Tom McBride

Thomas (Tom) Michael McBride of Thornton, Colorado, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013. Tom was born December 3, 1951 in Athens, Ohio. He graduated from Tri-Valley High School in Dresden, Ohio in 1970. He was active in sports and 4-H during his high school years. These interests continued throughout his life. He continued his education, receiving a Bachelor's of Animal Science from The Ohio State University in 1974 where he was a member of alpha gamma sigma fraternity. He moved to Colorado following graduation to attend Colorado State University where he received a Master's in Animal Science. Tom returned to Ohio where he served as a Vocational Agriculture Instructor at Triad High School from 1977-1979. He was Champaign County Agriculture Extension Agent in 1980. He then returned to the family farm and worked as a science/chemistry teacher at Tri-Valley High School in Dresden, Ohio. Colorado soon called him back, and he became the Adams County Extension Agent from 1981-2010; during that time he was the Extension Director for the last twenty years. Concurrently, he received a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Tom was also the recipient of numerous awards, including but not limited to the Stow Witwer Legacy Award, the Distinguished Service from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows. Tom received several DRCOG Awards. Tom was a member of the National Association of Extension Agents, the Colorado Officials Association, the Holy Cross Catholic Church, and many other professional organizations. He passionately followed his sons in their many activities, sharing his love for football, basketball, baseball, golf and a notable passion for raising and tending sheep. With his roots in Ohio, and his heart in Colorado, Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing racquetball and skiing with his close friends and family. Tom is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver, Mary (Jenkins), whom he married on June 24, 1978; his son, Chase, wife, Chelsea, and their darling son, Brekkin; his son, Tyler, who is currently serving with the U.S. Air Force in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is also survived by his parents, Bob and Peg McBride of Dresden, Ohio; his sister, Lynn Schlaegel of Urbana, Ohio, her husband, Jerry, and their son, Chris (Annie); his sister, Lori Hudson of Dresden, Ohio, her husband, Craig, and their sons, Cole, Wes and Graham; his brother, Craig McBride of Broomfield, Colorado, his wife, Trudy, and their children Ryan (Jackie), Bobby (Lauren), and Lindsay. Tom had many great nieces and nephews: Jackson, Noah, Casey, Cooper and Carson. In addition, he had a number of special sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as many dear friends. Tom was preceded in death by his niece, Megan Schlaegel, and his mother-in-law, Julia Jenkins. A Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, June 18th at 4:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 9371 Wigham Street, Thornton. Please leave memories of Tom and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.