Memorial services for Lloyd Stephen Wallace will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the American Legion.
Lloyd passed away on Feb. 11, 2013, at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez after being sick for some time. He was 75 years old. Lloyd was born Dec. 17, 1937, to Walter and Wilda Wallace of Dolores and was one of the remaining long line of Wallace cowboys.
He attended school in both Mancos and Dolores and lived with the family at the Hillside Drive homestead and at the ranch at Bear Creek. Lloyd went on to attend Pueblo Junior College and Stockton Junior College in California, before transferring to the University of Missouri at Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1961.
After graduation, Lloyd joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he "pretty much ran the joint," as he put it. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Lloyd returned from overseas, picking back up in the family business of cattle ranching and pretty quickly hooked into a slice of heaven, purchasing a pastoral property in remote British Columbia, Canada, the world-famous Sky Ranch. Shortly thereafter, Lloyd married Irene Hightchew of Mancos, and together with her daughter Melinda they made Sky Ranch, 100 miles from the nearest town, their home. During this time, their son Mike was born.
Eventually the isolation proved too much, and the family re-located to Oregon City, Ore., where Lloyd worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and the family welcomed daughter, Crystal.
The call of Colorado proved strong, and in 1972 the Wallaces moved back to the Four Corners region where Lloyd continued employment with the Postal Service and cattle ranching. At some point along the way Lloyd had developed a passion for flying and obtained his private pilot's license as well as his instructor license. He continued his love of flying for most of his life. This was the preferred mode of transportation for his kids when he would pick them up from Grand Junction for visits.
In 1977, Lloyd obtained his real estate license and embarked on another of his many lifetime adventures, eventually opening his first office in 1980, and the rest, as they say, is history. Lloyd enjoyed a long and prosperous career in real estate, and most everyone involved in the industry came into contact with him at one point or another.
Lloyd had an abiding love for the mountains and horses, enjoying them both whenever possible. Lloyd had a tremendous ability to break the toughest of horses and wouldn't hesitate at saddling up and getting on the wildest ones.
As witnessed by his many friends, Lloyd rarely passed up a good time, and stories of his penchant for frivolity are legendary. Fun was always at the top of his list. Whether playing a friendly game of pool, placing a wager, or trying to get his friends to figure out one of his tricky gadgets, Lloyd enjoyed every minute of it.
Among Lloyd's favorite pastimes, he derived great pleasure from his involvement with the local Clamper chapter, the Elks, and the American Legion. He continued living at the homestead on Hillside Drive which has been in the Wallace family since 1893.
Lloyd is survived by his brother, Wesley Wallace of New Mexico; and his daughter, Crystal Seybold of Denver. He is also survived by his grandson, Dylan and his brand-new granddaughter, Stella.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his son, Mike.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the local chapter of the American Legion.
Grandpa Lloyd will be missed by all and is forever in his family's hearts.
Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.