LA JARA — TK passed away June 18, 2019 in La Jara.  He was born July 19, 1940 in Denver, and was adopted by Troy E. and Louise J. (Corry) Shawcroft.  His sister Judy, also adopted, completed the family in 1942.

He married his love-at-first-sight sweetheart, Vera Ann Rogers, on May 15, 1959 in the Mesa Ariz. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Together they welcomed seven daughters into their family — Audrey (Larry) Schmidt, Pamela (Walt) Johnson, Jennifer von Bose (Charles Hummel), Sally Shawcroft, Ady (Mike) Stahl, Cindy (Jasen) Hansen, and Jessica (Risto) Ulmala.

TK always loved how things worked and studied auto mechanics in Pueblo.  He worked as the auto shop teacher and rodeo sponsor for Alamosa High School for a few years before returning to the ranch with his dad.

He loved a good story both to read and to tell and had a great appreciation for poetry.  Music of almost every kind was important to him as well.  He and Ann sang together often and encouraged their daughters to do the same.  His sense of humor is legendary in the family.  He loved to fish and enjoyed animals-both the horses and cows he worked with and the wildlife he encountered-with the possible exception of starlings and pigeons!

His ability and willingness to talk about nearly anything has been appreciated by family and friends.

TK is survived by his wife Ann of La Jara, his seven daughters, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many loving extended family members.  As the numbers increased he always said it had gone tribal.

He liked to say that death was like a ship leaving port.  As it sails away there are tears and loneliness for those left behind but as it arrives at the next port it is met with great excitement and joy by those who went on before.

We love him and are happy for him in this journey even though he is already sorely missed.

A visitation will be held Sunday, June 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa, and Monday from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Jara.   A funeral service will be held Monday, June 24, at 2 p.m. also at the church.  Interment will follow in the Sanford Cemetery.

Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary.  To leave online condolences please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.