John Charles Lufkin
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - September 22, 2017
John Charles Lufkin, age 71, passed away peacefully in his home on Sept. 6, 2017.
John was born in the Naval Hospital, Oakland, California, on Feb. 6, 1946 to Herbert Lloyd and Nita Lufkin. He spent his early years in Longmont and Fort Collins, as well as on the family ranch in Steamboat Springs.
He graduated from high school in Fort Collins before entering the Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam, where he served two tours as a sergeant before being honorably discharged. We are thankful for his service to our country.
After returning to Colorado, he married and began ranching in Montana and then Saratoga, Wyoming. John moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico after his father had a stroke and needed help. He also worked for many years for Honstein Oil Co. of Santa Fe.
He loved wide-open spaces and sharing a laugh with friends and loved ones.
John is survived by his loving friend and partner of 21 years, Diane Grudem, his sister Grace Tinsen in Tigard, Oregon, nephew Josh Ehle (Brenda), half-brother Paul Lufkin, his daughter Lindsay Shinall (Zak) and three grandchildren, son Nick and three grandchildren and cousins Lori Menk (Tom), Susan Hoffman (Scott), Donna Vineyard, Vikki Franz and John Canzoneri.
His uncle, Donald Lufkin, of Steamboat Springs, who is departed, played a large part in his early years. He was a devoted partner and friend and will be greatly missed.
John's family extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers from both Del Corazon and Presbyterian Wellness Center for their hospice care and loving attention. Thanks to Christus St. Vincent and the ambulance crew and everyone who provided help when a crisis arose. Many thanks to the caring staff of Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe for their professional and kind service shown to us.
John will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors from the United States Air Force Honor Guard at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017.