Bernard Joseph Pausback

Bernard Joseph Pausback, age 89, passed away in Highlands Ranch, Colorado on January 25, 2025. He was born July 11, 1935 in Sacramento, California to Helen Augusta (Herzog) Pausback and Francis Clement Pausback. 

Born near the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, Bernie grew up fishing and boating in a green canoe built of California oak by his father and uncle. After graduating from Christian Brothers High School, he went to Sacramento City College and transferred to the University of California in Davis to study Entomology. 

While attending Saint Anthony's Church in Davis, he noticed a tall blonde, June Eastman, in front of him at mass. June and Bernie were wed on July 23, 1960 in Woodside, California. He started his teaching career at Galt High School. They had three daughters: Marti, Annie, and Lizzie. While working as a teacher, he also served as an instructor in the Army Reserve, and later he earned his master's degree in science from Oregon State University, Corvallis.

The Cold War generated many opportunities in science and education. One of these programs, Bob Lewis's Summer Institute for Biology Teachers, brought the Pausbacks to Aspen in the summer of 1966. Shortly after, Bernie was hired to teach science at the Red Brick Middle School, Aspen School District. 

In the summer of 1970, he and a group of teachers, recruited by principal Jerry Defries, enrolled in Outward Bound in anticipation of starting the Aspen Outdoor Education program.

In 1971 his son, Joe, joined the family in their recently built (1969) Snowmass Village home. Bernie taught 7th-grade science for nearly 30 years. A founding member of the Aspen School District's outdoor education program, Bernie helped pioneer the annual 8th-grade Outdoor Education trips to Marble and 7th-grade rafting on the Colorado River. Both programs continue after more than 50 years.

Additionally, he organized trips for inner-city children who had never experienced mountains. His summers were filled with trips down western rivers including the Colorado, Green, and many others. He passed his love for engaging kids in outdoor activities to his children, grandchildren, students, and fellow teachers.

Bernie and June were faithful parishioners of St Mary's Catholic Church in Aspen. They led many river trips with Fr. Tom Bradtke, taught Catechism classes, and served for a time on the Parish Council.

Bernie retired from teaching in 1994. He and June traveled and spent time with friends and family.

In 2009, they moved into the newly built Highlands Ranch Vi. For many years, they split their time between their Snowmass house and the Vi until June developed Alzheimer's and entered the Vi Memory Care Facility. She occasionally escaped to meet with "that man." When all memories failed, her love for Bernie remained.

June passed away in 2019. Bernie missed her very much and could never quite believe she was gone.

Bernie is preceded in death by his mother Helen Herzog Pausback, father Francis Clement Pausback, and his life partner June Eastman Pausback.

He is survived by his sister Helen Gertrude Sanchez. Children: Marti Pausback, Annie Pausback, Lizzie Newell, Joseph Pausback, goddaughter, Gwen Kluwe Nirschl, foster son Michael Kluwe. Grandchildren: Alice Michaelson, Ben Michaelson, Sam Pausback, Henry Pausback, Christina Newell, Steven Newell, Leah Morgan, Heidi Borrego, Maddy Nirschl. Great-grandchildren: Boston Newell, Eleanor Morgan, and Lacey Borrego.

Bernie and June welcomed all into their house: family, friends, numerous exchange students, guests, and sojourners spanning the world.

He leaves behind, in his Snowmass garage, a dusty green canoe, older than all of his descendants, a monument to a life spent building community on rivers.

Consider donating in the name of Bernard and June Pausback to the Aspen Outdoor Education Fund. If you are an alum of the 8th Grade Outdoor Education Program, we suggest a donation of at least $24, one dollar for every hour of your overnight solo. For extra credit, donate an additional $10 for every pushup you did during the "Jog and Dip." Or donate to any organization in your community that provides environmental education to children, especially disadvantaged children.