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Logo of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort featuring stylized text and a tree design.

Saying Goodbye to Gary Neeleman

This week we lost a father, husband, grandfather, great grandpa, amazing man, and a Zion Ponderosa legend. Gary Neeleman played a huge role in the acquisition of the land where Zion Ponderosa now stands. In 1962 he spotted a classified ad for "mountain land in Utah, covered with ponderosa pines." He and his wife, Rose, and father-in-law immediately drove to Utah to see the land and purchase the property that would ultimately become the ranch resort it is today that welcomes visitors from around the world.

An elderly man sits comfortably on a patio chair, wearing a cap and a blue striped shirt, with a drink on the table beside him.

Gary's greatest joy was gathering with and being surrounded by loved ones, including his 35 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his devoted family and Zion Ponderosa. Thank you, Gary, for sharing this incredible and beautiful place with so many. You will be missed!

A large family gathers for a group photo on the steps of a stone house.

Learn more about Gary Neeleman's Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort legacy.