AVON, Colorado — Newell Lynn Weas, born July 17, 1942, died Sept. 2, 2009 after a courageous battle against cancer.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Jane Hicks; son Tobias Weas; daughter-in-law Laura Weas; grandchildren Zachary “Zac” and Hannah Weas; and other family members including Larry, Doug, Janie, Ken and Ben Weas.

Among Lynn's proudest moments were when Zac christened him as “Dadu” and when Hannah first climbed into his lap and let him, and him alone, comb her hair.

Lynn's long and varied career began as an aviator in the Navy, where he flew F-4 Phantom fighter jets, including from the aircraft carrier USS Independence. Following career stops in banking, finance and commercial and residential development, he founded a management company, Resort Advisory Group, which marked the beginning of his tenure as managing director of The Christie Lodge in Avon.

Through Weas' brand of “creative excellence,” he applied his problem-solving savvy and business acumen to lead the Christie Lodge through a significant financial and business recovery that left the Christie Lodge as a bright spot in the Vail Valley nearly 20 years later. His close working relationship with members of the Christie Lodge's staff (some have worked with Lynn the entire time he led the lodge's management) and the board of directors of the lodge contributed greatly to its success. They will miss Lynn's expertise, insight, creative thinking and gruff charm.

Lynn was a member and leader of the American Resort Development Association for more than 17 years and will be remembered by his colleagues as one who was always willing to advise when asked, mentor a newcomer, or provide leadership. In addition to serving as chairman of several ARDA committees over the years, including service on ARDA's executive committee, he chaired the Resort Owners Coalition , one of ARDA's most prestigious and influential committees, for the past several years. Through Lynn's leadership, vision and commitment to resort owners, he helped lead Resort Owners Coalition through substantial growth and influence in the area of legislative and regulatory issues that affect resort owners across the country. Lynn has also served as an active member of ARDA's board of directors for the past several years, representing the voice of independent, nonbranded resort developers.

Throughout his life, Lynn was an avid motorcyclist and has been an active member and leader of the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association for many years. He will be missed by his fellow riders.

Funeral services were at Tri County Funeral Home in Longwood, Fla.

There will be a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 at Christie Lodge in Avon.