Celebrating John Kloster-Prew | Audubon

This yr has been one among change for Audubon Rockies—as in nature, nothing ever stays the identical. On June 30, 2025, we stated farewell to our beloved good friend and colleague, John Kloster-Prew, as he retired and set off on a brand new chapter of life.

John joined Audubon Rockies in 2013 as our very first improvement director earlier than later changing into deputy director. From the very starting, he was recognized for his boundless enthusiasm for birds and conservation, his constructive power, and his regular management.

For greater than 11 years, John helped elevate funds that stored our applications thriving, crafted Rockies’ strategic plans, and constructed lasting relationships in communities throughout the area. However past all of that, he was the one who at all times confirmed up with a smile, able to do no matter was wanted to maneuver our mission ahead.

For thus many people, John was greater than a colleague—he was, and at all times shall be, a good friend. His upbeat nature lifted spirits, his laughter crammed lengthy days of journey, and his kindness made everybody really feel seen and valued. Personally, I’ll always remember the numerous hours spent on the highway with John, swapping tales and sharing loads of laughs. He had a present for making work really feel lighter and for serving to us all bear in mind why we do what we do.

Earlier than he left, John shared a couple of phrases that seize his coronary heart and spirit:

“Saying goodbye isn’t simple, particularly while you’ve had the privilege of working with such a unprecedented group of individuals, united by a shared ardour for conservation and group. It’s been an honor to work alongside such a gifted, devoted, and galvanizing workforce. Collectively, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and stayed true to a imaginative and prescient that places birds, folks, and the planet on the heart of all the pieces we do.” – John Kloster-Prew

In his retirement, John plans to journey together with his spouse, Sheila, with whom he lately celebrated their thirty third marriage ceremony anniversary. We all know their adventures will proceed to take them to many lovely locations—hopefully, the place John can see his favourite hen, the Blue-footed Booby—and we couldn’t be happier for them.

All of us at Audubon Rockies will miss John drastically, however we’re enthusiastic about what lies forward for him and Sheila. One factor is for certain: wherever he goes, John will proceed to make buddies, advocate for birds, and brighten the lives of everybody he meets.

Particular because of Craig Vollmer of Craig Vollmer Photography for sharing his pictures with us.