HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01 Vi and Byron Brown Trailblazer Award1
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PROCLAMATION NO. 1, SERIES OF 2017
IN RECOGNITION OF VAIL'S TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENTS
VI AND BYRON BROWN
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail celebrated its 50th birthday of incorporation as a
municipality on August 23, 2016 with numerous festivities taking place, including the
debut of the Vail Trailblazer Award Program, a civic recognition whereby the Vail Town
Council acknowledges an individual/s that exemplifies the spirit and fortitude in making
Vail a great community through selfless contributions of time and talent which have
made a lasting impact; and;
WHEREAS, the Browns' legacy in Vail began with their arrival in 1964 after Byron
convinced Vi to relocate from their home in Denver. The family included young sons
Mike and Todd, while daughter Cindy was born a short time later in their new
hometown. At the time, Vail had a population of just over 100 residents with everyone
pulling together to help Pete Seibert and the other founders build a ski resort and a new
community, and;
WHEREAS, the Browns immediately became engulfed in their new life and over the
next fifty years began to help build the foundation of Vail! Byron formed a real estate
development company and built the first house in West Vail which became the family
home. Byron was also instrumental in expanding utilities and other infrastructure that
made it possible to develop neighborhoods in West Vail and East Vail. He served more
than 30 years on the boards of the local water and sanitation districts and also doubled
as a ski patroller. Att the same time, Vi spent much of her time introducing the children
to skiing and other wonders of the great outdoors while also working as a small
business owner and in various retail shops. In addition, she became a familiar fixture at
the Vail Information Booth, where she befriended many newcomers and life-long
guests. Vi also taught Sunday School at the Vail Chapel, served on the Eagle County
School Board and has had a familiar presence at Town Hall while serving as an election
judge during decades of municipal elections, and;
WHEREAS, the Browns were early and active supporters of Ski Club Vail, the local
club developing the next generations of ski competitors. The Browns organized
fundraisers for the club, served on the club's board of directors, provided technical
support in organizing sanctioned ski races and led a capital campaign to build the
current Vail Ski & Snowboard Club headquarters at Golden Peak. Vi and Byron's
involvement helped shape the ski club as first rate and which became the epicenter for
so many of Vail's early families as well as for many families of today. They were also
instrumental in helping to bring the first World Cup ski races to Vail and the 1989 Alpine
World Ski Championships. In addition, Byron helped form the local Buddy Werner Ski
League, an organization that transitioned many children to become ski racers at Ski
Club Vail. Their son Mike excelled at the sport, becoming the first Vail athlete to join the
U.S. Ski Team in 1981, a particularly proud moment for Vi and Byron and the rest of the
community, and;
WHEREAS, the Browns are also remembered for their decades -long role in
organizing and supporting the Eagle Valley Community Fund, in which millions of
dollars have been returned to local non -profits from the annual rummage sale event,
one of their proudest accomplishments. Today, Vi and Byron's presence can be found
at numerous community events, including the ribbon cutting for the recent Vail Golf &
Nordic Center Clubhouse, Vail's 50th birthday celebration, the town's annual Community
Meetings and more. Married for 55 years, they served as the grand marshals for the
Vail America Days Parade in 2016 and are previous recipients of the Hornblower Award
presented by the Vail Valley Foundation as well as various Rotary Club awards. They
are considered as "family" by many community members who have known them over
the last five decades, and;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed to the community by the Vail Town Council,
the second recipients of the Vail Trailblazer Award are Vi and Byron Brown, two
pioneers of early Vail who have demonstrated over the past 50 years their courage,
leadership, vision and commitment to enhance Vail's social, recreational, cultural,
educational and environmental values that define this community, this is our tribute to
both of you as we extend our sincere appreciation for your passion and contributions to
the betterment of the Town of Vail and broader community.
Dated this 7th day of March 2017.
Vail Town Council
Bd'e Chapin, Mayor J
Attest: