Tom passed to the loving arms of Jesus on March 9, 2018. He was born in Boulder, Colorado on May 21, 1927 to Thomas E. Nix, Sr. and Roxcea Wiley Nix. After graduating from Boulder High School, Tom served in the Navy during WWII on board the USS Lexington Air Craft Carrier. Enrolling at Colorado A & M following the war, Tom lettered in basketball and track, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Animal Science. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Bennett, in 1947. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. Traveling to all 52 states in their Fifth Wheel, they also enjoyed trips to Canada, Europe, and Asia.
At the Nix Dairy Farm, everyone was welcomed. Scout troupes, church, community clubs and groups, and Poudre School District students. Tom taught visitors about dairying, care of animals and respect for wildlife and the land. He received recognition for one of the top ranked dairy herds in the state. For many years, Tom and Patsy provided a safe haven for boys and young men who needed various types of assistance. The city purchased the last 40 acres of the Nix Farm which houses The Natural Resource Area Offices. After farming for 23 years, Tom spent the next 30 years as a Realtor. Tom's service to his church and community was touched with his caring heart and leadership. A founder of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, Tom served in many leadership capacities. Countless people within and without the community were touched by Tom's faith, service, and leadership including: Boy Scouts, 4-H, Little League and Adult Baseball (coach), Dairy Shrine Board, Habitat, Elks Club, Lions Club, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Larimer County Office on Aging Council, Colorado Christian Home Foundation Board, Kansas Christian Home for the Aged, Bridge Groups, CSU Alumni 50 Year Club (Public Service Award),and the Ram Booster Board (Booster Award). An avid CSU fan, Tom attended athletic events and activities until ill health prevailed. An avid supporter of his family, Tom never missed events that involved his wife, children and grandchildren.
Tom cared for people no matter who they were, their faith or station in life, never seeking recognition, but serving with humility and humor.
Tom is survived by his wife, Patsy, sons, Edward (Marilyn), Kenneth, David (Debra) 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were Tom's parents, daughter, Susie, granddaughter, Casey, brother, Joe and sister, Mary Jane.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Heart of the Rockies Christian Church.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heart of The Rockies Christian Church Outreach Program.
