Thomas Van Horn

Thomas Michael Van Horn Oct. 4, 1954 to Oct. 26, 2007. He grew up in Estes Park from the time he was one until he graduated high school in 1973. Tom's early years were at the Hobby Horse family dude ranch on the east side of Estes Park where he participated in all of the activities of the family business, which included accommodations, horses, fishing and food service. In 1959, the family sold the Hobby Horse and began two other family businesses; the Red Stallion Restaurant and High Country Stables in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tom was involved with these businesses until he left Estes Park after graduation. In high school, Tom was very involved in sports, including football, basketball, wrestling and track. He was also involved in the "E Club" and was senior class president. He was an excellent athlete and continued to compete at the college level while attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. After two years at the academy, Tom continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado and CSU. In August, 1976, Tom married Jane Durward of Estes Park, and they made their home in Fort Collins. They had two sons, Cody born in 1978 and Justin born in 1981. Tom entered the commercial construction industry at the Neenan Company. He continued his career at the Pinkard Company and was days away from starting work at Delta Construction. Tom was involved in many projects throughout the Front Range and Denver. He held many positions during his career, working his way up from a laborer to superintendent, and including head of field operations while with the Neenan Co. Tom was a very committed dad. He was very involved in all of his boys' activities, including sports, fishing, camping, Boy Scouts and more. He enjoyed several activities, including watching sports, playing softball, and especially fishing. Recently, he started a yearly salt water fly fishing adventure, one year he actually caught a marlin on a fly rod. This fall Tom was invested by his father-in-law, Sir James Durward, into the Imperial Constantinian Military Order of St. George, a philanthropic organization associated with the Longs Peak Scottish Highland Festival. Sir Tom "volunteered" with the festival from its inception 31 years ago. Tom was prematurely taken in an auto accident last Friday. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He is survived by wife, Jane Van Horn; son, Cody Van Horn and his wife, Kimberly and grandsons, Arthur and Ian; son, Justin Van Horn and his wife, Miranda and granddaughter, Jaiden; brother, Bill Van Horn and his wife, Judy; sisters, Dianne and her husband, Bill Moss; sister, Kimber Van Horn; sister, Deannie Machamer; sister, Mary Kay Hughes; father and mother-in-law, Dr. James and Madaline Durward; Lee Ann Siberell and family; Peggy Young and family; and many other cousins, aunts, uncles, family and friends. A celebration of Tom's life will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday at Faith Evangelical Free Church located at 3920 S. Shields St. in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be sent to Bohlender Funeral Chapel at 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524, in care of the Tom Van Horn Memorial Atzlan Scholarship Fund. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .