“But groundless hope, like boundless love is the only kind to have” - John Perry Barlow

A beautiful wild spirit, my wife and best friend Marla Jill Ofstad @marlaofstad ran out of time in her battle against cancer last Friday, 5/20. I’ve had the great honor of being by Marla’s side for the whole journey, 33+ years of love that just kept growing. She fought so hard to beat this horrific disease these last 2 1/2 years and refused to be defined by cancer. A lifelong athlete, Marla and I met running a race up Mount Evans in 1988 and became life partners the next spring. She ran countless marathons and trail races, we summited 45 CO 14ers, hiked great treks of the world, reached high trekking peaks in Nepal, S. America, Kilimanjaro… Marla had a wild spirit unlike anyone I’ve ever known. Marla had a gift for making people feel special, to believe in themselves and her network of friends spans the globe. Some have told me she changed their lives, and count me among those who are forever changed. She was the glue in our family, gravitated to joy and generously gave love, kindness, and compassion every day of her life. Marla is the finest person I’ve ever known and her quest for enlightenment, to become her true self made us all better people. Marla’s love and support is the reason I could become a full time photographer. She gave so much love, delighted in gifting, loved double IPA’s, and could laugh like a hyena. Joy. As great as the big adventures were, we reached a place where the simplest moments of just being present on the prairie gave great joy, giving gratitude to earth and for this remarkable life together. Together, we flowed like a river. I have no more words for the enormity of losing Marla’s life force, her love and shining light. With gratitude and boundless love, may your wild spirit soar now. ❤️ Donations to @americancancersociety are encouraged.