Lathrop Strang, 46, of Carbondale, passed away April 25, 2008.

He was born Sept. 28, 1961, to Mike and Kit Strang.

He was a Roaring Fork Valley native and expert skier who made his last backcountry run Friday, April 25. Lathrop embraced every facet of his rich and adventurous life with passion, gusto and humor.

Lathe was a gifted craftsman as well as a talented and creative designer. A formidable and graceful athlete, whether spidering up a rock face or breaking trail through deep powder, he was as strong as he was gentle. His great love for the outdoors coupled with a deep intellectual engagement with the world formed his profound and practical conservation ethic.

As gifted as he was in his many pursuits, his greatest talent emerged when his daughter Jesse Leigh came into his life seven years ago. She was the focus of his life, and he was a patient and playful SuperPapa from the day she was born.

Lathe led a fully engaged life, on his own terms. He was blessed to have discovered what made him tick.

Survivors include his daughter; brother Scott; sisters Laurie and Bridget; parents; nephews Scottie-Mac and Alec; niece Kit-Kat; and many loyal friends.

He will be missed, and friends and family are grateful for his contributions to this wonderful world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, the Access Fund, or Mountain Rescue Aspen.

Lathe’s family invites his friends to celebrate his life with them at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Strang Ranch.