Steven Keiser, beloved Summit County resident, dies at 47

Steven Keiser, age 47, former Director of Golf at the Keystone Ranch and River Course golf courses, and long-time resident of Summit County, passed away September 2, 2006, after courageously battling Pulmonary Hypertension. Steve’s warm character and big smile will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.

Steve was born November 8, 1958, and was raised on the family farm located in southwest South Dakota, which his grandfather purchased in 1919. Steve graduated from Gregory High School in 1977. Steve loved sports and was active in high school sports including football, baseball, and basketball. Steve and his first wife, Denise Deffenbaugh, married in June 1978 and soon welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mindy. Steve attended the University of South Dakota and worked on the family farm before moving to Colorado in the fall of 1984.

Steve began working for Keystone Resort that same year and as a result of his natural gift for guest service and ability to put people at ease, quickly worked his way up into various management positions within the Mountain Operations Department. Steve’s ready smile and personable manner engaged the many guests, employees, and friends he encountered. Steve’s work included his acting as Assistant Base Area Manager/Manager, Assistant Transportation Manager, and Ice Rink Manager. “Steve was so grounded, centered, he was so present with his friends and guests alike. Steve was always willing to do what it takes, no matter what job” reflected John Rutter former COO Keystone Resort, “what a magical smile.”

Steve found his true passion in the golf industry where at Keystone he worked diligently to become a PGA professional. Steve’s talent and enthusiasm for golf advanced him to the position of Director of Golf for the Keystone Ranch and River Course golf courses, where he developed a loyal staff and appreciative clientele. As Steve Corneillier, General Manager Keystone Golf, put it “Steve set a standard at our resort with guest service that will be everlasting. His eternal smile will rise with every sunrise, and he will be dearly missed by every golfer that ever met him.” Roger McCarthy, COO of Keystone & Breckenridge and Co-President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division, added “Steve was a special guy, no matter what the occasion , his relaxed approach immediately got you comfortable and let you know you were going to have a great time. Whether at the golf course welcoming a group or out there coaching your swing, he would make you feel so at ease and confident that you felt great about your day, no matter what you shot. We miss him every day, but the memory of his personality lives on.”

Steve met and married, Ingrid Belzer, who joined Keystone Resort as an attorney in 1989. After a 1990 wedding at the Keystone Ranch, Steve and Ingrid welcomed the birth of their two daughters, Sylvia (now age 12) and Monika (now age 10). Steve was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family. The Keiser’s contented mountain life changed in 2003 when Steve was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. As a result, he and his family moved first to Golden, Colorado and then to Colleyville, Texas to enable Steve to receive specialized medical care. Because of his condition, Steve was not able to travel to high elevations and he sorely missed the golf course scenery, the view of Buffalo Mountain, and Colorado’s deep blue sky. While Steve was unable to continue working, he made the most of his time by being a soccer dad, carpooling to school, and spending time with his daughters at home and in the pool. Steve also traveled to new and favored destinations. Ingrid attributes Steve’s strength to the love he had for his family. “Steve never complained to others about his disease and the limitations it imposed on him, and instead focused on enjoying his life with his family and friends.”

In February of 2006, Steve proudly became a grandfather to Jackson Hall, the son of Mindy and Andy Hall. In addition to his only grandchild Jackson, daughters Mindy, Sylvia, and Monika, and wife, Ingrid, Steve is survived by his parents, Dale and Ruby Keiser, brother Dave Keiser, sisters Barb Adams and Sally Woodden, and many other relatives.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at the Keystone Resort at a later date and time to be announced. Charitable donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association at www.phassociation.org.