NEWS

Kaytlyn Rosalie Jornayvaz, 30, beloved daughter and sister, peacefully passed away on October 27, 2017 after a back surgery. Equally witty and beautiful, Kaytlyn had an uncanny ability to live in the moment, which meant those in her company felt truly appreciated. Her kindness, her desire to listen, and the time she took with friendships, have encouraged those around her to live their lives more thoughtfully.

Kaytlyn was born September 26, 1987 in Denver, Colorado, to parents Louisa Craft Jornayvaz of Houston, Texas and Robert "Bobby" Paul Jornayvaz III of San Antonio, Texas. Kaytlyn studied at The Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London. She lived in New York City and worked at Artnet, which further cultivated her love for design. Upon moving back to her home state of Colorado, she further explored her love of British history and her experience in the arts and began painting, designing clothing and commissioning fine jewelry. While not in the studio, she could often be found at floral markets, selecting flowers to assemble her own arrangements, often choosing her favorite, the "Tudor rose." She would frequently send arrangements to friends to cheer them up or leave arrangements at a local hospital for patients.

In addition to designing and producing lovely jewelry, Kaytlyn had a philanthropic heart. As vice-president of philanthropy for Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at Colorado College, she created events to raise awareness for at-risk youth. Kaytlyn continued that passion, and in 2006 co-founded Art for Kids, a non-profit organization that provides arts and life skills interventions for at-risk youth. The program, now called ArtsBridge, has served thousands of young people across the country.

While her main focus was art, she was also a classically trained vocalist and equestrian. Kaytlyn had a deep love of music and singing. She began classical voice lessons as a child and continued training throughout her youth. Her beautiful voice was adored by all who were close to her and she sang the lead role of Maria in her high school musical, "West Side Story." Kaytlyn's love of music was shared with her maternal grandmother Ann Logan Craft, with whom Kaytlyn enjoyed attending opera, even at a very young age.

Kaytlyn was an accomplished equestrian and rode Dressage both in the U.S. and in France. While she enjoyed the training, her time spent in the barn with her beloved horse, Rho Dance, were the moments she cherished above all else. Kaytlyn was an avid reader with a deep knowledge of Western European history. Her ability to eloquently argue various sides of the Tudor - York rivalry and the history of England's Kings and Queens was a delight to listen to. Kaytlyn was also an extremely strong supporter of women's causes, primarily involving equality.

Kaytlyn attended the University of Denver's Ricks Center preschool, Graland Country Day School, Kent Denver School, Southern Methodist University and Colorado College. She was a Central City Flower Girl and a Denver Symphony Debutante. She loved living in Littleton, Colorado, and so enjoyed taking her French bulldog Gizmo on sunny walks to the rose garden near her home.

Kaytlyn is survived by parents Louisa and Bobby, brother Robert, sister Auna (Andrew Wolf), paternal grandmother Rosalie Meluney Jornayvaz, maternal grandfather Alan Logan Craft, Aunt Catherine Prince (Rudy Price), Uncle Logan Craft (Barbara Craft), Uncle Paul Eugene Jornayvaz (Mary Jornayvaz) and many cousins, extended family members and friends.

Kaytlyn's family are welcoming friends for a celebration of her life at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, at 1980 Dahlia Street in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, November 10, 2017, at 1:00pm local time. Directly following the memorial service, a reception will be held at J-5 Equestrian Center, located at 6900 S. Platte Canyon Road, Littleton, Colorado, 80128. A private interment will take place in Blanco, Texas, on the family ranch. In memory of Kaytlyn, the family is planting rose gardens around the Denver community for residents to enjoy, encouraging people to pause and smell the roses, much like Kaytlyn did.

The entire USPA family would like to express our sincere condolences to the Jornayvaz family, friends and all who were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to experience Kaytlyn's loving and giving spirit.