People
Collection for person entities.
Pages
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- Wallace "Buddy" Jerold Werner
- Bud Werner was an internationally renowned alpine ski racer who died trying to outrace an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on April 12, 1964. Contributions from all over the world were given in Buddy's memory and used to build a new public library for the community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Bud Werner Memorial Library opened its doors with a dedication ceremony on February 4, 1967. A native of Steamboat Springs, Buddy had a breakneck style which caused spectacular spills, but also enabled him to win virtually every championship available during his mercurial career. He was America's first truly world class ski racer. Among his accomplishments were: Member, Olympic Alpine Team, 1956; 1960; 1964. Member, Federation International du Ski Alpine Team, 1954 (alternate); 1958, when he was the first American selected; 1962. Posthumously inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame, 1964. Three time Holmenkollen Champion in Norway, with the best showing to date by an American Alpine skier in international competition, 1954; 1956; 1962. Three time National Alpine Champion in Giant Slalom, 1957; 1959; 1963. Two time winner of the Roche Cup, 1961; 1959. Source: Bud Werner Memorial Library website
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- Wallace Alvin Eugene de Beque
- He was a Civil War Veteran, physician, and coroner who came to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1883 to enter into the cattle business. He was born in Canada, but came to Maine in order to join the 2nd Main Cavalry, so that he could fight for the Union in the Civil War. He came to Colorado in 1880, and was a coroner in Fairplay for a few years. Shortly after coming to Grand Junction, he scouted the area, searching for a suitable place for a cattle ranching operation. On March 14, 1883, he staked claim on a property later known as Ravensbeque, in De Beque Canyon, four miles from the current town of De Beque. He began building a log cabin there with his first wife, Marie Meyers on July 5, 1884. Eventually, the settlement of Ravensbeque was abandoned, and the town of De Beque founded and named in his honor. According to oral history interviewee Craig Aupperle, he studied medicine in Grand Junction and began a medical practice, establishing himself as one of the area's first doctors. He practiced in De Beque for several years and was eventually a member of the Colorado State Medical Board of Examiners. In addition to maintaining his medical practice, he ran De Beque's drug store, general store and post office. He was also a notary public and a horse trader. He had an intense dislike of sheep ranching, and went with masked men on a raid that killed several sheep. He also killed sheep that crossed his property on the way to the railroad station. He was involved in oil share exploration and investment in the De Beque area. With partners, he held 20,000 acres of oil shale bearing land, which they sold to Union Oil in 1943. He was married three times, with Marie (de Lauvalet) de Beque being his last wife. According to the Grand Junction News, he was a local character and practical joker.
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- Wallace Cunningham
- He came to Utah in 1888, when he was one year old, joining his father J.M. Cunningham who had moved there in 1884 to manage the Pittsburgh Cattle Company. Wallace also became a rancher, and owned the Cunningham Ranch.
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- Wally Holt
- According to William Rump, who played sports at Grand Junction High School, Holt was the only coach of any sort at the school in the 1920’s, and coached multiple sports, including football and basketball. He often carpooled with the Rump family to out-of-town sports engagements.
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- Wally Smith
- A road builder based in Mesa County, Colorado who worked on projects with Harry Gardner in the first half of the Twentieth century. He retired a wealthy man and relocated to Craig.