Casey Josiah Haskell, 46, passed away on September 8, 2026, in Ridgway, Colorado, where he made his home. He was born on July 12, 1980, in Denver, Colorado.

Casey grew up in the Conifer/Evergreen, Colorado area and was proud to be part of the first graduating class of Conifer High School, Class of 1998. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003. He then served in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria (2003-2005), an experience helping shape his lifelong love of language, travel, and connection with people from all walks of life. He later returned to Colorado to earn his Master's degree in Psychology and Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder in 2013. He spoke conversationally in both Bulgarian and Spanish.

Casey’s Chacos carried his heart and education through a life devoted to helping others, working with several organizations dedicated to supporting at-risk youth throughout his life. He was also a builder in every sense, a founding force for several businesses across Colorado, and an inventor at heart who was always designing, tinkering, and creating. In recent years, he found particular joy in laser cutting Christmas ornaments and other items, as well as handcrafting jewelry.

An adventurer to his core, Casey's spirit came alive outdoors and among community. He was a longtime devotee of Burning Man, an avid fan of the Colorado Avalanche, mountain biker, climber, and telemark skier. He traveled widely across multiple continents, always drawn to new places and new people, and he was known everywhere he went for his warm smile and the friendships he built around the world.

Casey is survived by his parents, who loved him very much. He is also survived by siblings, many other family members, along with the countless friends, colleagues, and souls he touched throughout his life.

Casey's memory lives on in the mountains he climbed, the youth he mentored, the friendships he built across borders and languages, and the many lives made brighter by knowing him.

A celebration honoring Casey will be held at The Sherbino, 604 Clinton St, Ridgway CO. on September 18, 3:30pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the Casey Shep Foundation. To support opportunities for at-risk-youth, please click on the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-casey-shep-foundation-for-atrisk-youth