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Stephen Mackin Obituary

Stephen Kirk Mackin died at his Manitou Springs home on September 5th, 2012. He was a four-year five-month survivor of pancreatic cancer. Stephen was born on January 1st, 1947, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. He was the son of Wayne & Dorothy Mackin, long time owners of the Imperial Hotel in Cripple Creek and founders of the world -famous melodrama in the Gold Bar Room Theatre. Stephen and his wife, Bonnie, took over management of the Imperial in the 1980's and continued until it was sold in 1992. Stephen enjoyed doing various jobs at the hotel and many times you could find him waiting tables or even washing dishes, his favorite job! In 2000, after the City of Cripple Creek restored the beautiful Butte Opera House in Cripple Creek, Steve & Bonnie brought melodramas back to Cripple Creek at that new venue. Along with their daughter, Stacy, they produced the shows there until 2006. At the time of his death, he owned and operated the Cripple Creek Hospitality House and RV Park, which was the former Teller County Hospital and has been owned by the Mackin Family since 1964. Stephen was a man of many talents and varied interests. He was a 1970 graduate of the University of Arizona in Tucson. He was an accomplished jeweler who had The Crucible Shop as part of the Imperial Hotel complex on the corner of Third Street and Bennett Avenue. When the Imperial sold, he moved his shop to the Hospitality House where he continued to do custom jewelry work. He designed many religious pieces of jewelry and sculptures for churches in Colorado. Steve was a past president of the Two Mile High Club and the Cripple Creek Chamber of Commerce. He served on both the Pikes Peak Country Attractions and the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce Boards. He was a member of the Cripple Creek-Victor School Board and also served three terms at different times on the Cripple Creek City Council. He was on the Cripple Creek Planning Commission during the formation of legalized gambling in the town and helped establish growth and zoning regulations. Stephen was a member of the Cripple Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years serving as chief for 17 of those years. He was President of the Cripple Creek District Museum Board of Directors and a lifetime member of Cripple Creek Elks Lodge #316. Stephen was Senior Warden at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Cripple Creek and had attended that church all 65 years of his life where he, his children and grandchildren were baptized. The numerous stained-glass windows in St. Andrew's were designed by him and he also made the tabernacle door and silver chalice used there. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie, son Kirk Mackin and wife Cindy of Ft. Collins, daughter Stacy McLeod and husband J.T. of Colorado Springs, grandchildren Mackenzie and Andrew Mackin, John Wayne and Samuel Chester McLeod. Other survivors include his sister, Susan Mackin Anderson and husband Lewis of Atlanta, brothers-in-law Bob Diehl and wife Joy, Gary Diehl and wife Linda of Salina, Kansas and sister-in-law Donna Wartman and husband Lon of Garden City, Kansas. He has two aunts, Frances Mackin Smith of Paradise, California, Virginia Mackin of Portland, Oregon and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Stephen was an inspiration to others especially on his cancer journey with his positive attitude and words of encouragement to persons in similar situations. He was a mentor to many of the young people he worked with each summer and they often expressed how he had helped them develop and grow so they could be successful in their career choices and relationships with other people. He liked to fish, dance, listen to the blues, drive his Model A and laugh! He had the gift of being able to talk to anyone of any age about any subject and that is what he will be remembered for, especially his Cripple Creek Stories. Words being used to describe Stephen in numerous tributes include mentor, hero, awesome inspiration to many, great, warm, conscientious, fighter, humorous, kind, loving, selfless, sensitive, outspoken, sharpwitted, hardworking, artistic, generous, dear friend, good soul, good and faithful servant, wonderful, special, angel, man of honor, grace and grit. Some have said he was the king, the gold, the gem and the embodiment of Cripple Creek. A celebration of Stephen's life will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Cripple Creek on Thursday, September 13th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 458 in Cripple Creek, 80813, Cripple Creek District Museum, P. O. Box 1210 in Cripple Creek, 80813 or Pikes Peak Hospice, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, 80906.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Mackin

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Penny Bever

September 1, 2020

Steve was an amazing guy. I do think about him often. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He made you feel loved, honored and a part of the group-included. He had rare and unique qualities. I miss him; I can only imagine the depth and breadth to which his family misses him-what a gaping hole that must be. God bless him-God bless his family, most especially Bonnie and his kids.

Richard Wakefield

September 23, 2012

From freshman in high school, Steve and I always remained close friends. He will truly be missed!

My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the family.

Allen and Janice Zirzow

September 20, 2012

Steve was one of the most funny people we have ever known; always had the best jokes. Just a real upright guy, glad to have known him and he will be missed. Thanks for upgrading "our" beloved Hospitality House. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bonnie and family.

James Mablin

September 13, 2012

So glad I got to work with Steve on a Cripple Creek Christmas Carol over a number of years. I will always hold such fond memories and dedicate the music of this year's fall show to you. Rest in peace my friend x

John and Tracy Carroll

September 13, 2012

His light will always shine brightly in our lives

Candy Calland-Hopp

September 13, 2012

I will so miss the "Mackinisms". Steve always had the best jokes, usually real groaners. Just one of the many reasons he will be missed.

September 12, 2012

Remembering Steve with great fondness...a man of grace and lifelong friendships. We're sending our deep sympathy to Bonnie, Susan and Steve & Bonnie's children. Avery Keener Econome

Missi Coleman

September 12, 2012

My deepest sympathies go out to the Mackin family. Stephen was a true fighter and inspiration to many. Sending lots of love your way.

Penny Bever

September 12, 2012

Steve was an awesome man. I had the privilege of working with him through the Manitou Springs Chamber and Thrift House of the Episcopal Church Women. I will be forever grateful for his sense of humor, knowledge and insight. God bless you all.

John and Kim Tulley

September 11, 2012

Bonnie
,Our love and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Steve has meant a lot to Cripple Creek and will be greatly missed! What a trooper and inspiration he has been for us all!

Steve driving his model T 2004

Ric

September 11, 2012

Ric

September 11, 2012

Ric

September 11, 2012

Ric

September 11, 2012

Hospitality House, 2002

Ric

September 11, 2012

Ric

September 11, 2012

Steve was the quinessential host who cared deeply about others. He made people smile and enjoy life. He inspired me to live my life to the fullest without complaints of health problems.

Hugh Guinn

September 11, 2012

Any attempt to find a better friend than Stephen Mackin would be an exercise in futility.

Eric & Tammy Reiter

September 11, 2012

Aunt Bonnie and family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Uncle Steve shall be forever in our hearts.

Cindy Gangstad

September 10, 2012

Bonnie
We are so sorry to hear of Steves death. I was afraid it was close when we didn't see him when we where in cripple Creek last month. You are all in our prayers.

September 10, 2012

Grace and courage - a light gone from our lives.
Cookie Ringo

Diana Baker

September 10, 2012

I was blessed to be in an olio with Steve, we were thankfully in the back row faking the steps together. What a classy gentleman. I will miss his smile and seeing the amazing love that was so apparent between him and Bonnie.

Vanessa and Duane Hays

September 9, 2012

Bonnie and family - our deepest sympathy for your loss. For every tear, may there be a memory, and for each memory, a smile. Prayers for peace are with you.

Joe And Linda Cook

September 9, 2012

God Bless all who knew and loved him He was a truly special man who touched so many lives. we will miss him.

Marie Seitzinger

September 8, 2012

Bonnie, kids and grandkids, When I sent the poem about the aspens, little did I know that Steve would leave for heaven so soon after the aspens had just shared their glorious blaze of golden color.Steve was courageous in life and was just as courageous in death......leaving this earth in a beautiful blaze of glory! I doubt you ever knew this, but I grew to love you both. then.....now.....and`always.
With continual prayers for all of you, Marie Seitzinger

Jessica Krummenacher

September 8, 2012

A light has gone out in our city. Your smiling face will be missed my friend.Your work on earth is done, rest well. All our love to Bonnie and Stacy, and family.

Ed Henderson

September 8, 2012

Some friendships are forged in stone...as a Graduate of the Imperial Hotel Classes of 1967, '68,'69, and '70, my friendship & love for Steve followed me as I lived & traveled all over this litte planet. We could pick up a conversation after years, like it had been yesterday... Very few Friendships like that... Neither of us were violent men, but the only Bar Fight I've ever been in was with Steve at my side! Rest In Peace Brother....

Larry Nelson

September 8, 2012

Even in death his legacy shines to those lives he touched....yes Steve-your remarkable life leaves an amazing legacy behind. We all have a kaleidoscope of memories that we will always carry with us - memories that defined him; memories that we will always hold dear.

Larry Nelson

September 8, 2012

A remarkable man ....may we learn from his life so we too can bless others...Larry Nelson

September 8, 2012

Our sympathy to the family. We enjoyed knowing you the past four years. God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. Jerry & Vivian Sanders, Flint, Texas

Liana & Gary Walter

September 8, 2012

The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
God's many blessings to your family Stephen. You will be deeply missed.

Vickie Pratt-McCoy

September 8, 2012

My thoughts are with all of his family and friends

Tony Baca

September 8, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Steve was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Sally and Jeff Rucker

September 8, 2012

I'm so sad that we will be in Iowa and will miss the memorial service. We will be there in spirit and send our love to your family. Stacy, when you feel up to it please bring the boys out to the ranch and we will have a llama day with them. Give your Mom our love and sympathy and I pray that you will find comfort in your family and support from all of your friends who love and admired Steve.

Jeanie Jones-Schaller

September 7, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family. Stephen was one of the best bosses I ever had. I still have jewelry he made when I worked there in high school. I have so many fun memories of working with him and Mike. He will be missed by many.

Michael/ Douglas Cornejo/ Lewis

September 7, 2012

Douglas and I Know that MR.Stephen Mackkin was a great person. The frist we meet Stephen and Bonnie when became member of Manitou Spring Chamber ofCommerce.He will be greatly missed Our prayers go out to Family.

September 7, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a very nice and interesting person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Deb Gorman & Gorman Auction Staff

Julie & Kenny Douglas

September 7, 2012

you introduced me to vodka gimlets & a lot of other fun in our families together. We love you both.

Janis Dunn

September 7, 2012

So sorry to hear this. Keeping the family in my heart and prayers. Steve is the kindest man I know.

Linda Clark

September 7, 2012

A true angel went home! Rest in peace, you will be missed by many.

Rhonda DeShaies

September 7, 2012

Bonnie and family I am sadden to hear of Stephen's passing. Please know that my prayers are with you. My Sincerest Condolences, Rhonda DeShaies.

Noel Perran

September 7, 2012

Now you have really given me the blues!

September 7, 2012

The Pikes Peak Model 'A' has lost a long standing member of our Club..Our thoughts and prayers are with the family..Kay Anderson

Chris Sorensen

September 7, 2012

Goodbye, my friend.

Linda Wommack

September 7, 2012

Rest with God my friend.

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