Rocky Mountain Obituaries 9-21-09

Harold Glen McKnight

Harold Glen McKnight, 69, of Eads, Colo., passed away August 17, 2009.

He was born September 12, 1939 in Cheyenne Wells, Colo., to Glen and Helen (Johnson) McKnight. He spent most of his younger years farming and ranching along with his siblings, Betty and Wayne. He graduated from Eads High School in Eads, Colo., in 1957. While in high school he excelled in all sports, a dedication that gained him a double championship in track his senior year.

Harold married Karen Uhland in 1959, and from this union had four girls together, Konda, Shoni, Lori and Juli, they later divorced. In 1988 he was married to Catherine Walsh, together they had three children, Jana Jo, Misti and Gerad before that marriage ended. Along with raising his children, he made his living by training and racing horses. He also traveled the rodeo circuit competing in bareback, bulldogging and bullfighting. In later years he drove truck over the road from coast to coast. He enjoyed driving teams of horses in parades and county fairs. He always liked coyote hunting with his greyhounds. Harold also had a passion for playing guitar and singing country music. Fishing was one of his favorite past times even in his last days.

Harold was proud of his years in Eads, watching his family grow and the accomplishments they achieved. He gleamed when speaking of his family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. He relocated to Keenesburg, Colo., with his daughter in 2002. He did many handyman jobs and was always lending a helping hand for others, he never met a stranger. He had the gift of storytelling, reminiscing about the many adventures he was so proud to be a part of. He continued living between Keenesburg and Eads until his health failed him, he then moved to Brush.

He is survived by his sister, Betty (Gerald) Clark of Fowler, Colo.; seven children, Konda (Jack) Howard and Lori (Monte) Richardson both of Eads, Colo., Shoni McKnight of Colorado Springs, Colo., Juli (Jim) Gleason of Cheraw, Colo., Jana Jo McKnight (Marc Baumgartner) and Misti (Mitch) Taylor both of Keenesburg, Colo., and Gerad (Brittany) McKnight of Columbus, Ga.; 18 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; an uncle Glenn (Eunice) Johnson of Hugo, Colo.;

as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wayne.

Services were held August 23, 2009 in Haswell, Colo.

Virlon G. Parker

Virlon G. Parker, 87, of Loveland, Colo., passed away August 15, 2009.

He was born in Galeton, Colo., on August 17, 1921 to Amos Parker and Flossie (Byers) Parker. He was married to Edna Edgett on May 19, 1942. They began their life together in Greeley, Colo., where he farmed until he went into the service in 1945. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he and Edna followed the harvest for four years before settling in Loveland, Colo., for 59 years. They farmed and raised cattle at their home in Loveland which included leasing a ranch in Pingree Park, Colo., for 35 years where they ran their cattle.

Virlon loved his wife with all his heart. He loved and enjoyed the mountains. He also adored his dogs, horses and cows. His favorite past time while not herding cattle was hunting. When Virlon's cattle were in the mountains he would go every week to check on them. The United States Forest Service named a spring after him in Pingree Park named “Parker Spring.” While he was watching the cattle he would cast his fishing pole in the creek and attempt to catch a few fish for supper, usually he would end up eating a bologna sandwich. He wanted everyone to enjoy the mountains as much as he did. You could always plan on a trip to the ranch when visiting.

Virlon was given great and loving care from all the caregivers that helped the last eight months.

He is survived by his loving wife, Edna of 67 years, sister-in-law, Sylvia Parker of Greeley, Colo., and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers, Vance and Vernie Parker and his sister, Pearl Dyer.

Cremation was conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to larimer County Humane Society c/o Kibbey Fishburn Funeral Home.

Robert Harland Macy

Robert Harland Macy, 86, of Westcliffe, Colo., passed away September 5, 2009 after a lengthy illness.

He was born at his grandparents homestead northeast of Nunn, Colo., on May 19, 1923. His parents were Harland and Ruth (Lehman) Macy. He graduated from Nunn High School in the class of 1941 as the class Valedictorian. He finished his freshman year of college at Colorado A&M in Ft. Collins, then enlisted in the Navy due to WWII. He served on the USS LST-457 in the Pacific.

After the war, Bob farmed, worked as a mechanic and then went to work for the Soil Conservation Service out of Greeley, Colo. In 1969, he and his mother sold the family farm and moved to Canon City, Colo., where they were involved in a number of businesses. In 1983, he moved to the Westcliffe area and remodeled several houses and bought a car wash and storage unit business which in ran until 2003.

Bob was a Christian and was involved in church wherever he lived. He was also involved in the Gideon's and the Cowboy Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He is survived by his sister, Winifred Staley; nieces, Nancy Nordyke, Linda Neese, Mary Helton and nephew, Steve Staley; and their families as well as a number of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Jane E. Macy and his brother-in-law, Edward Staley.

Services were held September 12, 2009.

Inurnment was in the Roselawn Cemetery in Ft. Collins, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International c/o Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St, Greeley, Colo., 80631.

Charles Lee Cogburn

Charles Lee Cogburn, 75, of LaSalle, Colo., passed away September 9, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born May 7, 1934 in Gilcrest, Colo., to Elbert “Rusty” Jefferson and Margaret (Bernd) Cogburn. He married Joan Brungard on February 26, 1952 in Greeley, Colo.

Charlie pursued his passion of farming in the Gilcrest and Holyoke areas until 1997, when he retired and moved to LaSalle. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. There were no strangers in Charlie's life. Everyone he met was his friend.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan; son, Steven (Marcia) Cogburn of Holyoke, Colo.; daughters, Diana Cogburn of Salt Lake City, Utah, Vicky (Chris) Fillinger of Greeley, Colo., and Kim Cogburn of LaSalle, Colo.; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Jake) Jeffries, Lois (Jim) Drewer, Nancy (Bill) Waller, Phyllis (Peter) Webb; brothers, Elbert (Butch) Cogburn, Norman (Judy) Cogburn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held September 14, 2009 at Adamson Chapel.

Inurnment will be in the loving arms of his family.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado in care of Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services, 2000 47th Avenue Greeley, Colo., 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.

Charlotte Oleson

Charlotte Oleson, 79, of Eagle, Colo., passed away September 9, 2009 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born Charlotte Rose Nottingham on October 27, 1929 at Avon, Colo., to Emmett and Myrtle Nottingham.

She was a faithful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Charlotte was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed her flowers, cooking and her home. She enjoyed traveling and collecting antiques as a hobby.

Charlotte was a member of the Colorado Cowbelles Association, National Pollette Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Vail Valley Medical Center. She was instrumental in the fund raising efforts for the original Vail Valley Hospital in bed facility.

She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jack Oleson of Eagle, Colo.; her daughter, Charlynn Williams Knight and her husband Terrill of Eagle, Colo.; granddaughter, Dana Williams of Denver, Colo.; grandson, Jeffrey Williams and his wife, Christy of Mesa, Colo., one brother, Bill Nottingham of Burns, Wyo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Willis Nottingham and her sister, Imogene Doll.

Services were held on September 12, 2009 in Eagle, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital, Burn Unit or the charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to, PO Box 3600, Eagle, Colo., 81631.

Donald Leo Mais

Donald Leo Mais, 83, of Stoneham, Colo., passed away September 12, 2009.

He was born February 2, 1926 in Gilead, Neb., to Leo Nicholas and Gertrude Clara (Rauner) Mais. He graduated from Fairbury High School in 1943 and was a WWII veteran. Don received his degree in agriculture engineering from the university of Nebraska in 1951. He started farming and ranching in 1948 east of Stoneham.

He was married to Anna Barbara Roada for 32 years and to Alberta Chrisp for 19 years.

Don was a long time member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, the VFW, Elks, Chimney Canyon Grazing Association, Prairie School Board at New Raymer for eight years, Colorado Seed Growers Association for more than 40 years, Royal Lean Pork Assoc., member and former president of Weld County Farmers Union, CSGA Board of Directors 1982 to 2005. He was the 1990 Colorado Conservation Tillage Award recipient, and was a member of the Central Great Plains Research Station. He won the Colorado Steward of the Seed Award in 2002.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Mais of Stoneham, Pat Mais and wife Marcia of Houston, Texas, and Alan Mais and wife Gail of Kearney, Neb.; daughters, Shelley (Michele) Schilling and husband Mark of Hockley, Texas, and Barbara Jobe and husband Norman of Greeley, Colo.; sister, Ruth Nutsch of Neb.; grandchildren, Austin, Nathan and wife Crystal and Harrison Schilling, Miranda Whited and son Nathaniel, Frank and Anna Jobe, Riston, Zander and Connor Mais; and numerous cousins in Nebraska and Idaho.

He was preceded in death by both of his wives, Anna and Alberta, a daughter, Loretta Mais, one sister Bertha Schmohr; and a brother, Edward Mais.

Services were held September 17, 2009.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Donald Mais Memorial Fund c/o Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, Colo., 80751.