Slifer passed away peacefully February 3
The Vail Valley Foundation was saddened to learn of the recent passing of one of our organization’s founders, Rod Slifer.
Slifer was one of Vail’s original founders, arriving in Vail in 1962. His contributions to the early days of Vail Mountain made him a legend in our community but he didn’t stop there. He went on to be a major contributor to virtually all areas of life in our community through tireless support of a wide array of causes and initiatives, including significant support, leadership, and vision, provided to the Vail Valley Foundation.
Rod is a Colorado native and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Colorado. Rod served as a member of the Vail Town Council for 16 years and the mayor of Vail for 12 years. He is a founding director of Alpine Banks of Colorado, director of Colorado Open Lands, and is one of the founders of the University of Colorado Real Estate Center and Real Estate Foundation. Slifer was also an early member of the Eagle County and Vail Planning Commissions and Recreation District. In recognition of his dedication to the Vail Valley, Rod Slifer was named Vail Business Person of the Year in 2013 and was named one of Vail’s 10 most influential citizens, also in 2013.
Together, Rod and Beth were named Vail Valley Citizens of the Year in 2009. Rod served as the Vice Chair of the Vail Valley Foundation Board of Directors from 1985 to 2022, and became a Life Trustee on July 1, 2022.
The story of his life is told in a recently-published book, “Rod Slifer & the Spirit of Vail.”
VVF President Mike Imhof sent this message to our VVF staff, Board of Directors, and VVF community:
It is with difficulty and sadness that I inform you that Rod Slifer, our dear friend, esteemed board member, respected mentor, and community leader passed away February 3.
Rod’s positive influence and contributions to this community, the Vail Valley Foundation, and so many other organizations, is beyond measure. We will be forever grateful to Rod for his visionary, unwavering commitment to this beautiful community that we call home.
There are a handful of people who we can say were true founders of our Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas, and who made significant contributions toward making our Valley one of the most special places on earth for everyone who is a part of this remarkable community.
We are grateful to have known him. We wish his wife, Beth, his daughter, Adi, and their family, peace during this difficult time.
Rod will be remembered at a ceremony at the Vail Valley foundation's Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on June 27, 2024.
