Tad Carpenter, 82

Tad Carpenter passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, February 7, 2018 after a long struggle with cancer. He was born in Alamosa, CO, November 6, 1935, the first child to Leon Carpenter and Truda Scroggins Carpenter. When Tad and Truda were released from the hospital they took the train from Alamosa to Tres Piadres, NM, where they were met by Leon. Leon and Truda rode horseback to the Carpenter Homestead with Tad being carried inside Leon’s coat. That was Tad’s first ride on a horse.

He lived all over the San Luis Valley including the Kansas City Camp on the Baca Grant near Hooper, the Baca Grant near Crestone, and the Medano and Zapata Ranch working cattle and managing the cattle operation. For the last 35 years he, Tess and Casey lived on the Five Mile Lane near Mosca.

During the time he was living at the Baca Grant with the matchmaking help of his mother, Truda, he started dating and later married Tess King in May 1957. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this past May.

A long time cowboy, he was always happiest on horseback working with livestock. As anyone who knew him will attest he could tell stories of all his cow camps and wild cow stories. Tad will be remembered for his practical jokes and his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife Tess of the family home near Mosca. His brother Len (Jan) Carpenter of Fort Collins, CO. His son Casey Carpenter, of Alamosa, CO, daughter Kim Clark (Phil) of Page, AZ and daughter Kelly Johnson (Jeff) of Monte Vista, CO. Grandson Paul Clark, of Alamosa, CO.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at Rogers Family Mortuary, 404 Morris Ave, Monte Vista on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Viewing will be available from noon to 12:55 P.M. with the service to follow at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at the San Luis Valley cemetery. A reception following the burial will be at the First Christian Church, 200 Washington St, Monte Vista.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, messages and tributes may be made by visiting www.RogersFunerals.com