Former Ophir Mayor and Wild Horse Advocate David Glynn Passes Away

David Glynn, a longtime resident of San Miguel County and a passionate advocate for wild horses, passed away at his home in Ophir at the age of 64. Glynn, who was known for his dedication to preserving wild horses and his service as the mayor of Ophir, left a lasting impact on his community and beyond.

Early Wednesday morning, Glynn was found deceased at his home. The San Miguel County Coroner, Emil Sante, reported that the cause and manner of death are pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests. Glynn had spent the previous evening with his family.

Arriving in Telluride in 1976, Glynn quickly became a prominent figure in the community. He served as a ski instructor, artist, and wild horse activist. His activism was highlighted in 2011 when he was arrested during the Occupy Denver protests and participated in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to stop the roundup of wild horses in Disappointment Valley.

During the 2011 BLM roundup, which proceeded despite the lawsuit, a stallion was killed, and 53 wild horses were gathered from the Spring Creek Basin Wild Horse Management Area. Glynn described the process as "brutal" and rallied local support for the wild horse herd.

"People from Nucla to Norwood, Cortez to Ophir, and from Olathe to Telluride, stood shoulder to shoulder in support of our local wild horse herd," Glynn wrote in a letter to the Daily Planet editor.

In January 2014, Glynn wrote another letter passionately advocating for wild horses, emphasizing the historical debt humanity owes to these animals. He was nearing the completion of a book on wild horses, which friends and family hope to publish soon.

Neighbor Todd Rutledge expressed his admiration for Glynn on Facebook, writing, "I hope that where you are, the wild horses that you fought so hard to protect are running free, manes a-flutter in the wind."

Glynn was featured in James Kleinert's 2010 documentary "Wild Horses & Renegades," which highlighted the plight of the Disappointment Valley wild horse herd and inspired action against the BLM.

As mayor of Ophir in 2000, Glynn supported efforts to preserve the Valley Floor. He described Ophir as a place of beauty and inspiration, a sentiment he shared in a 2008 interview.

Glynn is survived by his mother Betty, daughter Crystal, son Wyatt, and wife Doris. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sunset Mesa Funeral Home, and a GoFundMe has been established to assist with costs and the publication of his book.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Sheridan Opera House.

Originally Posted By Telluride Daily Planet