Jack Emerson Haworth

Jack was born August 11, 1933, to John and Oris Haworth in Kremmling, Colorado, the only son of four children. After graduating in 1951 from Kremmling High School, he was employed by Murphy Cattle Company and worked the family ranch up until it sold in the early 1990’s. At that time, he and his wife, Veneta, purchased the Ordway Mellon Ranch in the southern part of North Park and continued to operate it as the Haworth Ranch. Jack served as the State Brand Inspector in North Park from 1977 until he retired from state service.

Throughout his life, he was a steward of the land and the cattle that it supported. He knew each cow’s history, personality, and potential. He managed his Gelbvieh herd well, earning recognition at the North Park Fair and the National Western Stock Show. Jack worked closely with conservationists to preserve the productivity of his herd as well as the native grasses and animals who made pastureland their home. He served the community as a past president of the North Park Stockgrowers Association and was recognized for his support of 4-H and FFA members and their projects. The 1997 North Park Fair was dedicated to him and Veneta in recognition of their support.

Jack was the kind of neighbor you could call on for help branding or working cattle. His sense of humor, ability to tell stories and play pranks was legendary. His cribbage playing skills took down many an opponent, from grandchildren to long-time ranching friends. He and Veneta often played a breakfast game to ‘see who’d be the boss’ in the wintertime, keeping track of the wins and losses for a dinner out on the town in the spring. He enjoyed traditional western music, often playing his guitar and singing with family. He followed and was a huge fan of professional rodeo.

Jack and Veneta celebrated their 50th Anniversary on June 1 of this year with family and friends at a reception in Steamboat Springs hosted by their family.

Jack is survived by his wife Veneta, their children Lanita (Lonnie) Legan of Wimberley, Texas, Carla (Chris) Van Valkenburg of Walden, Tracy (Bev) Hanson of Danville, Indiana, and grandchildren Adam (Kari) Van Valkenburg of Walden, Ethan Van Valkenburg of Sanoma, California, Mandie (Jaime Clay) Shoemaker of Walden, Kaitlyn (Brandon) Eberle of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Zane (Rebecca) Hanson of Danville, Indiana, and Jillian Hanson of Greencastle, Indiana. Great grandchildren include Nick, Emma and Will Eberle of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Amelia and Eleanor Hanson of Danville, Indiana. Additional family includes his sister, Helen Rudeen of Young, Arizona, niece Debbie (Mike) Maurello of Gypsum, Colorado, nephews Steve Olmstead, Kenny Olmstead, and Doug Bland along with numerous great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Oris Haworth, sisters Frances Bland and Ethel Pope, son Marlan Hanson, and nephews Billy Olmstead and Donny Olmstead.

Graveside services will be at the Jackson County Cemetery on Saturday, August 12 at 3:00 p.m. followed by a cake and ice cream reception at the Wattenberg Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Park Fire Department.