Whether you call it a who’s who or a remember when, the kickoff party for Purgatory Resort’s 50th anniversary on Saturday night was an occasion for celebration, recollection and just sheer fun.
About 240 guests descended on Purgy’s and the Durango Mountain Club for dinner, dancing, the premiere of a documentary by Deborah Uroda and stories, lots and lots of stories.
Purgatory’s CEO, Gary Derck, served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
“There is one individual, probably more than any other, who was the spark, the vision and the ultimate creator of Purgatory and the special place it holds in our hearts…and that is Ray Duncan,” he said, kicking off the homages and introductions. “When Ray, Chet Anderson, Dolph Kuss and others decided that their home town needed a ‘real’ ski mountain, it was Ray who stepped up to create the Durango Ski Corp., passed the hat among downtown businessmen and sold enough stock – in just 38 days I might add – to create the equity required for the initial (Small Business Administration) loan that launched Purgatory.”
Unfortunately, Duncan did not live to see the 50th anniversary of his creation, or, as Derck put it, went to the Purgatory in the sky, where I imagine there is always fresh powder, a bluebird sky and a bottle or two of Silver Oak (the winery he co-founded) cabernet. But his family turned out in spades. Son Kevin Duncan spoke on behalf of the family.
Everyone was delighted to see Ray’s wife of 27 years, Sally Duncan, who was herself a key player in the first two decades of the ski area’s life.
While virtually everyone in the room had a “Purg” story, Dirty Don Hinkley, Paul Folwell, Kuss, Mike Elliott and John Ogier were invited to share a (tall) tale or two. Everyone else was asked to write down their fondest memory – but who could pick just one? – to go into a time capsule to be opened upon Purgatory’s centennial in 2065. I needed a bigger card.
I grew up at Purg because my mom, Kathy Butler, was head of accounting for the first 17 years. The first season, KIUP-AM was going to have a weekly 15-minute show with a snow report and news from the area. It had a contest to name it, which I was determined to win. The prize was a day pass, a day’s ski rental and a ski lesson. My mom pointed out I already skied free, had my own skis and knew how to ski, but winning was the goal. And I did, win that is. So for several winters, Durangoans would hear, “It’s PurgyTime” once a week. (What can I say, I was 10!)
An event of this size takes a lot of work. Those deserving of applause – and they got it – included Carly Thomson, Dan Furlong, Dan White, Charissa Koulovatos, Susan Hannon, Keith Thompson and the entire Purgy’s and Durango Mountain Club teams, Derck said. Matthew Krichman, the Purgatory events manager, coordinated this event, and Annie Simonson provided some jazzy decorations.
The evening ended with a champagne toast from new owner James Coleman, whose family also turned out in spades.
He toasted to the next 50 years and the hope that he, and any future stewards of the ski area, help the area continue to thrive as a family friendly destination.
HHH
Hoping their birthdays aren’t forgotten in the holiday rush are Jim Beatty, Nancy Stohl, Emily Schaldach, Nick Branson, Doug Wolfe, Sue Walker, Joe Somrak, Rob Kolter, Jim Robinett, Ryan Szura, B.J. Pierce, Lucas Hoffman, John Condie, Ian Ellingson-Condie, Laurie Hakes, Kathryn Lavengood and Nick Salter.
HHH
It may not be a golden anniversary, but the Catholic Daughters of the America’s St. Anthony’s Court is holding its 10th annual Doorways to a Durango Christmas from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is a chance to check out stellar decorations, many with meaningful stories, and is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.
The houses on tour this year belong to Dan and Wyn Shry, Kelly and Dr. Mark Gaughan, Erin and Michael Bery and Tom and Kelly Gessel.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the St. Columba Parish Office (directly behind the church) or from any member of the Catholic Daughters. Children 12 and under are free, so this is perfect for families.
For more information, call 247-0044 or email mbst1982@gmail.com.
HHH
Enjoying a little eggnog for their anniversary are Clark and Brigitte Cunningham.
HHH
neighbors@durangoherald.com
