David Klauser

David Klauser obituary, Crested Butte, CO

David Klauser

David Klauser Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 24, 2024.
David Klauser, 62, of Crested Butte, Colorado, passed away on December 16, 2024 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving partner, Jeckie Kirby, his brothers and their spouses/partners and children, Werner and Ljuba with Samu, Peter and Laura with Anja, Lukas and Nina, Markus, and Felix and Gail, his nieces Luzia and Florine and many dear and wonderful friends from the Crested Butte area and beyond.

David was a 1980 graduate of Union Endicott High School in Endicott, New York and a 1982 graduate of SUNY Binghamton with a dual major in economics and computer science. That background led him to a short but rewarding career in international finance. In 1996 he retired. After an extensive tour of Colorado ski towns he found the right vibe in Crested Butte and made it his home. David lived modestly and focused on revelling in the opportunities for skiing, mountain biking and hiking that CB offered as well as its Rockies small town atmosphere. He made life-long friends among the like-minded outdoor enthusiasts of CB. While he also took time to pursue adventures around the world, Crested Butte was definitely home. David's door was always open to visitors from near and far and he introduced CB to friends and family who also grew to share his passion for this special place.

A memorial service will take place in Crested Butte in the summer of 2025.

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September 17, 2025

Roman Dalla-Rosa posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Sharjeel Kashmir posted to the memorial.

June 11, 2025

Sam Naib posted to the memorial.

Roman Dalla-Rosa

September 17, 2025

Dear David

a memory date... September 19, your Birthday.... we used to say, IMM Date is around the corner...
Roman D.R.

Sharjeel Kashmir

June 12, 2025

Sam Naib

June 11, 2025

Sam Naib

June 11, 2025

Sam Naib

June 11, 2025

Sharjeel Kashmir

June 9, 2025

It´s impossible to find the words to say goodbye to someone who felt like a brother, not by blood, but by every other bond that matters. David Klauser and I met in 1996, and over the last 28 years, he became one of the closest, most important people in my life.

Our friendship took root while working together in Australia-David had just retired from trading FX options at Credit Suisse and joined FNX as a consultant on an FX Options implementation at ANZ, while I focused on Fixed Income and Interest Rate Derivatives. What began as a professional overlap turned quickly into a strong bond. We worked long hours, and when the laptops closed, we explored: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Bali. After wrapping up our projects in Australia, David, Sam, and I hiked to the Everest Base Camp in 1997. That climb marked the beginning of a lifelong journey together-one that would take us across six continents, through mountain ranges, coral reefs, oceans, savannas, canyons, deserts, and city streets.

David wasn´t just a travel companion; he was the kind of friend you never had to explain yourself to. We shared a rhythm. Whether we were climbing in the Himalayas, diving in the Galapagos Islands, riding motorcycles in the desert, or just walking the entire length of Manhattan in a single day, our time together was effortless.

When international adventures gave way to family life, we still found ways to stay close. Every September, he visited us on the East Coast, becoming a regular-and cherished-presence in our home. He played with our son Zayd, joined in family events and outings, we celebrated his birthday, and he was always ready with his quiet wisdom and gentle humor. He had every quality you´d want in a father-nurturing, patient, thoughtful-and he became a beloved uncle to Zayd. We talked about taking Zayd to some of our past adventures one day-perhaps Denali, Mont Blanc, the Shandur Polo festival, or K2´s base camp in Pakistan. It would have been another memorable trip for us.

What I´ll remember most about David was his steadfastness and deep reserve of quiet strength. When the going got tough-on a mountain, in the middle of nowhere, or life-David always found one more gear. He was steady, dependable, and strong - an all-weather friend in every sense of the word.

True friendships are forged through time-in trust, in trials, in triumphs. They climb with you, carry you, and quietly leave their footprints with you forever. I feel his absence. But I also feel fortunate. Lucky to have had such a rich friendship. Lucky to have shared so many sunrises from mountain peaks, so many stories over dinners, so many miles, years, and memories.

David, I hope you're gazing out at a beautiful snowy peak with breathtaking views, where the snow glows in the sunlight, time slows, and the silence hums with wonder. Once again, you feel like the luckiest person-because that´s precisely how we felt after every summit, every panorama, every dive: wide-eyed, full of gratitude, awash in wonder, every sense alive.

Gery Harnischberg

May 15, 2025

Dear Jeckie
Dear Klauser Family

"Words can't make your sorrow any easier to bear, but they can show how deeply Others sympathize and care"!

I was deeply saddened to hear that David had passed away
I send you my heartfelt condolences... May time help heal the sorrow for you and your family

I have the privilige to know "him" and I will never forget David. He not only changed my (professional) life (NY 1987-1990) forever. For me he was a "human role model" in an already difficult financial industry... THANK YOU!

Mark Battista

May 12, 2025

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Klauser family. I went to school with Peter, Warner, and Marcus. All fine people. It sound like David lived an incredible life and was taken much to early.

Mark Battista.

Tiffany Rankin

February 1, 2025

I first met David, my father's dear friend, when I was eleven years old. Even then, his striking blonde long hair appearance caught my young attention, but as I grew older, I came to understand that his true beauty lay far deeper. David possessed a warmth that radiated through his gentle smile and kind eyes, creating a sense of calm that made everyone feel at ease in his presence.

Throughout the years, whenever David would visit Switzerland to see his family, we made it a point to meet for a chat and catch up. These meetings, though infrequent, became treasured moments of connection. As I matured, our conversations deepened, and I found myself seeking his guidance and wisdom about life. He had this remarkable old soul wisdom that made every chat feel like a gift, leaving me feeling nurtured and truly understood.

A long-held dream of mine was to visit David in his beloved Crested Butte home, which finally came true in early 2023. My husband and I were fortunate to spend time with David and Jeckie there, even getting snowed in. We shared a memorable evening at one of his favorite spots, the Secret Stash Pizzeria, alongside Jeckie and one of his nieces. That time together now feels especially precious.

While my heart aches knowing David is no longer with us, I find solace in knowing he is free from physical suffering. His spirit - wise, open-minded, and unfailingly kind - will forever remain in my heart and souls memory. He was not only a close friend and confidant of my Dad's but became a dear friend who touched my life as well in ways I'll always cherish.

To everyone whose life was brightened by David's presence - family, friends, and loved ones - please know that our hearts and love are with you. His beautiful spirit lives on and I'm forever grateful for the gift of knowing him.

Tiffany

Markus Arnold

January 4, 2025

Roman Dalla-Rosa

January 3, 2025

David and I met in the Mid-80s in NYC. 1991, Flora and I were honored to have David at our wedding in Long Island. As we moved to Switzerland, shortly after, we had a lifelong "long distance friendship" which we deeply appreciated. Many times, either with Flora, Family or Friends, I (we) very much enjoyed his hospitality in Crested Butte, for which we are very thankful. Occasionally David came to visit us at home in Kirchberg.
We lost a Friend, Mentor, Listener, Counselor... A Great Wonderful Human Being.

One thing which puts a smile on my face:
1988 I was able to convince David to join me to see "The Rolling Stones" in Shea Stadium.
Our warmest condolences go to Jeckie, Werner, Markus, Peter and Felix with Families.
David, R.I.P.

Roman & Flora Dalla-Rosa & Family, Switzerland

P.S. Something important I learned from David, "Never share too much information"

Markus Arnold

January 3, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Andrea Albershardt

December 31, 2024

To David´s family and loves, David was an acquaintance that would come to our trail work days for many years. It was always a delight to see him and share a trail workday. I´m so very saddened to hear of the world´s loss.
Much love, Andrea & Andy Albershardt

Graziella Lamot

December 30, 2024

Farewell David.thank you for your advice, wisdom, and kindness, and for having introduced to your wonderful Swiss friends.

James Butler

December 27, 2024

Our condolences. We remember David and the entire Klauser family fondly.
-The Butler family.

Elke Kroll

December 26, 2024

I will always remember David as a kind lovely person. A great very smart colleague that helped everyone.
He was larger than life.

Farid Naib

December 26, 2024

David was a good friend and a good man. We had countless outdoor adventures around the world, and hours of conversations on the trail or on the road to the trail. David lived life on his own terms, and brought joy and friendship to all that knew him. The world is a sadder place without him. RIP my friend.

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Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2025

Roman Dalla-Rosa posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Sharjeel Kashmir posted to the memorial.

June 11, 2025

Sam Naib posted to the memorial.