In Memoriam

Heidi

On July 14, 2003, Sue and Heidi rolled into the Aspen Inn parking lot and began an adventure, the likes of which would make for a very entertaining book. Never having been on the ‘other side’ of a motel registration counter and never having cleaned a motel room, this was a baptism by fire for the two women from Colorado. Sue, retired from operating her own successful Labrador Retriever breeding program, and Heidi, switching careers from real estate, jumped in without a clue as to ‘how to’.

Now it’s tempting to just stop here and say, “and the rest is history”, but that would leave out so much. And the ‘so much’ with respect to Sue is worth the retelling… First of all, if you had the pleasure of meeting her, you would know from the start that she was genuine and always had a smile on her face. And second, if you had something to share, she was there to listen and converse. Fun, approachable, and always ready with a joke (from her years as a bartender), Sue truly never seemed to meet a stranger. Her “check-ins” were typically longer than average, but the guests inevitably left smiling and feeling as though they’d made a new friend.

And that would explain the hundreds of greeting cards, letters and postcards she received from all corners of the earth over the years. Sue was fond of saying that she travelled vicariously through the many people she met from all over the world. And if she had taken people up on their offers to “stay with us if you’re ever in…”, she absolutely could have travelled around the world and never once paid for a motel room!

Young, old and all ages in between, Sue had a way of finding common ground with people and making them feel welcome in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. She loved Crater Lake and its surroundings and really enjoyed sharing it all with those who came to explore. What started out for Sue and Heidi as an idea for something fun to do, quickly developed into a dream for what could be at the Aspen Inn. And over the eight years she was here, Sue threw her all into that dream and it shows still today.

Without exaggeration, Sue is missed and spoken of on a daily basis at the Aspen Inn. Her legacy with respect to this place is one that truly defines hospitality. She would go the extra mile and then some to see that guests felt welcomed and comfortable. And it is our hope that those who come to stay at the Aspen Inn will see the uniqueness of its character and charm, and come to know in some measure, what Sue saw as a little slice of heaven here on earth.