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Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf

Chris Kopf Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

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Today I lost a friend

February 18, 2019 By Chris Kopf

Today I lost a FriendToday I lost a friend.

Owen Green’s body was recovered this afternoon by Crested Butte Search and Rescue ** along with his friend’s body. They were training on Saturday morning for the Grand Traverse and got caught in an Avalanche on Death Pass.

Owen was wearing a GPS device and we could digitally track their progress up Brush Creek… the dots provide a timestamp and elevation. Somewhere between 8:39am and 8:49am they were swept downhill approximately 210 feet.

I think I am out of tears.

Owen was the boyfriend of my niece Kali, and as a close family we all thought of Owen as a best friend. He was a great guy. Thoughtful, helpful, resourceful, hard working. He loved life. People loved to be around Owen.

Crested Butte Friends HutIn late December Owen, my brother Rick and I skied to the Friend’s Hut – we took the same route, and there was very little snow then – and so our trek through Death Pass was a non-event.

Owen had climbed Mt. Rainier with guides and my brother Rick and nephew Kevin in the past year. He knew the perils of the back country, and of Death Pass – we talked about it. He had been through there twice. His partner also from Aspen / Snowmass had competed in The Power of Four and an was an experienced back country skier…

Owen GreenOn Friday I learned Owen was going to be in Crested Butte. I texted him and suggested we skin-up the mountain on Saturday morning. He replied that he was going to do some training out Brush Creek Saturday, then alpine ski CB on Sunday – but for sure we would skin-up on Monday.

I have since reviewed that text over and over. And while I had no idea they would chance Death Pass, I am so mad at myself that I did not challenge his plans. Especially considering the new heavy snow. It did not occur to me that they would risk it…

Today I lost a FriendI spoke with the Mt. Crested Butte police officer and learned that their bodies were buried in the avalanche. If there is a blessing it is that they did not suffer. And they died doing something they loved. I can’t believe I am writing this…

Why am I writing this? Therapy. Honor. Respect. I guess to say goodbye to a friend I have skied with, fly fished with, ice fished with, laughed with and shared adventures with in these mountains. I will cherish the memories – there could have been so many more.

I knew my friend Owen for too short a time. 27 is too young to leave this world.

Rest in peace my friend.

 

** Special thanks to the men and women from Crested Butte Search and Rescue, Crested Butte Avalanche Control, Crested Butte Ski Patrol and Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte Police Departments and others who were responders. I was in communication with members of these teams before, during and after their mission. They put themselves in harms way due to the severe avalanche conditions that still existed. We all hope we never need them – but they are there. The first night they were out until 4:00am – then put together another team and headed back out. Amazing!  Thank you.

Chris Kopf
Broker / Owner
Global Luxury Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
email: Chris.Kopf@CBMP.com
mobile phone: (970) 209-5405
www.ChrisKopf.com
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Chris Kopf, Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
305 6th Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
  • Chris.Kopf@CBMP.com
  • (970) 209-5405

Testimonials

Bobby Nichols

"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "

 
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:45:19-07:00
"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "  
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/bobby-nichols/

Jeff Hollings

Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:46:48-07:00
Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jeff-hollings/

James Brennan

This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T17:59:24-06:00
This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/james-brennan/

Jane Saltzman

Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:49:37-07:00
Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jane-saltzman/

Georges Lussier

The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:40-06:00
The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/georges-lussier/

Frank Stringer

Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:51:04-07:00
Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/frank-stringer/

Paul & Julie Keesee

Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:59-06:00
Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/paul-julie-keesee/

Jim & Sandra Wickham

Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:18-06:00
Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jim-sandra-wickham/

Tom & Mary Aton

It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:31-06:00
It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/tom-mary-aton/

Dan Aquaviva

This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:26-06:00
This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/dan-aquaviva/
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Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf

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