Timothy Lee Sundgren

Timothy Lee Sundgren, age 74, of Salida, CO passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the arms of his wife at home.  Tim was born on August 5, 1944 in Ashland, KS to Paul Alvin and Evah Lola (Ellis) Sundgren.  He grew up in Coldwater, Greensburg and Hugoton, KS and graduated in 1962 from Hugoton High School.  He attended college at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS then returned to the family farm before taking his first job in banking in Wichita, KS in 1968.  Tim began his career selling MasterCard when it debuted, worked briefly in Winona, KS from 1971 to 1973, and then bought the People’s State Bank in Grinnell, KS in 1973.  He owned and operated many banks throughout northwest Kansas and Colorado before his first retirement in 1994.

Retirement from banking just meant more time to pursue other interests, so Tim volunteered to serve his community and meet others.  Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile Association, Central Colorado Political Divide, Chaffee County Search and Rescue, Restorative Justice, Heart of the Rockies Hospice and the Salida Regional Library board of trustees were among his favorites.  Most recently, the Bridging the Political Divide group held a special place in his heart and provided him hope for the future of our country.

Tim married Paulette Marie (Boucher) Sundgren on October 16, 1999 in their home in Salida, Colorado.  Together, they enjoyed riding their motorcycles around the world, traveling, among other places, to New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, Canada and through Colorado and 24 more states in the US to put miles on their bikes.  The only thing he loved more than planning the next great adventure was the person who went on the trips with him: Paulette.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Cecile Lebrun.  He is survived by his wife, two children, Jen (Chris) Brull of Plainville, KS and Evan (Brenda) Sundgren of Gainesville, FL; two stepsons, Ken (Megan) Boucher of Aspen, CO and Kurt Boucher of Monterey, CA; one brother, Kent (Debbie) Sundgren of Colorado Springs, CO; seven grandchildren, Jacob Brull of Lawrence, KS, Paul Brull of Plainville, KS, Maggie Brull of Plainville, KS, Kassie Boucher of Snowmass Village, CO, Kyle Boucher of Denver, CO, Emma Boucher of Aspen, CO, and Norah Belle Boucher of Monterey, CA; and former spouse, Nan Sundgren of Hays, KS.

Tim is perhaps most famous for his outgoing and engaging personality; although it was rare for him to walk into a room and not know anyone, you can bet when that happened he never left without remedying the situation!  His friends will tell you he was always good for a smile, great conversation and an invitation to dinner.  His family describe him as the best husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend they knew.  He will be incredibly missed.

 
Tim’s memorial service will take place on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 10:00am at the Salida United Methodist Church, 228 East 4th Street, Salida, CO.  The family invites all to stay for a light lunch immediately following the services.  Memorial contributions may be made to Chaffee County Search and Rescue South, PO Box 313, Poncha Springs, CO 81242. We celebrate his life, not mourn his death.  He chose to be always “green and growing,” and we are forever blessed for having known him.
 

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