Thomas Lee Dutcher

Thomas Lee Dutcher passed away on September 7, 2023, after a battle with cancer at his home in Castle Pines, Colorado; he was 81 years old. Tom was born in Montrose, Colorado on May 20, 1942, to James A. Dutcher and Evelyn J. Dutcher. He was the younger brother to James A Dutcher, Jr.

Tom received a Christian Baptism on August 31, 1955, at the First Methodist Church in Montrose, Colorado.

Tom spent six weeks in California in 1956 attending a summer program at Menlo School. The curriculum included Math and English studies along with various athletic sports. Tom was given special awards for making the all-star basketball and football teams. During his high school years, Tom played basketball, football, and baseball. In 1959 he was chosen to be on the all-southwestern football team as a running back. He was also on the all-state football and basketball teams. He helped lead the teams to the 1960 state championship games in football and baseball. He played in the all-star football game in Pueblo, Colorado on August 20, 1960. Tom believed athletics teaches life-long lessons, you must know how to win and how to lose. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1960.

Tom was installed as Master Councilor of the Order of De Molay on January 31, 1960.

Tom attended the University of Colorado, graduating in 1965 with a major in business finance. Tom walked on to the University of Colorado baseball team his freshman year and obtained a baseball scholarship the beginning of his sophomore year and became the starting shortstop for the next three years. On May 13, 1964, he was ranked 7th in the entire big eight conference with a batting average of .354. He also played two years for the Boulder Collegians, a semi-pro team. They placed 4th in the National Tournament at Wichita, Kansas in 1965.

Tom married his high-school sweetheart, Suzanne Flower, on August 31, 1963. They enjoyed a loving marriage for 60 years. Tom would say “marrying Suzanne was the best decision of my life”. Tom is survived by his wife Suzanne; his children Tanya Senkiw (John), Kelli Stewart (John) and Rod Dutcher (Michele) and his seven grandchildren; Braden, Julia, Brenna, Ava, Parker, Audrie and Claire.

After graduating from the University of Colorado, Tom returned to Montrose and started his banking career at First National Bank of Montrose as a bookkeeper on September 15, 1965. Tom worked his way up to President and Chief Executive Officer, retiring from Wells Fargo Bank on January 1, 2000. 

Tom was an active member of his community and spent his career giving back to Montrose in many meaningful ways. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge (#63) for 23 years. He was a member of the Montrose Elks Lodge (#1053) for life. He was elected Vice President and Director of the Board of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce in January of 1970. He was appointed to the Montrose County Airport Authority by the Montrose County Commissioners in January of 1975, 18 years on the Airport Authority Board until December 31, 1992 (he was chairman of the board for 16 of the 18 years).

In retirement Tom enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was a close watcher of current events and followed the stock market daily. After relocating from Montrose to the Castle Pines area, Tom was able to spend quality time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as an honest, fair, generous, and wise man, a patriot and a true gentleman. A life truly well-lived.

As requested by the family, there will be no public funeral or memorial services. Condolences, which will be forwarded to the family, can be sent to Horan & McConaty Funeral Home at 5303 E. County Line Road Centennial, CO 80122.