By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Buz Koelbel was a force of nature — a builder of legacies, a man of unwavering principles and a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As one of the founders of Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz’s vision extended beyond brick-and-mortar buildings. He understood that the heart of any community is not just in its physical structures, but in the stories it tells, the voices it elevates and the principles it upholds.
To many of us at Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz wasn’t just one of our founders — he was a mentor, a cheerleader and a friend. Buz, along with his amazing wife Sherri, and I met when I joined the University of Colorado-Boulder business school board more than a decade ago. He LOVED his Buffs! His involvement wasn’t ever limited to strategic decisions or occasional meetings. Buz showed up. He was present, not just in body but in spirit. His passion for truth, fairness, and balance in media shone through every project we undertook. He believed in the power of a free press to shape a more informed and engaged community, but he also understood the importance of responsibility. For Buz, journalism wasn’t just about reporting the news — it was about cultivating an informed citizenry, one that could rise above the noise and see the bigger picture.
Buz’s impact on Rocky Mountain Voice mirrors his broader contributions to Colorado. His fingerprints are on the land, the skylines, and, most importantly, the hearts of countless Coloradans. Not to mention an incredible family that will continue to fight for what he loved.
He believed in the importance of place, of anchoring our work to the values of community, stewardship and integrity. Buz’s deep reverence for the land — whether through his developments at Koelbel and Company or his vision for this publication — was rooted in his desire to leave a legacy that would outlast us all.
“We are custodians of the land for but a brief time,” he reminded us, “but our legacy lives on for generations to come.” Those words, now more than ever, resonate deeply as we reflect on the indelible mark he has left on both the real estate landscape and the journalistic world.
When Buz helped launch Rocky Mountain Voice, he wasn’t just looking to create another media outlet. He wanted to create a platform where voices — especially those often overshadowed by louder or more liberal perspectives — could be heard. He believed in the importance of balance, in giving a voice to conservative ideals in a world where such viewpoints were increasingly marginalized. But Buz’s brand of conservatism was never about divisiveness or exclusion. It was about principles: free markets, individual liberty and a commitment to the common good.
He challenged us all to be thoughtful, measured and reasoned in our approach to journalism, always emphasizing that while we could stand firm in our beliefs, we must always respect the dignity and perspectives of others.
Buz was a source of warmth and wisdom. He had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room, regardless of your title or role. His ability to connect, to mentor, and to inspire came naturally, a reflection of the deep care he had for people. He would often stroll into meetings with that signature grin, ready to offer a word of encouragement or to ask the tough questions that would push us to think deeper, to be better.
And then there was his laughter. It’s hard to think of Buz without recalling his contagious, full-bodied laugh — one that could fill a room and lift your spirits, even on the most challenging of days. That laughter, that joy for life, is a testament to how he lived. Buz didn’t just go through the motions; he relished every moment, both big and small. Whether he was discussing high-level strategy for the future of Rocky Mountain Voice or talking about his latest travel adventure or golf game, there was always that sense of excitement, that sense of purpose.
Buz’s influence on Rocky Mountain Voice will be felt for generations. His insistence on journalistic excellence, his passion for creating a platform that could serve as a beacon of truth and reason, and his unyielding belief in the power of community have set the foundation for all that we will build in the years to come. In many ways, Buz’s vision was prophetic. He saw the challenges that lay ahead in our media landscape, but he also saw the opportunities —opportunities to build something that wasn’t just relevant, but essential to the future of Colorado.
As we move forward, we do so with Buz’s legacy at our backs, propelling us toward the future. His life was a testament to what it means to live with purpose, to give back, and to always look forward to the next challenge with optimism and determination.
Buz, you will be so missed, but your voice will always resonate here at Rocky Mountain Voice, guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us to always strive for something bigger than ourselves. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship and your unwavering belief in the power of truth. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy lives on. Here’s to one more “final final”!
P.S. – Buz created three very impactful videos on America, featured below!
The Disappearing American Middle
America Works Because America Works
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.