Kimberley Elaine Ward

1957-2023

Kimberley Elaine Ward passed away at approximately 6 AM on Saturday 23 December 2023. She was 66 years old. Kim and I were married for 44 years. In 2013, Kim was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia FTD. (It was recently announced that the actor Bruce Willis has FTD. Hopefully, his bringing more awareness to this awful form of dementia will provide more funding for much-needed research to find a cure or treatment for FTD.)  As her FTD progressed, it became increasingly difficult for me to properly care for her and keep her safe, so in October 2019 I placed her in the memory care unit at Jackson Creek Senior Living (JCSL) in Monument, Colorado, near where we lived.

Kim had BS degrees in Biology and Psychology and an MS degree in Neuroscience from the University of Utah. She was first-author of four peer-reviewed papers on schizophrenia that were published in scientific journals. Kim loved making quilts, designing amazing houses, restoring the Estemere Estate in Palmer Lake, Colorado, cruising the world, playing bridge, and family gatherings. In 1999, Kim purchased the building in Palmer Lake that became the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA). It continues to provide first-class art and entertainment for the Tri-Lakes' area. Estemere and the TLCA are Kim's legacy and contribution to Palmer Lake. Kim's trademark was her beautiful long hair that she maintained herself--never died or tinted. She would wash and condition it, towel dry it, and brush it. Sometimes I had to cut the "split ends." If we were going out for something special, she would apply a little eye makeup. She had a natural beauty. Kim was a true class act--she never wanted any recognition or attention for the many acts of kindness and generosity she did.

The caregivers at JCSL's memory care unit loved Kim and enjoyed brushing and braiding her hair. The staff at JCSL and Bloom Hospice provided loving care for Kim, and I am grateful to all of them for their sensitive support throughout Kim's last days. Tri-Lakes Funeral and Cremation's staff provided sensitive loving support to the family at the end. Per Kim's Final Arrangement wishes, there will be no ceremonies, and her ashes will be scattered over an ocean.

Kim loved her family: her three children Tara Ward, James Ryerson, and Eric (Laura) Ward; her brother Scott (Nola) Lohman, sisters Teresa (Clint) Standiford and Chrislyn (Ken) Lowrey; her mother Betty Starr; her aunt Colleen (Gordon) Parmelee; her nephews Bryan (Sarah) and Josh (Alona) Lohman; her niece Amy Standiford and nephews Matthew and Nathan Ortez; her “German kids” Verena (Ramon, Emily, Frida) Danner and Oliver (Carmen, Emma, Julius,) Pilnei; her “Hungarian kid” Judit Csobai; multiple cousins and other family members; and hundreds of friends. Kim and I had a long and wonderful life together—I dedicated my autobiography Quartzman to her. Without Kim's love, devotion, and support I would not be the person I am today.

My eternal thanks to all of you who knew and loved Kim and continue to support me.

Roger

28 December 2023