Calvin Leroy Thompson of Vilas Colorado passed from this world October 15, 2018 at the Walsh Healthcare Center at the age of 91.

Calvin was born December 29, 1926 in Vilas to John & Sarah Thompson, Fred and much later on Lloyd Thompson were added to the Thompson family. The family lived in Prowers County until 1938 when they moved back to the Vilas area.  Calvin went to two country schools in Prowers for early elementary education then went to Vilas, graduating as the 1944 valedictorian.

He was drafted in 1946 and served as an army cavalry soldier.  He did his basic training in Fort Roberts, California.  He served in three different locations including 30 days in Fort Riley Kansas and his final assignment was at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.  He was honorably discharged with two medals and a ranking of First Corporal Fifth Class after serving a total of 14 months. His task was mule packer.

He then returned to Vilas where he taught for one year.  He met his future bride Jane Bruce at the Oakes Ranch in 1949.  She was also a teacher in Vilas.  After some persuasion Jane agreed to go with Calvin. They were married June 15, 1950 in Springfield.  They both went to Fort Collins to further their education the summer after they were married.  After leasing a ranch near the Horsetooth Dam in Larimer County, Calvin decided he couldn't run cattle and go to school. He chose the cattle and the rest is history.

They moved back to Vilas and Jane taught another year and then stayed home to care for the now growing family.  Dennis Lee was born June 14, 1951, Sharon Kay came along November 2, 1953, Dorian Lex on April 27, 1955 and Debrah Lyn completed the family July 23, 1958. The family lived in various homes in Vilas until 1960 then moved out to what is known as Hill Top Farms.  They remained on the Hill until health issues caused them to move into Walsh.

Calvin greatly enjoyed anything to do with horses, was an excellent judge of cattle, and a very knowledgeable cattleman.  He raised Hereford cattle and taught his family a strong work ethic.  He continued to run cattle into his mid 80's and was riding at the age of 85. The legacy left by Calvin continues.  He worked at the Lamar Livestock Commission for a number of years, then the Baca Feedlot for 4 years and enjoyed being a part of the Bob Mundell working ranch as his last job for a total of 12 years.

Calvin believed in being active in the community, he was active at the Vilas Friends Church when the children were young, served on the Vilas School board for 22 years and the Baca County Fair Board for 25 years. He enjoyed the Bent Prowers Cattlemen's Association where he served as President and then served as the President of Colorado Cattlemen's Association in 1978.

Calvin professed his faith in God in recognizing his many blessings; his family and friends, his love for his country, especially the precious lands he took care of. Some of which was his nurturing of all animals, even down to those newborn chicks he and Jane would nestle and keep warm in their house until strong.  He was a quiet warrior of God's bounty and held our God close to his heart. He didn't publicly profess his faith but we are assured he did make his peace before leaving this world.

He stressed to his children and grandchildren to stand for what you believe in and don't quit.  What you start you finish, be proud of who you are, and follow through.  He spent many hours watching televised cattle auctions and was always aware of the cattle markets and what was going on in the livestock arena.  He loved horses and cattle and on occasion a book or two.  This continued up to his death.

He is survived by his children, Dennis (Gayla) Thompson of Vilas, Lex (Janice) Thompson residing north of Walsh, Debbie (Steve) Cogburn of Walsh, five grandchildren including Blaine (Dawn) Thompson, Laurel (Jim) Phillips, Jennifer Cogburn, Sam (Amanda) Cogburn, and Quayde (Alyssa) Thompson; eight great grandchildren: Zachary, Devin, & Delainey Thompson, Ely & Landyn Phillips, Quindyn Thompson, LeahJane and June Cogburn, brother Fred Thompson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Those who passed on before include his parents John and Sarah Thompson, brother Lloyd, daughter Sharon Kay; wife Jane; and grandson Shawn Cogburn.

Calvin passed away peacefully at the Walsh Healthcare Center. He will be remembered as an inquisitive, excellent cattleman, who never knew a stranger.

Services are planned for October 19 at 10:00 am at Vilas Gym in Vilas.  In lieu of flowers, gifts and honorariums can be made to the Walsh Healthcare Center at PO Box 206, Walsh, Colorado 81090.