“To know her is to love her.”
Born on July 8, 1947, in New Zealand to Captain Robert Watson of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Peggy (Brown) Watson, Wendy grew up on New Zealand Air Force bases with her three younger sisters, Sheryl, Jennifer and Bobbie.
In her 20s, Wendy traveled around Europe and lived abroad in Germany and England. Upon Wendy’s return to Wellington, New Zealand, her father suggested she accompany him to New Zealand’s majestic South Island. Captain Watson had retired from the Air Force and was working for a company that sold ski planes for the growing adventure tourism industry. During that trip, Wendy met her husband, Bob, an adventurous American seeking endless winters and working as a ski guide at Mt. Cook. The rest is history!
The couple settled in Aspen in the early 1970s and, as their family grew, they moved downvalley to the Basalt area. In the most endearing sense, Wendy was a classic homemaker and raised their three daughters: Becky, Vicky and Sarah.
Wendy’s most fulfilling career was working as the director of Eagle County’s Healthy Aging Program in El Jebel. She loved planning outings for the seniors of the Roaring Fork Valley and listening to their legacy stories.
Being miles away from her own family, Wendy went to great lengths to create a family of dear friends within the Roaring Fork Valley. Throughout her life she enjoyed a myriad of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking and boating. She was an avid world traveler, as well as a bird and wildflower enthusiast. Books provided enjoyment as well as a connection point with family and friends.
Wendy’s passions, joys and adventures were all shared amongst her children and grandchildren. They all feel extremely lucky to have close bonds with her. Wendy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bob Bogner; daughters, Becky (Eric Musselman), Vicky and Sarah (Fletcher Duke); and grandchildren, Isaac, Monte, Zane, Blair, Sophia, Sylvia and Celeste. Wendy’s two surviving sisters, Jennifer and Bobbie, reside in New Zealand with their families. There are also numerous extended family members spanning the U.S. and New Zealand.
The Bogner family asks that you take a moment to honor Wendy’s memory by partaking in one of her beloved outdoor activities, attending a community event or enjoying a pleasant meal with friends and family.