Alan Mace sunset 12/8/2023
Alan Mace passed away on December 8, 2023 at the age of 75, after having recently moved to live with his daughter and granddaughter in California. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his spirit in facing challenges all while keeping his smile and (always!) his puns. He refused to give up doing the work he loved.
Alan was born in Colorado in 1948. He grew up in Ashcroft driving dog sled teams in the mountains above Aspen and working in the family restaurants. After youthful travels and a stint at Harvard University, he joined his brother to run Malachite Small Farm school in 1987 where he spent many years teaching agriculture and environmentalism. He took great pride in his work, be it farming or hardwood flooring or table making, harvesting the joy of working hard with hardwood.
Alan always made space and time to learn about the world and the places beyond. He had a quick wit, and his skeleton jokes were always humerus. He loved to cook – the spice he added to life was only matched by his love of hot chilis. He was a connoisseur of Celtic music and science fiction, a patient teacher, and a master woodworker. He always wanted the world to be kind and fair. More than once, he gave someone the shirt he was wearing.
His big heart lives on with his children (Kevi and Dylan) and granddaughter (Melody), his partner (Dove), three surviving siblings (Kent, Bruce, and Lynne), and his nieces and nephews (Amos, Alana, Laura, and Brian).
A private memorial will be held in the spring when there is plenty of sunshine and new growth.
