Katrina Blair
Dear friends and beloveds of Katrina Blair,
It is with deep sadness and eternal gratitude for the epic life lived, we share that our beloved sister, friend, teacher and visionary community leader, Katrina Blair, passed on Friday June 5th, 2026.
Katrina died peacefully in her family's mountain hut surrounded by the majesty of the La Plata Mountains. She was encircled by the love and song of friends and family at her time of passing.
Katrina lived into the dying process just as she lived her life – with a fearless, joyful, unconditional love.
About a year ago she began to have some breathing and lung challenges and was given a cancer diagnosis. While she came to acknowledge and accept the diagnosis, she held a wider perspective of the experience. She lived into a healing journey and adventure that authentically aligned with her wild soul.
In her last months here with us, she embraced her life and community completely. She was ever so vibrant, singing, writing, telling stories, listening to music, and laughing – so much laughter! Her smile and radiance grew brighter every day.
Daily, she was greeted by friends and family in her sacred home, which she built 30 years ago with the loving, helping hands of her community. Beloveds everyday bringing flowers, stories, food, so many songs, healing hands and vast love - reflecting back to her all the beautiful ways she touched our hearts and lives.
She was filled with utmost joy by the love that her community shared in her final weeks. She said again and again, many times a day, community was her ultimate medicine. She was truly healed by each and every person who visited, hugged, touched, called, prayed, thought about and wrote to her. She continues to be healed by this love.
Death is not the measure of whether healing happened and was successful. Her being was so ecstatically whole and healed by the love that the community reciprocated to her magnanimous heart of true love and service.
A celebration of life for Katrina is being planned for the weekend of the autumn equinox and more information will be coming soon.
In honor of Katrina's life and legacy, we invite you to make a memorial contribution to support the work of Turtle Lake Refuge. This supports continuing Katrina's mission to foster love and stewardship of the earth, community well-being and personal health.
Donations will help continue the Turtle Lake Refuge Café, educational programs, regenerative land practices, and community outreach for future generations.
Please use Colorado Gives to make a donation or checks can be made out to Turtle Lake Refuge and mailed to Rocky Mountain Retreat 848 East Third Ave, Durango, Colorado 81301.
With the deepest gratitude and respect for our Beloved Katrina Blair.