Thomas Kirk Fitzpatrick

Thomas Kirk Fitzpatrick, 61, passed away in his sleep on July 26, 2016 in La Junta, Colorado. He was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 16, 1954, the oldest of six children, born to Charles and Lillian Fitzpatrick.

The family moved to La Junta, Colorado, in 1961, where Tom attended public and Catholic schools until his graduation from La Junta High School in 1973. He attended Regis College in Denver, Colorado, where he graduated in 1977 with a degree in English.

After college, Tom moved to New Mexico to work as an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad for over 10 years. He left the railroad and moved back to Denver where he worked alongside Colorado’s Senator Dennis Gallagher during his successful re-election campaign. Tom then made the decision to travel the country and world, living in Paonia, CO, Vienna, Austria, and his beloved Tulum, Mexico. In Tulum, Tom delighted in providing free guides to tourists in hopes that they, too, would become enthralled with the Mayan culture, the food, the people and the ancient ruins of this beautiful spot he called paradise. He moved back to La Junta in 1998 where he resided until his passing.

Aside from traveling, Tom enjoyed Classic Rock, the mountains, playing guitar, watching old movies and, of course, sharing his stories about his adventures in Mexico. Tom had a heart of gold, was a consummate gentleman, a true friend to many, and generous to a fault.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles K. Fitzpatrick (Dec 18, 2011), and mother, Lillian M. Fitzpatrick (Aug. 7, 2014), and is survived by his siblings, Mike (Christy) Fitzpatrick of Superior, CO; Sally Fitzpatrick of Sydney, Australia; Sean (Thais) Fitzpatrick of Elbert, CO; Pat (Leigh) Fitzpatrick of Murrieta, CA; Tim Fitzpatrick of La Junta, CO; nephews Brian, Derek, Cooper, nieces Lily and Bali Fitzpatrick, as well as step nephew and niece Andrew and Taylor Krenwinkel. He is also survived by two aunts and numerous cousins.

At the family’s request, for those who would like to pay their respects, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity or simply pass along an act of kindness in his honor.

A private memorial will be held by his family.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.