Sundance holds chairlift vigil to honor founder Robert Redford

SUNDANCE, Utah (ABC4) — Today, hundreds lined up in Sundance to honor Robert Redford, who passed away earlier this week.

Robert Redford was known for his on-screen acting roles and for founding Sundance Resort and the Film Festival, bringing independent cinema to Utah. He was also known as an avid environmentalist that worked to preserve nature at Sundance

On Tuesday, September 16, he passed away at age 89. Brian Wimmer, a longtime friend of Redford, said, “It’s been a rough week for all of us who’ve been around so long. It’s hard to say goodbye [to] his influence and you walk around here and see him around every corner.”

“He was directing movies, starring in movies here, getting involved in putting the ski resort together. He worked so hard and kept his focus on his home and center,” Wimmer said about Redford’s legacy, “He always remembered someone’s name and remembered everything about you and had really great advice. He had such a love of life.”

To honor his legacy, Sundance resort held a chairlift vigil that hundreds of people attended. They lined up to ride the chairlift at Sundance, with candles to light up the mountain that Redford worked to preserve.

Darla Cornell was one attendee who has lived in Utah for nearly 50 years. She said, “[There’s] a feeling for me of peace and beauty and nature and just this whole area, he has preserved for the people to be able to enjoy.”

“The new film makers and visions these people have, a creative vision he brought to Utah…it’s great to experience the Sundance film festival,” Cornell added, “He shared his passion with everyone who makes it up here and he’s kept it so beautiful. I hope his legacy continues for the environment and for our state”

Sundance Officials confirmed that Redford worked to preserve the area for animals and wildlife and for people to enjoy.

Vice President of Marketing for Sundance Resort Nick Como added, “He bought Sundance in 1969 to protect it from development. The Sundance community is over 5000 acres, and he preserved. Almost half of that, 2700 acres, are in permanent preservation.”

Reportedly, Sundance Resort will continue to honor Redford’s legacy and support the Sundance Natural Alliance and its preservation efforts.