Obituary: Nick Theos

Nick Theos, 92, known by many as Papou, of Meeker, Colo., peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2013.
Nick was born in Watson, Utah, to the late Angelo and Mary Theos on Dec. 8, 1920. He was graduated from Grand Junction High School, where his proudest accomplishment was being a member of the unscored-upon state champion football team in 1936. He then attended Colorado A&M on a football scholarship in 1938.
Nick spent his lifetime operating his sheep ranch and working to protect the livestock industry.
He served as a leader in many capacities throughout his lifetime. He was the president of the Colorado Woolgrowers and the National Public Lands Council. He was a director for the National and Colorado Public Lands Council. He served as the chairman of the Colorado Cattlemen Public Lands Committee, BLM Liaison Committee, National Woolgrowers Land Use Committee and the Governor’s Predator Advisory Council amongst many others. All committees he served on were directly related to his true passion, the livestock industry.
Nick was also very passionate about politics. As strong of a Republican as you can find in the world, he was a lifetime member of Club 20. He served a term as a Colorado state representative from 1978-1979.
With all his involvement, Nick still found ample time to spend with his family and friends. He desired to see his children and grandchildren continue in his footsteps. He always said he was lucky to live in the “good ol’ days” and live the good life and hopefully people will wake up before the sheep industry is extinct and realize the ecosystem will fare better with sheep on the land.
Nick is survived by his two daughters, Connie Theos (Martin Inda) and Renae Theos Neilson (Paul); his grandchildren, Kelcee Milton Vroman (Ryan), Morgan and Taylor Neilson; two great-grandchildren Jace and Mollee Vroman; his sister, Helen Theos Mahleres and her husband, Nick; as well as many other special relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Mary Theos, and his brothers, Bill, Gus, Mike and Tom Theos.
The Trisagion (vewing and prayer service) was held at Grant Mortuary in Craig, Colo., on April 16, 2013, at 7 p.m. The funeral service was held at Meeker United Methodist Church in Meeker on April 17, at 11 a.m. After the funeral, family and friends gathered for a celebration, stories and lunch at the Meeker Fairgrounds.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Walbridge Wing or the Public Land Council in c/o Grant Mortuary, P.O. Box 333, Meeker, Colo., 81641. Online information and condolences can be found and made at www.grantmortuary.com.