Rodney Ray Cooley left this earth June 29, 2025. He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Gunnison Valley was a vacation spot for his family, and he made it his home in the late 1980s.
Cooley lived in Mt. Crested Butte and worked for places such as the Plaza and High Country Resorts, as well as served on the town council for Mt. Crested Butte. He had many occupations, like EMT, lifeguard, professional gambler, motorcycle racer — and he broke horses as well. His full life made him a "Rod of all trades."
Cooley loved camping and hunting and enjoyed the outdoors with his family of choice. Not only did his generosity cover this valley, his knowledge was well respected. He was prepared for any situation, and that gave the ones he loved safety and reassurance.
Please join friends and family at the Talk of the Town during happy hour on Sept. 19 to honor Rod Cooley.
He left us with these words he wrote himself:
When I die
To children and old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry, cry for your brother or sister beside you.
And when you need me
Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.
I leave you with something, something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I have known or loved, and if you cannot give me away
At least let me live in your eyes and not your mind.
You can love me most by letting hand touch hands and letting bodies touch bodies
And letting children go of children.
I need to be free
Love does not die, people do.
So, when all that’s left of me is love
Give me away.”
Rod Cooley
