The Vista Verde Ranch family suffered a heartbreaking loss last night with the passing of owner Jerry Throgmartin. He passed suddenly and unexpectedly after becoming ill.
Jerry and Peggy purchased Vista Verde in 2006 and invested their love, time and resources into making it not only the best ranch to visit, but the best place to work. His support and dedication to the ranch team, the guest experience and the place we all love was tremendous. Jerry touched so many lives and left an incredible legacy at the ranch. It’s been a pleasure to see him live out his childhood dream of being a rancher—and even a greater delight to see him fall in love with the hospitality industry and creating the guest experience. What many people did not get to see is how much time and energy he put into developing us as a management team. He was, quite simply, the best person to work for.
At this time, we appreciate all your messages of love and support. If we don’t respond right away, please know that we are thankful for the support. Jerry was a sincere man of faith and even though his departure is an incredible loss to us, his family takes comfort that this has all been a part of God’s plan. While we seek to comfort one another, the beauty of a ranch is that it is a reminder that life doesn’t stop. Horses need to be fed, meals need to be cooked, and snow needs to be shoveled.
Many have asked how they can show their support at this time. We are asking in lieu of flowers for guests to send a note with any memories of Jerry and what the ranch has meant to you. He took great joy in sharing this “piece of heaven” with others. We will share these notes with Peggy and Nicky as well as the ranch team. Also, please feel free to post any messages on this blog or our Facebook page. We will share it all with his family.
More details will follow about Jerry and services planned in Colorado. In the meantime, we are thinking of Jerry riding his horse, sharing laughter with friends and family, with the sun shining on his back. Ride on, Cowboy. We love you and God bless.