There weren't many finished roads around Grant, Colorado when Katharine Dean "Kay" Vail moved there. It was the 60s and much different from what we see today. Kay is one of the people who helped bring positive change to the community in her dedication to education and untiring commitment to volunteer work.

Kay Vail worked for the Girl Scouts of America, then worked and retired from a distinguished career as Professor and Acting Dean at University of Denver School of Social Work. Her service didn't stop there, however. In the Platte Canyon community, Kay served on the school board and was very concerned about obesity among young people. She also joined the local Sertoma club and served on their Board of Directors as well as helping the local library.

Now Kay has left us.

Kay Vail passed away in an Aurora nursing home on April 20, 2007, after a long illness. She was 82 and was preceded in death by her husband, Richard. Kay is survived by two step-children, Richard and Pat of Aurora, former daughter-in-law (called "daughter" by Kay), Helene Burns of Bailey, ten step-grandchildren, and three nephews and a niece. Kay will also be missed and remembered by her many friends and associates in Park County. Funeral services were private.

Kay is still supporting education in the community. In her will, she bequeathed generous annuities to the Park County Library and the Park County Education Foundation.

The Platte Canyon community, Park County, and the many people Kay worked to help are grateful for her commitment and her very active life here.