Albert L. Tuff

Albert L. Tuff passed away June 9, 2007 at Cedars HealthCare Center in Lakewood, Colorado. He was 77. Al was born in Rapid City, South Dakota February 16, 1930, the son of Peter and Katherine Tuff. He is survived by his wife, Esther, of Denver, six children, Donald (Dee), Phyllis, Michael (June), Mark (Mary), Douglas, Mary (Ali), brothers, Philip (Jeannette) of Albuquerque and Peter (Ida) of Minneapolis and sixteen grandchildren, ages 4 to 34. Al was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, Alden, and a grandson, Andy.

After graduating from Hot Sulphur Springs High School in 1947, Al was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation building the Granby Pump Station until he was drafted into the U S Army beginning his service October 10, 1951. Al married Esther A. Keplinger on October 14, 1950 shortly after Esther's 18th birthday. His military service included duty in the Philippines prior to his discharge in 1953.

Al resumed working for the Bureau prior to attending Colorado A & M studying engineering. Family life soon required more than the GI Bill could provide and Al seeked and gained employment with the Board of Water Commissioners on June 13, 1955. There he worked on various projects to supply water to a growing metropolitan area, from Roberts Tunnel to Foothills Filtration Plant, over 35 years, ending in retirement on June 12, 1990.

Al served the community as an assistant scoutmaster and scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 66 of Grace Baptist Church for many years, including several "Fifty Milers" in many of the Colorado Wilderness areas. Several of his scouts achieved the ranks of Star and Life with at least one becoming Eagle Scout and went on to greater achievements, even including the U S Military Academy at West Point. He had a tremendous impact on all of his scouts and they all developed into fine young men.

Al was a lifelong New York Yankee Fan and enjoyed the game of baseball at all levels of the sport from his sons Old Timers and high school teams to grandson's college endeavors. He was a member of The American Legion as well as VFW Post 6411 in Grand County.

Al will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. He was always there when needed by friends and family alike. He remained a proud father and extremely doting grandfather right to the end.

Please reminisce in the joy of Al's life, shed no tears and send no flowers, however, in Al's memory send donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation or Hospice of Saint John.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 17, 2007 from 4:00P.M. until 7:00P.M. at the Newcomer Family Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel. Funeral Services will be Monday, June 18, 2007 at 10:00A.M., also at the Newcomer Family Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel, with Pastor Mike Lemke, officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Al's 14 grandsons. Private Family Interment will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery, with Military Honors by the United States Army and the All Veterans Honor Guard.