bowl in Aspen Highlands, Colorado. These images are from his celebration of life memorial service and party. It's been a few months since these photos were taken, and I've found myself struggling trying to define how long is long enough before posting them? How long is too long? Do family and friends want to see these now... in two months... in two years... ever? But since Leif, a legendary ski patroller at the legend A-Basin, came from a community of people who chose specifically to CELEBRATE his life rather than just mourn his death, I figured it's time to share these images.

See the full album for a limited time HERE.

Friends, family and community gather at a packed Keystone Conference Center to speak and share stories about adventurous Leif, the snow safety director at Arapahoe Basin ski area.

Leif's brother and son.

Leif's family.

Stills from Rex Lint Productions' beautiful memorial video for Leif.

A-Basin staff & ski patrol share stories.

The service moves to the party at the A-Frame lodge at the base of Arapahoe Basin.

Cheers and beers for Leif.

The lovely Kay Beaton of Beaton Photography who asked me to shoot this event.

The mountain at night.

Thanks to everyone for having me at this event. It was an honor to be part of.

A Big Week For Life & Death

A few weeks ago, my dear friend Dustin Peletier and his girlfriend Carla Miranda were killed in an accident in Denver. As I scrambled to make arrangements to fly home for services and to be with friends, little Atticus Hayes was born, two weeks early. I make no attempt to make any sense of any of this, but it was an honor, if melancholy experience to be with Atticus, hours after joining the world, while trying to accept giving Dustin back to whatever magnificent place he came from. Here are some photos from newborn Atticus in the hospital in Denver, as well as heading home for Dustin...

Nathan, Michael & Angela check out the new baby boy.

It's tiring work, being born.

The nurse shows Nathan how to burp Atticus.

Becky's friends & family made a mural for the hospital & delivery room.

New dad Nathan spreads the news.

Baby, new Mom & Dad

Atticus

A few days later, I hopped a plane to NYC and headed home to Stamford, CT to be with friends and say goodbye to Dustin. We spent a lot of time at Fort Stamford, a beautiful flower-filled park, where we spent way too much time in high school. We created our own form of memorial, planting flowers, looking at pictures and just being together. As sad and tragic as it all was, it was a beautiful thing to all be together again, laughing, crying and making the best out of it. Has anyone ever seen The Big Chill? It was kinda like that...

Alan, Christian & Jonny re-create a photo from 10 years ago.

Antoine Savage

Jonny Roman... The best laugh in the world.

Alan Lopez, looking sharp.

Kate Molina looking at old pictures of Dustin.

Laura Lopez & her tiny dog.

The (partial) crew.

Nicole & leaf shadows.

Roland smells the (tree) flowers.

Ft. Stamford

For Dice.

Many thanks to the Stamford crew for pulling together for this one.