Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association
Spirit of the Pioneers Award
The Spirit of the Pioneers Award was proposed and created on behalf of the RBC Pioneers Association in 2017 by Robert Amick, former 2014 Co-President of the RBC Pioneers Association. It was determined that the RBC Pioneers Association should honor worthy individuals by recognizing those candidates who by their actions, servant leadership, and dedication to community service and/or to the RBCPA may exemplify the early day spirit of the 19th and 20th century hardy pioneer citizens who settled in the White River Valley. Those courageous and dedicated first citizens contributed their time, talents, education, altruism and vision on behalf of their fellow citizens to create an extraordinary way of life and community.
Nominations may be made by anyone in the Rio Blanco County Community on behalf of an individual whom they feel best exemplifies the qualities as stated in the purpose of the award.
- There are no exclusionary limits on the number of awards that may be presented in a given year, as nominees are considered for their worthiness on a case-by-case basis. Nominations are reviewed by a Spirit of the Pioneers Award Committee.
- Honorees will be notified in advance of the reunion to permit them to inform family and friends of their selection so that they may arrange registration to attend the reunion dinner. Honorees and their spouse or significant other will be hosted pro bono by the RBCPA.
- Posthumous award nominations may be submitted for those who have passed
- Printed Nominations may be mailed to the RBCPA Box 1113, Meeker CO 81641 to be received by the May 15 deadline date noted on the form.
- Letters of endorsement for the candidate are encouraged to be submitted with the nomination.
- Deadline for submission of the nomination is to be received by MAY 15.
- Form of Award: Honorees will be presented with a color sublimated plaque with a photo of the recipient, and a citation describing the accomplishments of the honoree. A copy of the citation will be included in the dinner program of each guest attending the reunion.
Previous honorees include:
2017: Johnny Barton
2018: Leota Cook and Marjorie Rogers
2019: Ethel Stone Starbuck
2022: Ed Coryell
2022 Posthumous honorees: Connie M. Theos and Bryce W. Purkey
2023: Harold Anderson
2023 Posthumous honorees: Patricia Anderson
