In Memoriam …
Kenneth Shawn Brdecko, 42, Wheeler, Texas, passed away on February 20th. He was born July 1, 1970 in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Tommy Brdecko and Celene Wilson. Kenny grew up in Animas, where he was a State Officer in 4-H and a District FFA Officer. When he graduated High School he went to Clarendon College on a Livestock Judging Scholarship. He finished his Ag Education Degree at Texas Tech. He has raised his family in Wheeler as a County Extension Agent. Kenny dedicated his life to 4-H youth programs, teaching countless families the value of working together through their Livestock Projects. Kenny is survived by his parents, Celene and Danny Wilson, New Braunfels, Texas, Tommy and Jodie Brdecko, Las Cruces; two daughters, Madalyn and Morgan Brdecko, Memphis, Texas; sister, Candace Pitkin (husband, Ronnie); one niece; one nephew; his grandparents Tommy and Lucy Brdecko, Deming and many loved ones.
Jack Wesley Gilstrap, 94, Branson, Colorado, passed away on February 3, 2013. He was born in Mountainburg, Arkansas, November 1, 1918 to William Washington and Lillie Jane (Feeback) Gilstrap. He spent his early childhood in the Wichita, Kansas area, until the age of 13 when his family relocated to the Branson area. Since the car was sold as part of the farm’s sale, the family travelled by horse and wagon, a trip that took two weeks. He graduated from Branson High School in 1937 and married Dorothy Dean Louden in 1938. He drove delivery trucks for Dr. Pepper Bottling Company while the young couple lived in Trinidad. They moved to the Louden Ranch in 1940, where he lived until January 2013. Jack is survived by five children Larry (wife, Nora) Gilstrap; Zita Jo (husband, Harold) Coombs; Terry Gilstrap; Jane (husband, Randy) Jacobson; Cheri (husband, James) Ruark; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Jack was a salesman in addition to being a partner in Louden Cattle Company, then JL Cattle Company, with his son, Larry. He sold products for Swepco Petroleum Co., in Colorado and New Mexico. Subsequently, he formed Jack’s Ranch Supply to sell livestock equipment, mainly for Pearson Livestock, out of Thedford, Nebraska. He loved meeting new people, demonstrating good products, and keeping up with customers. In association with Pearson Livestock, he donated cattle chutes to the winner of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s 1st place membership recruiter for many years. He was chosen Cattleman of the Year in 2001 by the Las Animas County Livestock Association; Honorary Lifetime Member of Colorado Cattlemen’s Association in 2004; and Honorary Lifetime Member of Southern Colorado Livestock Association in 2009. He was featured in the Livestock Market Digest’s 25 in 2011. Jack was also involved in forming Camp Salvation and building the camp at North Lake. He served Branson Trinchera Soil Conservation District for many years. He was an elder of Branson Community Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and as Treasurer on the church board.
James “Jim” Robert McClintic, 63, Albuquerque, passed away on February 15, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Albuquerque, on May 7, 1949. He spent many summers as a teenager working at the Valla Grande as a rancher and cowboy. Jim felt at home when he was involved with any pursuit relating to nature. He was also involved with professional drag racing over the years as an owner and driver. He spent a majority of his life working multiple businesses, including JMS Construction and prized race horses. In January 2007 he was appointed to the New Mexico Game Commission by Governor Bill Richardson. In 2009 he became Chairman. One of Jim’s personal triumphs was the overseeing and development of the San Juan Fish Hatchery. Jim was a lifetime member of New Mexico Trout, served on the New Mexico Economic Development Commission during Governor Garrey Carruthers’ administration, served on Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez’ Transition Team, and acted as chairman of the Albuquerque Municipal Development Sustainable Enhancement Team. Jim was alwasy a supporter of local Albuquerque high schools’ booster clubs, and during holidays he helped at Joy Junction feeding the needy. He treated people with dignity and utmost respect. He was one of those “handshake was his word” type of guys. He is survived by his brother John McClintic; sister-in-law, Patricia McClintic; nephew and two nieces; grandnephew and three grandnieces.
Nina Perry Taylor, 98, Lincoln, passed away on February 25, 2013. She was born December 26,1914 to Elzy and Mayme Perry at the Glencoe, NM homestead of her Grandparents George and Phoebe Coe. Nina received her early education in Glencoe before graduating high school from Hondo High. In 1937 she graduated from New Mexico A&M and put her Bachelor of Arts degree to work teaching English and History at Hondo High School. In 1939 she married Ray Taylor, who shared her life for 54 years. A woman of great faith, she is survived by her children; Phoebe Taylor, Ellen Fay & Eddy Womack, James & Nita Taylor, Margaret Watson, Tom & Peggy Pugh Taylor, Liz & Gerald Montes, Earl & Marsha Taylor, Clark & Janet Taylor, Kenneth & Carol Taylor, John & Diane Taylor, Shirley & Eddie Dimas; 22 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandsons, and siblings Leroy, Don, Jane Riddall, and Charles.
Editor’s Note: Please send In Memoriam announcements to: Caren Cowan, N.M. Stockman, P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194, fax: 505/998-6236 or email: caren@aaalivestock.com. Memorial donations may be sent to the Cattlegrowers’ Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax deductable charitable foundation serving the rights of ranch families and educating citizens on governmental actions, policies and practices. Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194.