DENVER -- Denver's political dignitaries and movers and shakers gathered Friday to remember three members of a Colorado family killed when their car was struck by a semi on an icy Interstate 80 in Wyoming, just before Christmas.

John Parr, his 53-year-old wife, Sandra Widener, and their 19-year-old daughter, Chase, died on Dec. 22 after their car slid on I-80 and was hit by the semi-truck near Rawlins. Their 17-year-old daughter, Katy, survived the crash. The family was headed to Boise, Idaho to celebrate Christmas with relatives.

Katy attended Friday's service and was warmly greeted by family and friends.

John Parr, 59, was a civic activist who also advised mayors and governors in Colorado. Sandy Widener co-founded Westword, Denver's alternative newspaper.

It was Widener who came up with the phrase, "Imagine a great city," that former mayor Federico Pena used when he ran for mayor.

Pena said the family kept a low profile and never sought attention for all of their hard work on behalf of the city of Denver.

Gov. Bill Ritter, Mayor John Hickenlooper and Pena all spoke at the service Friday afternoon at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.