Views From the Editor:
Rick Langenberg
Unfortunately, with the growing “graying of our region,” we are suddenly losing some of the more infamous characters and personalities that make our region unique.
The last couple of weeks have been tough when it comes to memorials and celebrations of life; but at the same time, great memories are getting relived like never before. Teller County is not unusual in experiencing this growing celebration of life trend, but it’s still tough when it happens. In recent weeks, we have lost former Cripple Creek Mayor Milford Ashworth, popular Divide restaurant proprietor and community supporter Tracy McGinty; and more recently, former Woodland Park councilman and avid golfer Carl Dell. For myself, I knew all three pretty well, and dealt with them on a regular basis. And yes, plenty of stories are being rekindled in their honor, as we are losing too many of our special characters.
As we celebrated Veterans Day last week, it was a definite time to reflect on a few of these special memories.
Creek Leaders Praise Former Mayor
In the most recent Cripple Creek City Council meeting, the session started on a definite somber note with a special tribute made towards the late Milford Ashworth, a former mayor and big community leader in southern Teller who recently passed away. Milford helped provide a steady hand during a time of much turmoil, in the midst of the COVID epidemic and all kinds of challenges, such as fluctuating managerial changes, personnel shake-ups, tough fiscal realities and health woes. (Milford was a victim himself of the COVID epidemic but recovered quite well.)
Current mayor Annie Durham, who works with the local school district, lauded Milford for his support of the CC/V RE-1 School District’s trade programs and playing an instrumental role in the community. Ashworth actually served as a councilman and mayor of Cripple Creek from 2009 until 2023, when he finally resigned to spend time with his family.
“He did a lot for the community,” commented Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Brown, who outlined Milford’s role in helping to preserve history with his work in the Victor’s Gold Camp AG and Mining Museum, and with other outlets. I can remember meeting him there occasionally and was impressed for his passion for history in his work at this off-the-beaten path museum, while taking a realistic stance on the development and infrastructure challenges facing Cripple Creek. When he initially ran for mayor, he was seriously challenged, but most locals praised Milford for his dedication and more “get it done” attitude without a lot of lengthy speeches.
In probably the most striking acknowledgement, city attorney Erin Smith cited Milford for his display of “amazing common sense. It was quite a pleasure to serve with him.” Not often do you get that kind of praise from a city attorney.
A Divide Celebration to Remember
And on Nov. 8, nearly 500 people flocked to Divide throughout the day, and specifically to the Paradox Beer Company restaurant tent to pay tribute to Tracy McGinty, the proprietor and head owner of McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub for years, and earlier the Killday’s restaurant. It was a definite day of celebration for Tracy, who loved a good party. The festivities abounded with live Irish music, dancing and storytelling. Yes, there was no shortage of stories, including from yours truly, in a gathering that Tracy would have been proud of, along with a number of memorable toasts. Some of the highlights included a special tribute made by Philly Joe, and of course the roving sounds of “Irish Scotty.” The St. Patty’s celebration in Divide won’t be quite the same in 2026.
This solid week of St. Patty happenings at McGinty’s almost became a community institution, largely due to Tracy’s leadership, with the launching of a small local parade that really showcased the friendly and unique style of Divide. Tracy knew a thing or two about running Irish-style pubs due to her family’s background in Buffalo, New York. (Talk about a town that knows how to party with a real luck of the Irish style.) She also played a key role in supporting the local community, certain special causes and area hockey teams, and was a hard-core Buffalo Bills fan.
Her passing kind of hit me hard, as I had good and detailed conversations with Tracy, while also running into her son, Taylor Killday and her good friend Jeff Mosher, at the U.S. Senior Open last summer at the Broadmoor (as spectators, no they didn’t let us compete, thank God), and later during Sheriff Jason Mikesell’s golf tournament.
Great times and more of a lesson to enjoy the special ties you have with your friends and family, right now. I am sure the restaurant will continue to have a great future under the leadership of Taylor Killday.
Golf and Woodland Park
And more recently, we learned through golfing ties of the death of Carl Dell, an illustrious city council member in Woodland Park for years, who served the city during some definite growth and political challenges. Carl had a laugh that could light up three rooms. Years back, Carl was the ring-leader in bringing a rare Mardi Gras celebration to Woodland Park, when people really, and I mean really got dressed up for the occasion, in an event that raised impressive sums of money for community causes.
