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This year has been one of change for ��������Ƶ Rockies—as in nature, nothing ever stays the same. On June 30, 2025, we said farewell to our beloved friend and colleague, John Kloster-Prew, as he retired and set off on a new chapter of life.

John joined ��������Ƶ Rockies in 2013 as our very first development director before later becoming deputy director. From the very beginning, he was known for his boundless enthusiasm for birds and conservation, his positive energy, and his steady leadership.

For more than 11 years, John helped raise funds that kept our programs thriving, crafted Rockies' strategic plans, and built lasting relationships in communities across the region. But beyond all of that, he was the person who always showed up with a smile, ready to do whatever was needed to move our mission forward.

For so many of us, John was more than a colleague—he was, and always will be, a friend. His upbeat nature lifted spirits, his laughter filled long days of travel, and his kindness made everyone feel seen and valued. Personally, I will never forget the many hours spent on the road with John, swapping stories and sharing plenty of laughs. He had a gift for making work feel lighter and for helping us all remember why we do what we do.

Before he left, John shared a few words that capture his heart and spirit:

“Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when you’ve had the privilege of working with such an extraordinary group of people, united by a shared passion for conservation and community. It’s been an honor to work alongside such a talented, dedicated, and inspiring team. Together, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and stayed true to a vision that puts birds, people, and the planet at the center of everything we do.” - John Kloster-Prew

In his retirement, John plans to travel with his wife, Sheila, with whom he recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. We know their adventures will continue to take them to many beautiful places—hopefully, where John can see his favorite bird, the Blue-footed Booby—and we couldn’t be happier for them.

All of us at ��������Ƶ Rockies will miss John greatly, but we are excited about what lies ahead for him and Sheila. One thing is certain: wherever he goes, John will continue to make friends, advocate for birds, and brighten the lives of everyone he meets.

Special thanks to Craig Vollmer of  and for sharing his photos with us.