Thomas “Tommy” Ray Magness, 63, passed away April 13, 2020 at his home in Monte Vista, CO.
He was born in Monte Vista, CO, August 24, 1956, the son of Jim and Wanita Magness.
A San Luis Valley native, Tom graduated from Monte Vista High School. He attended college and earned his degree through Colorado State University in Pueblo. Tom went on to work as a mechanic & farmer in the San Luis Valley. Later, Tom’s career as a heavy-duty mechanic took him across the world to Antarctica, eventually Tom moved to New Mexico where he lived a number of years before finally returning home to Monte Vista. Tom always made friends no matter where he went; he will be remembered for his generous personality & willingness to help anyone in need as well as his ability to make those around him laugh.
His hobbies included: helping others, golfing, being outdoors, shooting, general tinkering & spoiling his dogs Rusty & Lilly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Oryan Bone. He is survived by his older brother Greg (Cathy)Magness, children, Willy (Wendy) Bone, Tyler (Alex) Magness, Shawna (Bear) Magness, grandchildren, Dalton, Alora, Tommy, Jacob, Tiernan, Nealon, great-grandchild, Bentley, Uncle Tom Magness, Aunt Cathy Owens and numerous cousins. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. A private celebration of life will be held later.
Arrangements in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.
My husband Johnny Ray, was honored to be Tom's boss at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District in Socorro, New Mexico where he was the mechanic. He was very talented in his mechanical skills, but even more became a very close friend. Even after leaving the Conservancy, they stayed in touch and worked together doing odd jobs for other people and each other. His loyal friendship will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family.