Wine Store owner Bob Small dies of heart attack

Bob Small, who with his wife, Beth, owned The Wine Store since 2003, died Friday after suffering a heart attack Jan. 29 while riding in Garden of the Gods. He was 61.

Small was also associate director of Pikes Peak Community Foundation.

In a message to friends, Beth Small said, "Whitney (his daughter) and I are overwhelmed by the support from Bob's co-workers, friends and family.  Please know that we are eternally grateful."

The couple often provided wine to nonprofits through donations or at cost, said Susan Edmondson, executive director of the Bee Vradenburg Foundation.

"In particular, just around the holidays, Bob acquired something like 50 cases of champagne, all of which were donated to various nonprofits around town," she said. "If you happen to toast with pink (rose) champagne at a nonprofit event this year, it most likely is because of Bob and Beth!"

Pikes Peak Community Foundation executive director Michael Hannigan said his "close friend and wonderful colleague suffered a massive heart attack last Sunday, and never regained consciousness." Hannigan said plans for a memorial celebration are pending.

The Wine Store will be closed until Feb. 17 when it will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.