July 18, 1959 – April 9, 2024
On Tuesday, April 9th, the hearts of Grand County, Colorado, and Grand County, Utah, grew a little heavier as we bid farewell to a truly remarkable soul, Roger Hedlund.
For more than four decades, Roger dedicated himself to the enrichment and betterment of his Grand County, Colorado community, not just through his entrepreneurial ventures (Home James, Mad Adventures, Trailblazer Snowmobile Tours, and Elevation Pizza), but also through his relentless commitment to service and leadership. His passing leaves a void in the fabric of our communities that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Roger was a true beacon of hope and progress. He lent his expertise and passion to numerous organizations in Colorado, including the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District, Grand County Search & Rescue, The Grand Foundation, Headwaters Trails Alliance, Grand County Advocates, Grand County Pet Pals, CASA, Fraser Valley Elementary Reading Buddies, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust, Grand Youth Adventures, and Grand Huts Association. He was also the visionary behind the Oslo Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental protection, animal welfare and community enrichment.
Named Citizen of the Year by his peers in 2013, his legacy is one of boundless generosity, leadership, youth empowerment, outdoor education, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. A part-time Moab resident since 2011, Roger volunteered for Moab Trail Mix, Wabi Sabi, and was a longtime member of Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Roger grew up in a military family and lived all over the world. He graduated from CSU in 1981 and moved to Grand County in 1982. Before starting his businesses, Roger was a geologist in Alaska and an employee at Winter Park Resort. Roger was always happiest when he was moving in the outdoors. Nature was his church. He had amazing stamina and athleticism and a positive “go getter” attitude that was infectious. His beautiful bright smile got him to the finish line of 14 full Ironmans, 45 half Ironmans, numerous Leadville 100 finishes—including the coveted Leadman—and a podium finish at the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. In addition, he participated in numerous gravel and running races. Roger discovered a love for alpine mountaineering and successfully summited some of the highest peaks in the world, in Nepal, Tibet, India, South America, and Alaska.
As we mourn the loss of Roger, let us support his family during this time of grief by committing to continue his work in strengthening the bonds of our community. For those in need, The H.O.P.E. (Healing Opportunities through Prevention Efforts) Fund stands as a testament to Roger’s compassion by offering support for mental health needs. Help is available at BuildingHopeGrand.Com and the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255.
Roger Hedlund’s impact will forever be cherished, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Eleanor Hedlund, his brother, Robert Hedlund, and his sister-in-law, Sara Hedlund. Roger has left behind many wonderful friends and, most of all, his family: the love of his life, Michele Murray Hedlund; his brothers: John Hedlund and Natalie, Steven Hedlund and Yumiko, and Richard Hedlund; his sister Karen Hedlund; his sister-in-law Nikki Naiser; and twelve nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.Roger’s Celebration of Life will be on April 27th, 2024, from 2-5 pm at the Headwaters Event Center in Winter Park, Colorado. There will be indoor and outdoor seating, so please dress for the weather. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Underdog Rescue, Moab https://underdogrescuemoab.org/, Moab Trail Mix https://www.grandcountyutah.net/230/Donating, or to the nonprofit of your choice.
