Former Leadville Mayor Bud Elliot Dies

Posted By: Dan R February 24, 2021

Former Leadville Mayor Bud Elliot has died after testing positive for Covid-19.   

A Leadville resident since 1994, Elliot served on the city council from 2000 to 2004 before becoming mayor from 2005 to 2013.   

On Monday, Lake County Public Health issued a news release announcing the first known Covid-19 death in the county.  The department didn’t identify who it was, though described the victim as having “underlying health conditions and Covid-19 was believed to be a contributing factor to the death.” 

During his tenure, Elliot cited among his biggest achievements the development of the National Summit of Mining Communities, establishment of Leadville’s Historic Preservation Commission and preservation of the bus barn off of U.S. 24.   

His son Evan shared news of his father’s death on Facebook:  

Friends, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bud Elliott. Bud was a loving grandfather, father, brother, husband, and friend. We are touched by the kind wishes we’ve received about his passing.

My dad loved Leadville and its people. After we arrived in Leadville in 1994, my dad spent the rest of his adult life working alongside many of you to strengthen our community. He worked as a small business owner, city council member, mayor, and volunteer. Before that, he worked for many years as a nurse in Kansas City. Caring for people was my dad’s passion, and his last conversations with us were about his volunteer work, his concern for friends impacted by dangerous winter storms, and his love for his granddaughter.

My dad was preceded in death by his wife – my mother – Heidi Davenport Elliott (dec. 1989). He loved the beauty of the Colorado high country because it reminded him of her. Her ashes are scattered at the base of the Maroon Bells near Aspen. I know it would have given him comfort to know he’s close to her now.

We will be in Leadville soon to make final arrangements and will follow up with more information about how we plan to honor him. We hope to organize some kind of outdoor event for those of you in Leadville.

On behalf of my wife Taylor and my daughter Heidi, we offer our sincere thanks for the outpouring of love, prayers, and well wishes. Special thanks to those of you who offered help and friendship to him in recent years. He spoke of you often and loved spending time with you at the coffee shop or over a pint of beer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. George’s Church community meals program or the Advocates of Lake County. Both were organizations close to his heart: saintgeorgeleadville.com/community-meals-1

If you’re looking for something to listen to while you think of Bud, I offer you “Time in a Bottle,” by Jim Croce. Or put on some rock and roll music turned up really, really loud.

Thanks again, for all the kindness. My dad would be honored at the love you’ve shown.

 

Dan R
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