Though the famed actor Robert Redford may be best remembered for his film work, his daughter, Amy Redford, believes his true legacy lies within the thousands of acres preserved at Sundance Mountain Resort.  It’s not enough to say the resort is beautiful. The tree-lined mountainside leads up t o the peak of Mount Timpanogos. As the sun began to set on Tuesday, on what would have been Robert Redford’s 90th birthday, the evergreens and aspens glowed. The Outlaw Express chairlift ferried visitors up the mountain to bask in the view.  “Dad knew that this place was going to save his life,” Amy said. “I know that when he was nestled in these mountains, he couldn’t help but put the bizarre framework of his life into perspective.” Eden August, the granddaughter of Robert Redford, said she remembers the late actor’s innate curiosity most. Credit: Photo courtesy of Bryson Finley, Sundance Mountain Resort Amy spoke to a crowd of well-wishers and friends. Tuesday, Sundance Mountain Resort invited the public to attend a remembrance event for the famed actor. Discounted lift tickets up the Outlaw Express were for sale, with all proceeds going toward Sundance Nature Alliance, a nonprofit Robert Redford himself founded.  More than 300 community members and friends of the Redford family showed.  “I got my most important education here from the unbiased lessons of natural law,” Amy said. “Nature didn’t care if I was the boss’ kid, but it wasn’t just the land and the creatures that roamed it that dad loved. It was the people, and the founding of this place is actually a love story.” Standing beside her daughter, Eden August, and Sundance Mountain Resort President Chad Linebaugh, Amy said that Sundance Resort is where her father felt most at home. It was because of his family and friends there, but also his love of the outdoors.  Robert Redford’s longtime right-hand man, Jerry Hill, has been working at Sundance Mountain Resort for 68 years. He proudly wears a “66-plus years of service” badge on his chest. Hill remembers his friend as a loyal companion and a protector of the natural world.  “This place is what it is because of Robert Redford,” Hill said. “This place wouldn’t exist without his genius and talent.” Chad Linebaugh, Sundance Mountain Resort president, led the toast to Robert Redford and what would have been the late actor’s 90th birthday. Credit: Photo courtesy of Bryson Finley, Sundance Mountain Resort Bron Roylance was a friend of Robert Redford’s for more than 30 years. The pair found each other through Hollywood jobs. Redford often talked about Sundance with Roylance, who worked as a makeup artist. In 1991, Roylance made the journey to see what the fuss was about.  He never left. Roylance has since built multiple homes in the Sundance area, one of which overlooks Robert Redford’s old property. Roylance remembers the morning of his friend’s death in September 2025.  “I stepped out onto the balcony, and there was heavy rain for about two minutes, and it stopped,” Roylance said. “I walked out as a beam of sunlight shined down on his property.” Roylance remembers the moment as a nod to the life of his old friend — someone who was “always on board” for quality time and adventure. Roylance’s wife, Naomi Roylance, agreed.  Amy Redford said that the founding of Sundance Mountain Resort is actually a love story told through her mother and father, Robert Redford. Credit: Photo courtesy of Bryson Finley, Sundance Mountain Resort “He was just genuine, kind, gracious,” Naomi Roylance said.  August, who is following in her grandfather’s footsteps as an actress herself, said she most remembers her grandfather’s innate curiosity.  “And his love, just for other people, and doing what he can constantly to just be a platform for things that are so needed,” August said. “I aspire to that so much.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Linebaugh. As president of Sundance Mountain Resort, Linebaugh said his team wanted to honor Robert Redford with a birthday celebration, rather than a remembrance event on the day of his death.  “The best part is it becomes like a reunion. I mean, so many of these people are connected to the community, whether they live here or gather here, recreate here,” Linebaugh said. “It’s important to keep his name, image alive and people understand the impact he had not only on the film industry, but Utah and this area.” Linebaugh said he hopes Sundance Resort will host a Robert Redford day on the actor’s birthday each year. At the inaugural event, rather than hosting a toast with drinks, Linebaugh said the Sundance group opted to toast with brownie sundaes. It was Robert Redford’s favorite treat.  “Bob’s spirit and his energy is here,” Linebaugh said, raising a cup of brownie and ice cream. “Here’s to Bob!” “To Bob!” the crowd echoed.  At the end of the night, family and friends had one shared message: Happy birthday Robert Redford. The post ‘To Bob!’ Family, friends remember Robert Redford at Sundance Mountain Resort appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less