Loss of opera’s marketer director casts pall over Central City

I think the only thing sadder than reporting on someone who died at your own age, is the death of a child.

That’s why it sorely saddens me to have to report on the untimely death of Deb Hruby, Central City Opera’s marketing director and Colorado native who died by her own hand on Oct. 17. She was 56.

She had worked for the CC Opera since 1999, and played a major role in “boosting the storied summer opera company’s sagging national reputation, and helping reconnect it with local audiences,” according to a Denver Post obituary written Oct. 21 by Kyle MacMillan, Denver Post fine arts critic.

A memorial service was held Oct. 24 at Bear Valley Church, 10001 W. Jewell Ave. in Lakewood with music provided by the Central City Opera.

“I have known Deb since the late ‘80s, and have worked with her for the past 10 years on many projects for Central City Opera,” said Starwood Hotel and Resorts area director of public relations and long-time CC Opera supporter Susan Stiff via e-mail. “She had it all. An interesting and challenging job, two perfect adult daughters and a wonderful husband who actually liked wearing a tux at opening night at the opera.”

Hruby left behind her husband, Dean; daughters, Aubrey of Washington, D.C., and Adrienne of London; and her parents, Howard and Charlotte Jones of Fort Collins.

“Deb suffered from depression and anxiety,” Stiff said. “It wasn’t a secret – she spoke often in the past few months of trying to get the meds adjusted so she could function and not be in pain.

“The last time I saw her, a little more than a week before she died, she spoke of injections for excruciating headaches. I understand this disease of depression to be a black hole…maybe Deb thought the she would never dig out of the hole.”

According to The Post obituary, Hruby “became one of the most respected arts marketers in the region and a mentor to up-and-comers in the field.”

Hruby also served on marketing committees for the booster organization Visit Denver and the group of Tier II midsize organizations funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, according to The Post report.

“My old cousin, Stella Maldoon, once told me that if you look hard enough, you always see the person who died at their own funeral,” Stiff said. “Trust me, she was right – I always do! I looked for Deb at her funeral and saw in her daughter, Adrienne, a shoulder and head dip. Deb truly was in Adrienne’s body that night.

“Deb was a lovely person, the center of her family, and she will be missed. I cc’ed Deb on this email out of habit, maybe she will see it.”

The family has asked that memorials in Hruby’s honor be sent to Elderhaus in Fort Collins.

New eats. Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk christened its new Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill restaurant on Oct. 27 during a taste testing for the press.

The casual dining eatery, helmed by chef Eric Benner, is the third one to open in the Isle of Capri properties. The menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner comfort food daily. Benner has customized each menu specifically suited to the region and guest preferences.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209.