Arthur Holbrook Chesnut

Arthur Holbrook Chesnut, known affectionately as Brooke, passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 66, in Vail, Colorado. He was a father, grandfather, friend, mountaineer, skier, biker, motivational speaker and overall, most excellent human. Brooke was born March 3rd, 1958, in San Francisco, California and moved to Boulder where he graduated from the University of Colorado. While in Boulder, he fell in love with the mountains and lifestyle and chose to make Colorado his home for over 40 years, where he married and raised his family. In 2019 he moved to Vail to be closer to the mountains, his partner and the community he loved. 

Brooke’s passion and zest for life led him to climb five of the Seven Summits, the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. Upon reaching Base Camp 4 on Mt. Everest, he was forced to abandon his quest for the peak due to severe frostbite. Afterwards, Brooke said he would rather hold his granddaughter with all ten fingers than bag another peak- although he never totally abandoned his desire to attempt Everest ‘just one more time’. He celebrated his love for mountaineering each New Year’s as a member of the esteemed AdAmAn Club. An avid and expert skier, Brooke skied slopes all over the Rockies- from Vail to Canada and also Japan. He was an early adopter of pickleball and quickly became competitive in the sport, because Brooke never did anything half-way. He traveled the world and was an excellent cook. 

After a successful sales career, Brooke shifted his focus to becoming a professional speaker, helping entrepreneurs and business leaders navigate the challenges of a multi-generational workforce. To develop skills and hone his message, he joined Cherry Creek Toastmasters, finding an unexpected bonus in lifelong friendships with kindred spirits in the speaking community. He served as Adjunct Professor at the Daniels School of Business at the University of Denver with seminars on Leadership in the Cross-generational Workforce. Brooke proved to be a gifted, talented and energetic speaker inspiring his audiences with lessons learned from years of mountain expeditions. He was a compassionate mentor to many, connecting friends and strangers alike and truly lived his life to the fullest. 

Brooke was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Chesnut and father Dan Chesnut. He is survived by longtime partner Katie Boone, brothers Dan Chesnut and Tim Chesnut, daughters Allie Chesnut and Kelsey Chesnut-Scott (Garrison Scott), granddaughter Kayden Harris, former wife and friend Pamela Chesnut. 

To his family and friends, Brooke was a pillar of unwavering support and love. His charismatic charm, and genuine caring touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Whether he was conquering a new summit, skiing fresh powder, or sharing a laugh while playing cribbage, his presence radiated warmth and love. He passed away leaving behind a tapestry of memories, woven with laughter, kindness, and boundless enthusiasm. Brooke’s spirit will forever live on in the stories we share and the mountains he loved. As we mourn his passing, let us also rejoice in having known such a remarkable man. 

Celebration of Life will be held in Vail, Colorado on Saturday August 24th at the Eagle Vail Pavilion, 538 Eagle Rd, Avon, CO 81620 from 3pm-6pm. Please see flyer below with service details. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC).