In Memoriam

years, where she was surrounded by family and friends.

Janet was beloved by her colleagues. She was highly supportive of her students, incredibly patient, and carried herself with grace. Former Fine Arts Director Angel Vigil recalls Janet’s gentle manner with students. “She was one of the mainstays of the private music program, and she was the calm, level head in any discussion. She was a truly kind, generous soul who ensured children could become wonderful musicians.”

Janet Arnold

Piano Teacher, 1983-2017

Janet Arnold, mother of cello instructor and Orchestra and Chamber Music Coordinator Jen Arnold, and grandmother of Seventh Grader Farah Arnold, passed away at the age of 79 on April 3, 2023. Before she retired in 2017, Janet taught hundreds of students during the course of her career, which began when she came to Colorado Academy in 1983. Janet was a positive force in our community. She guided students through so many piano lessons and recitals, taught them to appreciate music, inspired them to practice, taught them performance techniques and etiquette, and remained in touch with many of her students. She was also a much-requested and talented accompanist for the Music Department.

Janet was born in Texas and spent her childhood in Illinois before returning with her family to Texas as a teenager. She attended the University of Houston, where she earned a BM in Piano Performance and an MM in Music Theory and Piano Performance. While attending university, Janet met her husband Greg, had two daughters, and moved to Colorado. While she and Greg ultimately did not remain married, Janet opted to stay in Colorado for the next fifty

Director of Visual & Performing Arts Katy Wood Hills adds, “The CA Music Department has lost one of its finest. She was a dear friend to her colleagues and an inspiring mentor to so many of our students over the course of 34 years. Janet continued to be a face of support at all of our recitals after her retirement. Her legacy is one we will honor for years to come.”

Janet is survived by her daughters Jennifer Arnold and Laurie Arnold-Kelly and grandchildren Farah Arnold and Gabrielle Kelly. Condolences may be sent to: Jennifer Arnold

1248 S. Dover Way Lakewood, CO 80232-5249

Madeline Ann Cramer ’13

By Maddie’s family

Maddie Cramer was born on February 26, 1995. She came so quickly to us that she was born in the elevator at Swedish Hospital on the way up to the birthing room. This exuberance for life was her defining characteristic and at the center of her soul.

Maddie entered Colorado Academy for Pre-K and her beloved teachers Jenny Leger, Carol Rosberg, and Debra Pritchard discovered she was wonderful but a much different person than her big sister Caroline. Maddie loved school. In her application to Pre-K we wrote, “Madeline is a very special person—she wakes each day with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.” So very true for so very long.

Maddie grew up quickly when her sister Juliet was born and they became quite close as Maddie loved all things Juliet and Juliet was a happy understudy. Our vacations to Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii ignited a passion for travel that grew over time.

After completing Freshman year at CA, Maddie transferred to the IB program at Lakewood High School. She excelled in the performing arts and blossomed in the larger population and diversity available. She not only was a gifted actress, but also began writing poetry and performing with Minor Disturbance, culminating in a 2013 Slam World Championship at Brave New Voices in Chicago.

Maddie entered Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in August 2013 as a drama major, receiving two scholarships recognizing her potential. She won a role in the fall production and a lead role in the spring. Maddie was a wonderful actor, so calm and commanding onstage, attracting attention and respect as she took you on a journey. She decided to return to Colorado to be in a more inclusive and diverse environment at CU Boulder. Unfortunately, this was when her illness began to manifest.

Over the next eight years, Maddie fought incredibly hard against her bipolar disorder. Eventually she seemed to come to an understanding that she needed a team of professionals, family, and loving friends to continue to build the beautiful life that was waiting for her. What was unknown and unclear to everyone was that the damage trauma had left behind could not be counseled or loved into silent submission. Maddie was and continues to be loved. She challenged us all to broaden our outlook, soften our edges, rethink our entrenchments. She made us all better.

Maddie left us for lasting peace on January 18, 2023, finally at rest and released from sorrow, pain, anguish, and worry. Her hope was always for a better world, and we wish to spread her desires to all who knew and all who seek peace and comfort.

Maddie is survived by her parents Jeff Cramer and Pam Miller and sisters Caroline ’11 and Juliet ’20 Cramer.

Condolences may be sent to: The Cramer Family

6920 W. Princeton Ave. Denver, CO 80235-3034

Susan Evans ’79

Susan R. Evans passed away on March 2, 2023, in Denver, Colo., after a long battle with breast cancer. Susan was born on December 18, 1960, in Denver, and she attended Colorado Academy, where she played Field Hockey and Basketball. Susan graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1983, with a BS in Marketing from the Leeds School of Business. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

After graduating from college, Susan had a diverse and successful professional career. She worked for many years at the Denver Zoo in the development department and also worked in development for other organizations, including Opera Colorado, Denver Botanical Gardens, and the 9 News Health Fair.

Always expanding her horizons, Susan obtained her certificate in Project Management in 2013 and subsequently worked as a project manager at SCL Health and then at American Water Works Association. She also held a real estate license.

With her friends from the Denver Zoo, Susan enjoyed traveling the world and helping with animal projects. Turtles in the Galapagos Islands, lions in Africa, polar bears in the Arctic, and Komodo dragons in Indonesia were some of the great excursions. She traveled with her family to London, Paris, and Eastern Europe, by rail across Canada, Alaska, the Baltics, and Russia, as well as enjoying time at the family condo in Vail.

Susan was very active in supporting and participating in the endeavors of several animal rescue groups. Susan loved cats and will be dearly missed by Boots, Saffron, Socks, and Jet.

Susan was predeceased by her father, Bruce Evans, and is survived by her mother, Donna Evans, her brothers, Thomas ’82 and Jeffrey Evans (Lois), a niece and nephew, and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong family friends.

Donations may be made in Susan’s name to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Cat Care Society, or a charity of your choice

Condolences may be sent to:

Donna Evans

5365 W. Princeton Dr. Denver, CO 80235-3126

Joseph Korbel ’65

John Korbel passed away at home in Washington, D.C., on April 20, 2023, at the age of 76. John was born January 15, 1947, to Josef and Anna Korbel in Belgrade, Serbia, where his father was the Czech Ambassador to the former Yugoslavia. Following the Communist coup in Czechoslovakia in 1948, his family sought political asylum in the United States. John grew up in Denver, Colo., where he later met and married his wife, Pamela Harmer.

Following graduation from Colorado Academy in 1965, John attended Williams College. Graduating in 1969, he majored in Russian area studies and later completed a doctorate in economics at the University of Colorado. He was an Assistant Professor of Economics at Middlebury College. In 1975, John and Pam moved to Washington, D.C., where John was an economist and policy analyst at the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. He then served as the Director of Economic Analysis at the U.S. Department of Energy. Following his years in public service, John joined PricewaterhouseCoopers and helped establish the firm’s government practice. John later became Partner, responsible for development and implementation of risk management and compliance standards for PwC firms around the world.

After his retirement, he continued to act as an independent consultant to private companies and government agencies, including the State Department. He served on the boards of the National Child Research Center preschool, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Social Science Foundation at the University of Denver, supporting the study and application of international relations at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

Even as he pursued a demanding global career, he was the foundation and proverbial rock of his family, a devoted husband to

Pam, and an active father to his sons, Josef and Peter.

John was a uniquely engaged, humble, capable, loving, and welcoming individual. He enjoyed meeting new people and engaging with his community, especially on his daily walks with his beloved dog Ella. He loved hearing others’ opinions, even more so if a good debate could be had. At a time of widening political division, John spearheaded a virtual debate group and brought together diverging viewpoints for vigorous discussions on world events. John was charming and a captivating storyteller and his ironic, self-deprecating Czech humor never failed to bring a smile to a gathering. He was also an avid traveler, movie buff, voracious reader, and a hopelessly aspiring golfer.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest sister Madeleine K. Albright, the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State, and many family members who perished during the Holocaust and whom he and his sisters honored in 2015 with a commemorative plaque at Terezín, Czech Republic.

John is survived by his wife and best friend of 55 years, Pamela Korbel; his sons Josef Korbel (Magdalena) and Peter Korbel (Kristina); granddaughter Isadora Korbel; sister Kathy Korbel Silva; and numerous other family members and friends.

A celebration of John Korbel’s life was held at the Embassy of the Czech Republic on May 20. Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver or to The Capitol Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to:

Pamela Korbel

3420 Newark St. N.W. Washington, DC 20016-3166

Lester Larson Jr. ’73

John Larson, age 68, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 17, 2022. He was the middle child of John (Jack) and Margaret Larson, born on October 7, 1954.

John graduated from Fort Lewis College and immediately joined the family business, Larson Distributing Company. He served as

President from 1990 until the company was sold in 2014.

John was a natural athlete and enjoyed many sports, including tennis, golf, and skiing. John was always the life of the party. His rapier wit and dry sense of humor made him the center of attention and could draw small crowds. One of his close friends said he “had a special quality of always making new acquaintances feel he was their best friend.” He had a sympathetic, kind, and generous heart.

John fought hard to survive both Stage IV throat cancer in October through December 2002 and recovered from a massive cerebral hemorrhage in December 2015. Throughout all of those challenges, John always brought hope and an abundance of humor to everyone in his presence. His humble courage inspired more people than we could ever know.

John deeply enjoyed his family and friends. John was most proud of his daughter Paige, who truly was the light of his life. He was grateful and awestruck to see his beautiful granddaughter Finnley who was born in May 2022.

Please consider making a philanthropic gift in John’s memory to support either head and neck cancer research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CeDAR (the Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation), or Montview Presbyterian Church.

Gifts to CeDAR and head and neck cancer research can be made online at giving.cu.edu/JohnLLarsonJr.

Ingrid Halvorson Hillhouse Moore ’92

Middle School French Teacher; Lower School Admission Director; Executive Director, Horizons, 2000-2014

Ingrid Moore died peacefully at home on March 20, 2023, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 48. Described repeatedly as the brightest light ever to fill a room, Ingrid was a fearless, generous champion of students, teachers, and colleagues. She loved her dream job as Lower School Director at The Steward School in Richmond, Va., and worked full time until three weeks before her death from cancer. Above all, she showered her love on her husband, John “Paco” Moore, and their four children, Virginia “Crary,” William “Wit,” Nelson “Nels,” and Edward Luchsinger “Lucky.” All of them survive her, along with her mother, Karin Halvorson Hillhouse; her father, William A. Hillhouse II and his wife, Lisa; and her brother, Torsten Hillhouse ’89.

Ingrid was born in Denver. Following high school graduation from Colorado Academy, she went on to Northwestern University, where she majored in French and art history. Subsequently, she received master’s degrees from Middlebury College (French) and the University of Nottingham (educational leadership) in England. Her interests were legion. They included children’s well-being, social justice, reading, travel, and singing— whether on stage or in stairwells—running marathons, hiking, and dancing.

Throughout Ingrid’s career at CA, she excelled in countless plays and musicals, playing a memorable role as the Witch in her Senior-year musical Into the Woods. Ingrid excelled in choir and remained forever close with choir director Cindy Jordan. The 1992 Telesis yearbook stated Ingrid would be “Most likely to sing her thank you upon receiving an Oscar.” Her classmates miss her. A celebration of her life was held in April at The Steward School.

If you would like to honor Ingrid’s life and work, please consider a donation to support her legacy of teaching excellence at The Steward School, Champions of Play - Learning for Life: www.stewardschool. org/champions-of-play. Please visit www.ingridhillhousemoore.com/.

Condolences may be sent to The Moore Family

1902 Hickoryridge Rd. Henrico, VA 23238-3806

Memories of Ingrid

Brielle Lebsack Cohen ’92: “I met Ingrid in Carolyn Nagusky’s Fourth Grade class when she arrived at CA as a new student. I remember her giant smile and immediately thought we would be friends. Little did I know Ingrid would become a life-long partner in crime, who would weave herself into the tapestry of my life in the most beautiful and permanent ways. From our first concert together to see Whitney Houston as kids, to Celine Dion in Vegas as adults, we made so many memories that I will carry forever. Ingrid was a force: a force of nature, a force of kindness, a force of brilliance. It really was her world, and I always felt so lucky to be in it. It’s impossible to imagine this world without her, but there’s no way the force she was leaves. We are all better for having had her in our lives, and I will never be the same. I am grateful beyond words for the 40-year friendship I had with my beautiful friend.”

Jill Boat Rakowski ’92: “I will always cherish my decades of memories with my dear friend. From our years at CA as students, to our year abroad in Paris during college, and later starting families in Denver, Ingrid was a force for fun and always sought out new experiences. She was the light in any room and truly devoted to her family and friends. All who ever met her felt her energy and warmth. I feel grateful to have known her and will miss her always.”

Cindy Jordan, former Choir Director: “As Ingrid’s teacher, colleague, and friend, I experienced so many exemplary and meaningful parts of her life. The joy, laughter, and passion she brought to every one of us will live deep in our souls. ‘Children Will Listen’ from Into the Woods will forever be her song.” Suzanne Kolsun, former Lower School Teacher: “Ingrid lit up every room she entered. She taught me to always book the early bird seating on Southwest Airlines if flying to Los Angeles. Our shared love of England included visits to the village of Near Sawrey to the house of Beatrix Potter and walks to view the ruins of the Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness. She lived a wide-awake life every single day.”

Richard Andrew O’Connor ’80

Rich O’Connor, 61, of Evergreen, Colo., passed away on February 24, 2023. Born in Denver to Donald and Sue O’Connor on October 14, 1961, he graduated in 1980 from Colorado Academy and went on to earn a degree in geology at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, N.Y.

During summers in college, Rich worked on Martha’s Vineyard on sword fishing boats, which led to his passion as a fly fisherman. After college, Rich moved back to Denver and worked for the Xerox Corporation before entering into the finance industry and working for both Kirkpatrick Pettis and D.A. Davidson as Senior Vice President of Institutional Sales. Rich retired in June 2022.

Rich met his wife Holly in the fall of 1988 and they married July 14, 1990. Holly and his daughters were the loves of his life. Rich loved the Colorado outdoors, spending time fishing in Colorado rivers, especially the North Fork of the South Platte on the family’s ranch in Pine. In the winter, Rich would ski at Vail and in the summer, mountain bike in Elk Meadow and Buffalo Creek. He loved hanging out with his beloved Labrador retrievers, Hoss, Izzie, and Millie. He was an avid Broncos and college lacrosse fan. He had an uncanny memory for just about any and every college and professional football player. Rich will be missed, but remembered for his quick wit, intellect, and integrity.

Rich is survived by his wife of 32 years, Holly, daughters Emma and Annie, his brothers Davis (Cathie) and Peter (Kathy) and sister Susan, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service honoring Rich’s life was held in March 2023. His family requests donations to be made in Rich’s memory to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Foothills Animal Shelter, or Evergreen Animal Protective League, all causes Rich was passionate about.

Condolences may be sent to:

Holly O’Connor

2253 Augusta Drive

Evergreen, CO 80439-8876

Lee Suter

Upper School History Teacher, Tennis Coach, 1988-1999

John Suter passed away on May 2, 2023. He was born on January 14, 1936, to Paul and Genevieve Suter. He was raised in Nevada, Ohio, with his sister Mary Lou. John grew up with a love of baseball, as well as an affinity for learning. He graduated from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, and then the University of Wisconsin. John was hired as a professor of American History at Colorado Women’s College. He continued his career as an educator at the University of Denver and Colorado Academy until his retirement.

John loved Colorado’s great outdoors. Camping and fishing with his family was one of his great joys. Tennis was his lifelong passion. He coached at CA and ran the Denver City Open. John was a USTA official for the US Open. He officiated for some of the best players in the world at numerous major tournaments around the country. John was active in the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation, and he was recognized by the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame for his years of contributions. In his later years, John spent many joyous hours playing “geriatric tennis” three times a week with his friends at the Denver Tennis Club and enjoying life to the fullest.

John is survived by his sons Paul and Jack, daughters-in-law Ilene and Erika, and his grandchildren Zachary, Garrett, Jackson, Victoria, and Ryan.

Contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation, CYTF.net.

Condolences may be sent to: Paul Suter

1350 Hudson St. Denver, CO 80220-2624

Memories of

Adam Chanzit ’99: ”John Suter, aka Mr. Suter, was my history teacher and tennis coach. He also became a mentor, confidant, and great friend.

“I came to CA as a Sophomore and I believe we had some tennis practices even before school started. So Mr. Suter was one of the people who first welcomed me, started my experience at CA off on the right foot (even if he wasn’t impressed with my jogging).

“Yes, Mr. Suter coached me hard that first year, but he also let me play my idiosyncratic style of tennis (which could be quite uncoachable). He coached the parts of my game that could be coached and just smiled at the others. I always worked extra hard to win for him. He was a student and teacher of the game, so very passionate about the sport which was one of his great lifelong loves.

“And we had such a blast at State a couple of years, especially when we all traveled to Grand Junction together. He cheered me on in his quiet, wise way through an epic, wind-swept three-setter.

“Mr. Suter was a warm and wise presence in the classroom. I did an independent study in history with him as well, and he always knew when to give freedom and when to pull on the reins.

“He dispensed valuable advice to me over the years as we enjoyed many, many lunches after I graduated—and a few great tennis matches, too. I can’t remember if I ever got a set off him.

“And I saw him for the last time at a reunion a few years ago. He was one of the warmest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. He made a positive impact on so many through tennis and teaching and more. Here’s to a generous, genuine life well lived!”

Alison Carr Kochenberger ’99: “Mr. Suter taught me history at Colorado Academy. I failed one of the tests and as my consequence, I had to bring donuts in for the class. Mr. Suter was a fun teacher and always had a smile on his face. He never made you feel too bad about your mistakes.”

Josh Shulruff ’99: “I was very impressed that Mr. Suter had once thrown Andre Agassi out of a match. I have always remembered the particular phrase he used to describe 1998 alumna Kelly Young’s game as ‘classic as a Grecian urn.’ He taught us in the first AP Upper School History course CA offered, treating us just as if we were sophomores in college rather than high school.” n