Caye Geer Obituary

Caye Dhu Geer, 81, of Durango, died peacefully in her sleep on November 13th, 2018, after a valiant fight against a relapse of cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, first diagnosed 23 years ago, was the root cause. She is survived by her husband Richard, sons Jon, Drew, Stuart, and Garth, their spouses Linda, Toni, Laura, and Barbara, grandchildren Wesley, Garrett, Molly, Lilly, Grace, and Gavin, nephew Jacob Shapiro and a wide circle of close friends.

Caye was born April 29th, 1937, in Denver, Colorado to John Dhu and Mary Virginia Corr McLucas. Due to her father's occupation, Caye spent her childhood relocating to various locations throughout Colorado. At age 5, Caye became enthralled with the piano. Her grandmother, a talented and highly regarded piano teacher, took her under her wing and it wasn't long before Caye herself became an extremely talented and passionate classical pianist. She was once a pupil of Millicent de Belle at the University of Denver School of Music and studied classical piano with her sister Anne under the renowned musician Antonia Brico. She loved the piano, whether she was playing it for herself, for a small audience or listening to her grandchildren play. Music was a major influence on her inner spirit. She will be fondly remembered for her participation as the pianist with the Electra Lake Trio. Each summer for nearly 20 years the Trio would perform a joyful concert attended by friends, family and other music lovers.

Her life-long passion for the outdoors was also fostered during her young childhood. She helped her family run the Frisco Lodge in the 1950s. She remembered fondly her experience of working a summer job during the summer of 1954 at the Toklat Lodge near Ashcroft along with a solo camping trip at age 17 at Conundrum Hot Springs where a bobcat tried to eat her steak. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors would be passed down to her four sons and to all her grandchildren.



Caye attended South High in Denver, CO, and Smith College in Northampton, MA, from where she graduated with a liberal arts degree in 1958. During a summer school session at CU Boulder, Caye reunited with South High classmate Richard Geer. They married on July 13th, 1958 in Littleton, CO. After time in Denver, Boulder, and Palo Alto, they and their first two sons, Jon and Drew, settled in Durango in 1965.

Caye kept plenty busy raising her family - having 2 more sons, Stuart and Garth - while also working at Richard's pediatric practice. She also found time to study and then practice psychotherapy for nearly three decades. These professional pursuits were very important to her, but they did not deter her from her enthusiasm and participation in all the great things that the Durango area had to offer for her and her family.

Caye cherished all things that involved the outdoors. With affection she spent time with friends and family in the southwest desert and in the Colorado high country. She was a fierce advocate for outdoor preservation and wildlife, with a special fondness for birds and flowers. She enjoyed both nordic and alpine skiing and shared her outdoor passion with her family and friends backpacking, camping and cycling throughout the San Juans. Desert hikes in Comb Wash & Canyon de Chelly with all the boys were fondly remembered. Once she and Dick became "empty nesters" they participated in Ride the Rockies and enjoyed traveling across the country and to Europe. Hawaii held a special place in her heart and she enjoyed several trips there with Dick to enjoy the beaches and feast on the scenery. Her Electra Lake years were spent birdwatching, enjoying wildflowers, boating, hiking, and socializing. Her primary agenda at Electra was to "rid the world of noxious weeds"! She did this with unbounded vigor.

Above all, Caye loved and cherished all the close relationships she shared with both family and friends. Her smile, compassion, positive spirit and her laugh have certainly been influential on many people she touched throughout her life. She is an endearing soul who will be cherished and remembered fondly.

Caye is preceded in death by her beloved sister Anne Dhu McLucas.

The Geer Family will be receiving friends for a celebration of life in honor of Caye on Sunday, December 16th, from 2-5 p.m., at The DoubleTree in Durango. In lieu of flowers, Caye wishes that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society, Planned Parenthood, Audubon Society or "another charity that touches the heart."

Published by The Durango Herald on Nov. 21, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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There are people for whom even a long life is to short.....I will miss you my friend, my first Durango friends, Dick and Caye....heartfelt condolences to Dick and family..... treasured memories forever

December 2, 2018

We had the good fortune to meet Caye and Dr. Dick Geer when we served as Gatekeepers of the Electra Lake Sporting Club for 2 years. They graciously invited us into their home and treated us like friends. I will remember Caye as a lovely, generous person with a genuine smile and kind heart and a spunky nature lover with a passion to kill those damn weeds! Rest in Power, Caye. - Gesi, Andrew ,We had the good fortune to meet Caye and Dr. Dick Geer when we served as Gatekeepers of the Electra Lake Sporting Club for 2 years. They graciously invited us into their home and treated us like friends. I will remember Caye as a lovely, generous person with a genuine smile and kind heart and a spunky nature lover with a passion to kill those damn weeds! Rest in Power, Caye. - Gesi, Andrew

Gesi Shroyer

November 29, 2018

CayeWe will miss, but fondly remember, many wonderful dinners and bottles of wine and lively conversation shared with you and Dick at beautiful Electra Lake. You have become a part of the legend of that magical place.

Del and Jane Calhoun

November 28, 2018

Caye was a valiant fighter for all things good. She was a treasured friend who will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Barbara Joyce

November 26, 2018

Aunt Caye's desire to live and learn was powerful. She was an inspiration to us all.

I am grateful to be living in the mountains, and looking at Crested Butte Mountain everyday, thinking of my aunt and uncle. You both inspired me deeply.

I love my Uncle Dick, Aunt Caye, and my cousins.

Namaste,

Pam Smith (Johnson)

Pam Smith

November 26, 2018

Caye will be sorely missed. She had such a ready smile and a real joy for life. Sympathies to her family. Love, Greg & Susie Stilwell

November 26, 2018

I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Caye. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (Psalm 29:11).

J P

November 24, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Dec

16

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The DoubleTree

Durango, CO

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