Thomas Newton Elsey

Thomas N. Elsey, of Berthoud, Colorado, passed away at his home on August 30, 2016 at 8:30pm with his dear family and friends near his side. He was 72. Mr. Elsey was born in Ft. Dodge, Iowa on June 9, 1944 to Robert and Leota (Cahill) Elsey. Originally from Iowa, his family relocated to Colorado. After high school, Thomas enlisted in the US Navy where he served on the USS Chicago, a guided missile cruiser. He even served as the ship’s photographer. Meanwhile, this young 18 year-old boy met a younger lady of 16 and the two went on a first date. That young lady was Michele J. McCrea, whom he ended up marrying on March 7, 1965, while still in the Navy. Michele lived in California while Thomas went overseas to Vietnam. After being honorably discharged from the military, Thomas and his wife came home and the two moved to Colorado where he enrolled in CSU. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Industrial Management. Upon graduation, they purchased five acres of land, built their home and started a family. Thomas and Michele were blessed with two sons, Brian and David.

Thomas was the owner and operator of Sunset Fence. Many of his fences are throughout Longmont, including the fence around the Mountain View Cemetery that he and his son, Brian, built. He always said that he and his wife would be fenced-in by one of his fences and could watch the traffic go by.

Thomas was very active and involved in various activities. He was a member of The Longmont Jaycees and helped with numerous projects- including the old-timers rodeo and speak up. He also owned some horses and enjoyed calf roping. Thomas was involved with Berthoud Senior Center. He was also a graduate assistant with Dale Carnegie courses. Thomas and his sons enjoyed going to BMX races and traveled to many races across several states. Another pastime of Thomas’ was to keep watch out the dining room window where a few squirrels and some Blue Jays would visit. He enjoyed playing cards whether it was with his sister-in-law or on the computer. Thomas’ most favorite things involved his family- holding hands with his wife, holding his great granddaughter on his lap or just spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Michele of Berthoud; sons, Brian (Pam) of Brighton and David (Stephanie) of Arvada; siblings, Paul Elsey and Jean Schoon; grandchildren, Dylan, Derek, Dustin (Jessica) and Joseph; great granddaughter, Payton and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by siblings, Betty Stapleton, Robert Elsey and Elsie Saunders.

Visitation will be 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Howe Mortuary and 9:30am until 10:30am on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 550 Spartan Avenue, Berthoud, CO. The funeral ceremony will follow at 11am at the church. Burial services will take place at the Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.