A few weeks ago, family, friends and community members gathered at Center for the Arts Evergreen to pay tribute to Linda Kirkpatrick and the extraordinary impact of her life. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Linda invited people from every chapter of her story to attend an evening filled with memories, meaning, and mutual gratitude. Linda’s passing will leave a void in our community, yet her unique impression on so many aspects of Evergreen will remain forever.
As I reflect on my 14-year friendship with the remarkable Linda Kirkpatrick, I will remember the admirable leadership role she played in our community. Above all, though, I will remember the many quiet graces she extended to me and the honor of being called her friend.
“Linda loves beautiful things and loves sharing them with others.”
Celebrating the Beauty of Life
Whether running an errand to King Soopers, going for a walk, or attending a business meeting, one thing about Linda is certain: she is stylishly dressed, well-coiffed, and wearing her trademark coral lipstick and nail polish. Linda loves beautiful things and loves sharing them with others. Meals at her home are served on the good China and her table adorned with a striking cloth. The walls of the hallway leading to her condo are the introduction to the curated artwork that brings joy to visitors upon entering Linda’s place.
Linda has surrounded herself with art and culture. She loves attending the ballet to see her grandson and his wife dance, enjoying the Evergreen Jazz Festival weekend, catching a theater performance with one of her pals, and taking in music and art events at Center for the Arts Evergreen.
A Model of Loyalty
Linda’s commitment to people, organizations and causes is resolute. She is the friend who keeps in touch through email, phone calls, hand-painted Christmas cards, and visits. Without fail, Linda has stood by her friends, even in the most trying circumstances when they were experiencing poor health, isolated in a nursing home, or suffering from dementia.
Linda has invested in her neighbors, too. A resident of Rocky Mountain Village Estates, Linda is known for her faithful service on the HOA board, for brightening the lobby with fresh flowers, hosting coffees to welcome new residents, and as the person who affixed a giant-sized, wall-mounted Scrabble board outside of her condo entrance so passersby could engage in a playful competition.
Linda’s alliances with community organizations have been strong and longstanding. After cofounding Leadership Evergreen, she made it a priority to stay involved in its growth—recruiting applicants, serving on the board, and speaking to classes during their training modules. She has similarly honored her connections to the Mountain Area Land Trust, where she was a past executive director; and to Bootstraps, Inc., where she served as board president; and especially to the Evergreen Legacy Foundation, where she has been a board member and its first executive director. Linda’s passion for Evergreen, open-mindedness to learn about new community projects, and unparalleled talent for creating strategic connections have elevated ELF’s reputation and impact. When crisis struck our community with the Evergreen High School shooting, Linda formed the response fund, Evergreen Strong, in a matter of a weekend, so that funds could go to victims’ families without delay.
Welcoming of Newcomers and New Ideas
While some people who are considered pillars of their communities can often focus on preserving their accomplishments and viewpoints rather than accepting progress and new perspectives, Linda has remained receptive and encouraging of individuals who wanted to make an impact on Evergreen, whether they arrived 20 years or two months ago. I distinctly recall her excitement about the new families relocating to our area, and her enthusiastic backing of younger people for nonprofit board positions.
Linda has been eager to meet new people and connect them to the community. Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors gatherings, Evergreen Town Hall meetings, and participation in Jefferson County civic activities were opportunities for Linda to broaden her network, listen to new voices, and gain inspiration.
“Linda’s alliances with community organizations have been strong and longstanding.”
Never Just “A Walk in the Park”
Walking with Linda in Buchanan Park was always more than a stroll through the scenic acres she helped preserve as an open space advocate. Aside from getting a little exercise and solving the world’s problems, my walks with Linda were notable because I could experience her deep connection and investment in the park. Not only would she greet every passerby with a genuine smile, but she would also take ownership of the park—picking up litter, noting icy conditions or a loose bridge board to report to Evergreen Park & Recreation District, or scattering lupine seeds on the hillside adjacent to Bergen Parkway.
In summer, Linda came “armed” with clippers to cut down any thistle attempting an invasion, and she often brought a spare “weapon” for her walking partners. She would welcome all the seasons, never allowing a little rain or snow to get in the way. One Christmas Eve morning, we took hot chocolate and sat in the park’s historic shelter with snow falling all around us, as if we were in a snow globe. The memory of that magical scene, and sharing it with one of my best friends, is indeed irreplaceable.
An Enduring Community Tribute
As Linda faces a terminal illness, friends and community members have come together to honor her life and legacy with a lasting tribute: a shaded picnic and gathering space near the Buchanan Pavilion, complete with a commemorative plaque on Evergreen Park & Recreation District property.
The Mountain Area Land Trust is serving as the administrative entity through the Colorado Gives Foundation to raise $20,000 to help create a place where the community can gather, rest, and remember Linda’s outstanding contributions to Evergreen. To learn more, go to coloradogives.org
