Carole Ellen Lowe left us speechless at the grace of her quick and unexpected exit at age 74. She expired of natural causes with a single sigh on the first day of Spring, under the bluest of skies. In her last hours she enjoyed a fresh 10″ blanket of new snow that carpeted the forest that morning, brilliant sun, the wind in her hair and friends in tow, as they journeyed back from a favorite cross-country ski tour up Darby Canyon on March 21, 2022.
Carole was born Dec 3, 1947, to Calvin & Adele Chandler in Ogden, UT. She was the oldest of five children and graduated from Weber State College with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1972. She had a brief marriage to Mike Lowe and sewed the first backpacks for Lowe Alpine Systems, founded by Mike and his brothers, Jeff & Greg Lowe.
Carole spent many summers guiding for Colorado Outward Bound where she honed her guiding and outdoor skills. Leading an adventurous life, she moved to Teton Valley with friends in 1978. Living rurally meant doing whatever she could to carve a place for herself in this beautiful, high mountain valley. She was an industrial seamstress, teacher at Alta Elementary School, and taught both cross-country and telemark skiing for Teton Mountain Touring (predecessor of Yostmark Mountain Equipment) and Grand Targhee Resort. Additionally, she spent numerous summers as a Wilderness Ranger in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and later shared her deep knowledge of the area, local history, and wildflowers as an instructor and guide for local Elderhostel programs.
Carole was a patient teacher with a good sense of humor. She loved being outdoors and in the in mountains. Her engaging smile, easy competence, beautiful ski turns, and bright laugh inspired many. She co-founded and was instrumental in the success of Rendezvous Ski Tours, a backcountry hut system and guide service (predecessor of Teton Mountain Guides).
Her mountain life was complemented by her enthusiasm and love for the southern Utah desert, which she thoroughly explored over the years, and world travel. She was also a voracious reader. Additionally, Carole loved making music with friends and expanding her expertise to new instruments. She had a wonderful voice, rhythm, and enthusiasm that was often welcome accompaniment to local musicians during Teton Valley’s long winter nights.
Carole was a kind and gentle spirit, a lover of birds and all things wild, and terrific adventure companion. She is survived by her long-time partner, Mark Whittlesey; her extended family, Claire Vitucci (stepdaughter), Elsa Neraas (granddaughter), Willa Fouts, Pat Pansze, Glenn & Lisa Vitucci; as well as her beloved siblings Barbara & Doug Christensen, Katie & Ralph Jaggi, Mark & Jill Chandler, Mary & Danny Christensen; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and a multitude of dear friends.
Celebration of Life
Linn Canyon Ranch
3:00 pm, Saturday, May 7, 2022
- There will be lemonade, hot & cold water, and apple cider available. Please B.Y.O.B.
- Be prepared for all weather and uneven terrain: layers, good walking shoes/boots, umbrella, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, down, etc.
- We will convene at the ranch at 3:00 pm and make the short walk to the ceremony site together. There will be a fire at the ranch afterward.
- Chile Verde & some appetizers will be available afterward. If your love language is food, feel free to bring an appetizer, dessert, or whatever you’d like to share.
- Bring a feather in remembrance of our dear Granny Bird.
- Thank you for all of your love and support!