The Bulletin staff is saddened about the death of Jack Elder, our colleague and friend. He had a fatal heart attack on Saturday, March 26, at age 78.
Jack had been in declining health for several years, yet was able to continue writing about Manitou Springs City Council for the Bulletin — right up to the March 24 issue.
The news of his death is drawing fond memories from people who knew him.
“It is safe to say that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today, without him. He was the kindest of spirits, and always working hard to encourage and support our community. … Raise a toast to one of Manitou’s best. You will be missed incredibly, Jack.” — Andrew Scott
“He always took time over the years to chat about things other than the story. I’ll miss him.” — Roy Chaney, deputy city administrator
“He was positive, ethical and always looked for the good in everyone. This is a HUGE loss to our community.” — Denise Howell, city administrator
“Jack was always thoughtful and kind when I spoke with him — it was part of my Wednesday routine to check in with him, to make sure he had everything he needed for his story. He was a great man, and will be missed.” — Alex Trefry, Manitou Springs public information officer
“Jack worked for me when I owned the Pikes Peak Journal and covered — guess what? — City Council. Three decades later, he was doing the same job and, this time, checking with me for details on city business.
“He was a professional, but with that special seasoning that comes with living in and loving the community. Jack wrote fairly and objectively. He understood community priorities and that tempered his writing; he wrote what people needed to read. He knew how to inform and what to emphasize.
“Reporting for a small newspaper in a small town is, among other things, a balancing act. The community knows you and has solid expectations. You write for the public, which includes your friends and enemies, and they let you know what they think.
“Jack loved Manitou and had many friends. He was a mix of interests and talents with a background that quintessentially fit the checkerboard here. Besides reporting, he tended bar, played softball and was a mainstay for the Carnivale celebrations. He sold cameras, he sold books. He was a gifted photographer.
“We will remember him fondly, and he certainly earned his place in the pages of our history.” — Mayor John Graham
“Absolutely a really great guy. Peace, my brother. — Doug Edmundson
“This is such sad news. Jack was such an important part of our community.” — Annie Schmitt
“Dear Jack, thank you for your wonderfully wild sense of humor and commitment to Manitou Springs. We are all better for you, your love of the community and your work.” — Becca Sickbert, executive director, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs
“I was saddened to learn of Jack Elder’s passing. … I had quite a few dealings with him, both as a reporter and working with him on the Carnivale committee for many years. … He always reported City Council in very accurate terms. He was not the kind to give you a slanted opinion. He understood his job and did it well. … He worked very hard to keep Carnivale going. The committee was made up of artists. … That committee, all volunteers, was like herding cats. It had no money so he would represent Carnivale every year when permission had to be granted just so we could have our parade. … He could get pretty discouraged sometimes. … The day was always a success. … He was a good man. I think his greatness was his goodness. He is now a part of the universe, and the universe will be just as lucky to have him as Manitou has been.” — Donna Ford
“He really was a lovely human.” — Jannine Scott
“I enjoyed talking to Jack and reading his work. He was a fine human being and an excellent journalist. He will always be in my memories of what it means to live in this community.” — Betsy S. Miller
“Our friend Jack was a very talented photographer. He showed his work in two of our galleries. Thankfully, we own one of his works! We will miss you, Jack. — Linda and Rob Morlan
“What a kind soul he was. Jack loved Manitou and Manitou loved Jack.” — Jeff Harsh
“He was quiet and a gentleman. RIP.” — Reinaldo Figueroa
“I worked with Jack at the Pikes Peak Journal back in the early ’90s. He was always kind and friendly. He also served me a few drinks at the Mariner. I’m sorry to learn of his passing. I know he will be missed.” — Nick Mather
“Jack worked tirelessly for the Manitou Springs Arts Council for many years. He was always there when we needed him, and did essential work quietly and without asking for anything in return. He was a blessing for this community, and will be very dearly missed.” — Audrey Gray, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs vice chair
“A good man gone and a tremendous loss to our community. — City Councilor Nancy Fortuin
“So many years of great contributions to the Bulletin and the community. He will be missed.” — Kevin Abney
“I tended bar with Jack for many years at the Ancient Mariner Tavern. I learned a lot from him about Manitou. A good man and a sad loss. We love you, Jack.” — Aimee Cox
“I’m very sad to hear this.” — Beth Moorman
“Rest in Peace, dear Jack.” — Patti Smithsonian
“Great man, I enjoyed our friendship and he will be deeply missed!” — Brad E. Witham
“A dedicated community journalist, Jack’s decades of reporting for the Pikes Peak Bulletin, as well as other local publications, made Manitou stronger and wiser.
“What I will remember most fondly about Jack is his dogged determination to get the story right, his kind smile, his wry insights full of historic color, and his love and respect for all things 80829.” — Bulletin publisher John Weiss
“Manitou has lost a unique soul and a steadfast contributor to the PPB.” — Don Bouchard, former general manager of the Bulletin
“My association with Jack Elder goes back nearly 40 years, when he applied for a part-time position covering local sports at the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph. He never refused any assignment, always made his deadlines and accepted feedback willingly.
“Through the years, I watched with respect as Jack carved out his own unique niche in Manitou Springs — supporting worthy causes, helping behind the scenes at community events, cultivating positive friendships across the spectrum. Then, when the Bulletin needed someone to cover city government, he wanted to do it and gave the same sincere effort that became his trademark, literally to the end of his life.
“It’s too bad Jack isn’t around now to see how many Manitou folks are so fondly remembering him. But he did win a Manni Award, and he was recognized by others along the way. Simply put, they don’t make ’em like Jack Elder anymore.” — Ralph Routon, Bulletin executive editor emeritus
“I worked with Jack on a number of occasions through the years, and I’ll remember him as a friend and dedicated newspaper reporter who always worked hard to be objective in all the stories he covered. You could count on him to report the news without slanting it or taking sides, which is rare in today’s media world. Manitou was so lucky to have him.” — Larry Ferguson, Bulletin reporter
“When I think of Jack, I’ll remember his kind eyes and bashful smile. He was wealthy in the way it really counts: He was enriched by the love of his friends. Manitou Springs, and the Pikes Peak Bulletin, will never be the same. — Rhonda Van Pelt, Bulletin editor