Kelsie Turner
Jerry Lee Helmke of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 86.
Jerry was a dedicated Colorado Mountain Club member, joining in 1986. During his time with CMC, he served on trail crews, became a crew leader and instructor, and helped organize early trail restoration projects, including work related to the Colorado Trail. He was recognized for decades of volunteer service, including receiving a 40-year service award.
His commitment to the outdoors and long-standing service left a lasting impact on the CMC community.
A full obituary and celebration of life details can be found here.
Rich McAdams passed away on August 13, 2025.
Rich McAdams dedicated 46 years to the Colorado Mountain Club, shaping generations of mountaineers and outdoor leaders through his instruction, mentorship, and steady leadership. As a long-term member and committed volunteer, he consistently gave his time and energy to strengthening CMC programs and supporting fellow members in their growth and connection to the mountains. He was a friend to all, and it is his relationships and the way he showed up for others that many remember most.
A celebration of life was held in October 2025.
That commitment eventually evolved into a lasting legacy of support beyond his volunteer work. In recognition of the opportunities, friendships, education, and access CMC provided to him and countless others who love the Colorado mountains, the Rich McAdams Fund was established in 2025. The fund supports CMC as a whole, strengthens adult-level member education programs across the state, and enhances educational opportunities and recognition for CMC volunteers.
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