Doris H. Gooding, Steamboat Springs native and longtime resident and participant in civic activities, died December 6, 2001, in Mesa, Arizona.

Doris was born July 24, 1922, to Charles and Arta Harwig who were pioneers in the Steamboat and Routt County area and owned and ran a saddlery and leather goods business for many years.

During her school years and in high school, Doris belonged to the Steamboat Springs Ski Band and was the drum major, leading the ski-clad musicians on many appearances at winter carnivals and other notable events.

After she graduated from high school, Doris attended Denver University and, as this was during WW II, she also worked in some jobs related to the war effort in Denver.

Doris and Gates Gooding were married in Denver. Gates was a Steamboat native, the son of Judge Addison M. Gooding and Mrs. Gooding.

It was not long until the young Gooding couple returned to Steamboat Springs, bought the Abstract Company, and embarked upon many years as activists and volunteers helping the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and other organizations devoted to the progress of Steamboat as a top-notch ski resort.

Doris and Gates were "partners" in their dedication to supporting their community.

Doris helped Gates in the Abstract Office and in all of the help and time given to the Winter Sports Club, the handling of the entire format of each Winter Carnival, enlisting volunteer help for the many details necessary to run a Winter Carnival.

Gates had become the town clerk, all of which added more involvement as well as taking good care of their two nice young sons.

Fortunately, Doris was a capable and competent person, and only "flinched" once or twice when on the first day of the annual ski carnival many Denver newspaper and ski magazine people came to Steamboat, dropped by the office to see Gates, and at 4:30 or 5 in the afternoon, Gates called Doris to announce they were having 10 or 12 people for dinner at their house!

Doris was a good sport and a good cook.

When Gates was spearheading the building and establishment of the Bud Werner Memorial Library, Doris was involved in all of the intricate programming for architects, construction companies, library design, and fund-raising.

Doris was one of the founding members of the Steamboat Springs Arts Council now known as the Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts at the Depot.

She belonged to PEO. In later years Doris had spent winter months in Mesa, Arizona, returning to Steamboat Springs for the summer and autumn.

She enjoyed golf, playing bridge for years, reading, and traveling.

Doris had been on an African Safari (one to see the animals, not to hunt them), and she had been to Europe, several resorts in Mexico, Bermuda, and a number of other interesting travels.

Doris liked people. She had many friends in Steamboat and made new friends in Arizona.

She was a compassionate, caring, and kind person. Quite a remarkable lady who contributed much during transitional periods in Steamboat Springs to our town becoming a city and the renowned winter and summer resort that it is today.

Surviving are her two sons, her grandchildren, and her sister-in-law, Steamboat Springs.

Following Doris' wishes her family had private services at the Steamboat Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, there will be a fund established in Doris' name at the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

The Steamboat Pilot & Today (Steamboat Springs, CO), December 22, 2001