Obituary for Lydia Kay Clary Dequine

Lydia Kay Clary Dequine, avid horsewoman, devoted wife and first mate, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, died on June 23 as a result of a severe asthma attack. She was 65.
Born in Duncan, Oklahoma to Jim and Helen Clary, Lydia moved to Colorado in the early seventies.
Before moving to the Steamboat area, Lydia worked on ski patrol at Buttermilk Mountain and was a respected member of the Roaring Fork Valley equestrian community.
In 1997, she married Louis Edward Dequine, III, and two exceptional, compassionate, and resolute individuals became one: Lou and Lyd.
She brought her kids’ horseback riding program to the Flying Horse Ranch on Morrison Creek, and over the years taught and inspired countless children and adults, while also developing one of the best cross-country courses on the western slope.
After many snowy seasons in the mountains, Lou and Lyd adopted an old sailboat and spent winters exploring the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. For Lyd, it was horses above all else — the freedom, the exhilaration, the challenge, the partnership, and always learning more — but she didn't mind a respite from the snow.
The shock, pain, and sorrow of this sudden loss hits especially sharp for family and friends, because no one was more full of life than Lydia. She was a spark plug, a force of nature. And so much fun.
She was strong and adventurous — whether riding over mountain passes on her motorcycle, sailing across the seas, or charging up a mountain on horseback — there was nothing she would not do.
She was as tender as she was tough, and a nurturer to all of life: her garden, animals of all kinds, and her family. In everything Lydia did, she was passionate and engaged completely, up until the moment she left us.
Lydia made those around her better — she raised the bar.
She was honest, determined, and truly knew and owned herself. As a mother, she was thoughtful, supportive, and always a friend.
As a grandmother, she was a blast — and cherished those grandbabies.
Forever young, forever beautiful, forever smiling in our hearts. We miss you so much, Lyd.
She is survived by husband Lou, sister Sara, children Cara and Vito, grandchildren Casey and Cody, niece Clary and nephew Mason, and stepchildren Dusty and Kari.
A memorial potluck and celebration of Lydia's life will be held July 9 at 4 p.m. in South Routt at Flying Horse Ranch (off Lynx Pass), 22100 Routt County Road 16. Google maps: “Flying Horse Ranch, Oak Creek, CO.”
All are welcome.