Obituary

Alan Pharo, 69

Alan Cameron Pharo was born in Denver August 13, 1929, the only child of Charles and Agnes (Brown) Pharo. He passed away April 30, 1999, at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Spring as a result of complications following heart surgery.

Alan grew up and attended school in Denver, and from the time that he was a small boy, he dreamed of and planned on having his own ranch. After graduating from South High in 1947, he attended Denver University for one year, later transferring to CSU where, in 1951, he graduated with honors with a degree in animal husbandry.

Alan married Shirley Kimmel December 20, 1950, in the community church in Arapahoe. To this union six children were born: Kit Dillon, Brett Alan, Scott Barry, Kevin Paul, Kathy Lyn and Jennifer Sue. Scott, as an infant, preceded Alan in death.

Upon graduation, Alan and Shirley moved to Steamboat Springs where he was employed by the Fetcher ranch for two years. They moved to their present residence in the spring of 1954, just in time for the dust storms of the fifties. In 1955, Alan was hired by the Soil Conservation Service and worked for the agency for ten years.

Alan built up a cow-calf operation, starting with the seven head that he had acquired while working for Fetchers. This was not only his livelihood, but also his love. He was one of the first to keep detailed records on his heard, and with this information, he culled and sought suitable sires. His weaned calves brought top prices in the fall.

The family spent their vacations in the mountains, and Alan taught all of the children, and most of the grandchildren, how to fish. He also displayed observation skills so that they learned to appreciate the many facets of God=s world. Alan came to love the plains as he loved the mountains, seeing that they, too, have a special beauty of their own.

Alan loved life and people. He enjoyed fellowship, having a cup of coffee, and visiting with friends; he readily made new friends when traveling. Alan had a special compassion for animals, and enjoyed their companionship throughout his life.

Alan was preceded in death by his parent and his son, Scott. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley; sons Kit (Deanna) of Cheyenne Wells, Brett (Debbie) of Rapid City, Michigan, and Kevin (Angie) of Fort Collins; daughters Kathy (Rod) Pelton of Cheyenne Wells, and Jennifer (Warren) McConnell of Lahoma, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren and many friends.

Alan understood that each day was a precious gift from God of 24 hours to be lived and not squandered. It can truly be said that he lived.

Funeral services for Alan Pharo were held May 4, 1999, at the Cheyenne Wells Community Building with Pastor Wes Thompson of the Cheyenne Wells Christian Church officiating. Marilyn Boswell provided the prelude and postlude music, as well as accompanying the Lord=s Four Quartet as they sang AAmazing Grace,@ Daddy=s Hands@ and AI=ll Get a New Body.@ Pastor Thompson alluded to Alan=s life as a treasure chest, and encouraged his family and friends to reflect upon the many wonderful memories of Alan and treat them as treasures. At the conclusion of the service, the song, AYou=re My Best Friend,@ was played. At the front of the building was a floral arrangement entitled AA Room Full of Roses,@ which was symbolic of Alan and Shirley=s favorite song. Interment was at the Fairview Cemetery in Cheyenne Wells. Following the funeral service, the large gathering of Alan=s friends and family gathered at the Christian Church for a time of fellowship.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.