Thomas A. Herzog expired on June 1, 2013, in Durango, after a courageous duel against (AML) leukemia.

A modern-day DaVinci, "Rasta Tom" arrived in Telluride at age 19 in 1983. He was revered for his extraordinary handcrafted carpentry, his architectural design and CAD genius, as well as his deep, artistic talent, which he used to create iron works and divine silver jewelry. A Renaissance man with a quick, wry sense of humor and a legacy of selfless giving, his motto was "One Love." He last resided on his cherished land in Dolores, where he built his workshop and cabin. His Harley often sat in the warmth of his solar-powered living room.

Tom leaves behind his one true love, Diane Adelson of Cortez, who tenderly nursed him, in hospital, and in her home, for 14 months. He leaves his beloved mother, Jeanie E. Young (Herzog) of Bend, Ore.; his brother, John M. Herzog of Seattle, Wash., and his sister Kate S. Kiger, also of Bend, Ore.; as well as his nieces and nephew, Petra, Scout and Jasper, of Seattle and Issaquah, Wash., respectively; additionally, his sister-in-law, Heidi Herzog and his father, William A. Herzog, both of Seattle, Wash. He held close to his heart his aunties, uncles and cousins, and his tremendously dedicated community of friends and "brothers from another mother," including Jay M. Simon and his son Eli of Boulder. Tom was 48 years old.

The family requests that friends honor Tom's devotion to rescue cats by making donations of pet supplies, volunteer hours, or cash to The Feral Cat Project, For Pet's Sake, in Cortez, CO. They can be reached at 970-525-7387.

A celebration marking Tom's life will be held this summer on his land in Dolores.