May 15, 1947 – February 5, 2025

Lin Palmer was one gnarly mountain woman – although she would cringe to hear it! She skied the infamous Tuckerman’s Ravine and carved most excellent turns on the Steamboat mountain when she wasn’t sailing through the powder. She earned respect as talented and hard-working carpenter in the man’s world of construction. She ran rivers and hiked mountains. She worked at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica for two winters. But perhaps most gnarly of all, she built her own custom three story home in Cow Creek almost entirely by herself, using only carefully scrimped savings and maxed out credit cards and the very occasional help on a heavy beam or wall. At the same time, Lin was a domestic goddess. She knit, sewed and made batches and batches of delicious cookies.
Lin was born Linda Kay Palmer on May 15, 1947 into a military family that saw many moves around the U.S. and even Guam. She went to Middlebury College in Vermont where she was a stand-out student, served on the ski patrol and was voted Snow Queen one year. A fellow classmate, Ed Lawton, encouraged her to come to Steamboat for the skiing. She took his advice and stayed and put down deep roots. After many childhood moves, Lin longed for her own home and when not skiing, skiing, skiing, she created a beautiful one with fabulous views of Storm Peak one direction and the Flattops to the other.
Lin was a Tai Chi devotee and traveled twice to China with the local Tai Chi group to visit their master’s hometown, tour other sites, take part in a large demonstration and practice with other Tai Chi students from around the world. As one result, Lin took on the financial support of a young Chinese girl. Lin was endlessly curious and asked many questions. The unique thing about Lin was that she actually listened to the answers! Reading was a long-time passion, evidenced by the many, many books lining her bookshelves. She was thoughtful member of a local book club and was always genuinely curious about the other members’ impressions and opinions of the book.
Lin’s first love was her dogs – a succession of Labs – Tootz, Katie and Abby – who were Lin’s constant companions. Fiercely independent and self sufficient, Lin was also a loyal friend and took her role as godmother seriously, forming close attachments to her three god children.
For such a tough cookie, Lin was a humble and gentle soul. She would deflect attention from herself and make one feel they were the most important one in the room. Among many other things, she will remembered for her quick smile and endearing soft chuckle.
Lin died on February 5, 2025 in the home she loved so much. Lin is survived by her sister, Sue Vescera, brother-in-law, Larry Vescera, niece, Kate Vescera and her three godchildren, Emma Stopher Kottenstette, Jayphan Lawton and Cristen Lawton.
A celebration will be held on June 21, 2025 at Lin’s home.