Thomas George Moyer
July 14, 1956 – December 17, 2011
Tom Moyer was born July 14, 1956 in Rifle, Colorado to Walter and Carmen Moyer. Weighing over 10 pounds at birth, his mother joked she was in her “seventh trimester.”
Tom grew up and attended high school in Rifle and, at the age of 16, set every bench press weight lifting record at Rifle High School. During his sophomore year, Tom left the monotony of high school and obtained his GED. Tom was an extremely intelligent man who had an extensive vocabulary and he was an avid reader. He was particularly interested in learning all he could about history, various religions and mathematics. Many friends and family members often commented on his fine-looking penmanship.
At the age of 17, Tom entered the International Association of Bridge Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers. He served a three year apprenticeship, graduating in 1976 and earning the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award. A few years later, he married Suzanne Plants in Paonia, Colorado. They had two children, Jay and Samantha.
During his many years as an ironworker, Tom served as the General Foreman on numerous projects, also obtaining status as an International Welder. He was employed all over the country including Alaska. Many of his jobs included working with his beloved brothers Walt and Dan.
In 1986, Tom married Deborah Gleason in Naturita, Colorado. Together they had one son, Michael.
Along with being a welder, Tom spent time as a professional timber faller, working in the Nucla and Naturita areas as well as along the West Coast and in Alaska on the Kodiak and Fog Neck Islands.
On March 23, 1996, Tom married his soul-mate, Tammy Jones, in Naturita, Colorado. Together they raised their children Jay, Shaylene, Cassie, Nick and Shawna. One of Tom’s greatest joys was raising their grandson, River. He was especially proud that just nine days prior to his passing they were able to complete River’s adoption.
Tom enjoyed many past-times which included ornamental welding, carpentry and woodworking. He particularly enjoyed crafting hand-made knives which many of his friends are using today. His biggest passions were guns and hunting which included reloading and casting his own bullets. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. Tom was also a fabulous camp cook and took great pride in his skills utilizing Dutch ovens.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Carmen Moyer. He is survived by his wife, Tammy (Jones) Moyer and his children Jay Moyer, Samantha Farmer, Michael Svec, River Moyer, Shaylene Salazar, Cassie Randolph, Nick Randolph and Shawna Randolph . He is also survived by three grandchildren, Monique, Cristo and Ryan and brothers Dan Moyer and Walt (Cindy) Moyer. Surviving nieces and nephews are Walt Moyer, David (Beth) Moyer, Carmen (Brian) Moyer-Garrison, and Caroline (Justin) Mecham.
A Funeral Service to honor Tom will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:00 am at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Naturita. Burial will follow at the Nucla Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose.
