BEAVER CREEK, Colo.—Family, friends and admirers of missing adventurer Steve Fossett gathered in this resort town on Thursday to remember him as an energetic, upbeat and generous man.
Fossett, a wealthy tycoon who lived part-time in Beaver Creek, was last seen Sept. 3 when he took off from an airstrip near Yerington, Nev., in a single-engine plane.
Crews combed 20,000 square miles of rugged western Nevada mountains before the search was suspended. Fossett, 63, was declared dead last month.
About 200 people attended the memorial service. Fossett’s wife, Peggy, sat in the front row with other family members.
John Kugler, a balloonist who flew with Fossett and became a close friend, said Fossett was known for his kindness, humility and generosity as well as his adventurous spirit.
“His sense of adventure will continue to inspire and fuel our dreams,” Kugler said.
Balloonist Tim Cole said Fossett “always had this twinkle in his eye when he shared his thoughts of his next adventure.”
Kathy Brendza, a former executive director of Fossett’s Youth Foundation, a local nonprofit, said Fossett wanted to help kids.
“I will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity Steve Fossett showed this community,” she said.
