Clinton Hughes 'Rusty' Tawse
December 10, 1935 ~ February 24, 2016
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Clinton Hughes 'Rusty' Tawse, a son of California and enthusiastic citizen of Colorado, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2016, surrounded by his children. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he will be missed by many. Clint was born in 1935 in Pacific Grove, Calif. In 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Sally Hane Tawse. They raised four children while Clint held numerous career positions, from realtor to self-employed contractor in Oakhurst, Fresno, Thousand Oaks, Fremont and Tuolumne County, Calif. They were married for 52 years before Sally's death in 2009. The couple moved to Pueblo in 1983 and Clint worked for and eventually became the head of the Pueblo Regional Building Department. He was a committed public official and a past president and devoted member of the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) formerly known as the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). He retired from the Building Department in 1998. An exceptional woodworker, Clint could singlehandedly build anything from a bookshelf to a three-room workshop. A passionate lover of nature and all things wild, Clint enjoyed taking walks along the Arkansas River, rock hounding, spotting raptors and taking drives to the mountains. He had a voracious appetite for literature and world history and would happily talk 'books' with friends and family. He had a sharp mind, a twinkle in his eye and a deep love of cross-country travel, especially off the highways and the already beaten paths. 'Always take the 'Blue' Highways,' was one of his favorite sayings to anyone who was getting ready to embark on an adventure. He is survived by his sister, Nanci Mathers; his four children, Sylvia Tawse, Richard Tawse, Jennifer Tawse and Bonnie Tawse; his grandchildren, Cassidy Tawse-Garcia, Emily Davis, Madeline Davis, Clinton Davis, Claire Stalhuth, Samuel Grossman and Benjamin Grossman; his nephews, Scott Pilchard and Charles Spiekerman; his nieces, Susie Todd, Suzanna Pech and Sally Spiekerman. Special thanks to the staff at Sangre de Cristo Hospice who provided such exceptional care. Cremation has taken place, at his request. A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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Sylvia & family I have always totally enjoy your father, I have many memories of him as well of working with him on many of BAV construction’s, tuff historical renovations projects, his experience & knowledge of construction, codes, and common sense helped solve many issues for me and I’m sure for many others. He helped so many people from the elderly to the disadvantaged and the disabled. He had a way of getting people together to donate materials and skilled labor to help on his mission to help. From the little projects to major renovations to make a home accessible for someone that has become disabled.
I can remember one of the many that he volunteered 🙂 me for. But one comes to mind it was in Boone CO an elderly lady that had become disabled to a wheel chair and a walker, wanted to stay in her home. With no real family in the area and on a fixed income. Clint set out to help her. He contacted many of us in the trades from carpenters, plumbers, electricians, drywaller , painters, to the guy that laid the tile. We all jumped in including Clint & other inspectors, we widen all the door ways, put in a ramp to the front door, and even a major remodel to the bathroom to make it all accessible.This when on for several weekends & some weeknights. We were all very proud of the out come and one of many I was involved in. Clint’s leadership at the building department was the best I’ve ever experienced in my 35yrs as a contractor.
His problem solving style is truly missed in some of our building department leadership today, they could learn something from his compassionate leadership style. SYLVIA HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
Yours Truly
Bret A. Verna
PS; Please keep me informed of the celebration of life this spring would love to try to attend. My Email is : cbeyond@live.com
Clint had a heart for Pueblo. I enjoyed working with him on the board for Pueblo Regional Building. His humor and good sense are rare and appreciated. My condolences to his family and friends. He will truly be missed.
My condolences go out to Clint’s large family. I worked with him while he was the Director at the Building Department. I was at the Health Department and our departments worked together on different projects. Clint was very committed to his job and remained a nice person as he negotiated through a demanding position! I would run into him in town and actually even in Denver while he was helping Sally through some medical issues and he was a great person to visit with. I believe that his kind attitude and patience added to the community’s relationship with the Building Department. I know he loved his family greatly as he would speak about you when I ran into him in town. He will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.