by Wayne Heilman, The GazetteWhile 2016 was known nationally for the deaths of several celebrities and prominent figures, the Colorado Springs area was also dealt a few heavy blows in the past year. The area has fewer philanthropists with the loss of Jane Norris, Leslie Cook and Zoya Miller. Sports fans mourn the deaths of celebrated Air Force athletes Carson Bird, Dee Dowis and Andy Gambucci. The Fountain area lost two beloved pastors in James McMearn and Fr. Bill Carmody. Even a famous goose from Green Mountain Falls left us.Here is The GazetteÔÇÖs list of some of the notable people in the Pikes Peak Region who lost their lives in 2016.