Sammy Pinnecoose

Sammy E. Pinnecoose, a long time Ignacio resident, passed away Friday, January 26, 2018 in Durango, Colorado. He was 74 years old. Sam was born to the late Fred and Sarah Russell-Pinnecoose on September 19, 1943 in Ignacio, Colorado. He attended the Ute Vocational School in Ignacio and later transferred to Bayfield High School where he graduated. Sam was active in sports playing football, baseball and basketball.
Sam, an enrolled Southern Ute Tribal member, also claimed heritage from the Northern Ute Indian Tribe. He worked for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a residential attendant at the Ute Vocational School, Purchasing Agent, Assistant Manager for the Pino Nuche' Hotel and Restaurant and Assistant Manager for the Sky Ute Downs. Sam continued his education in Stillwater, Oklahoma, studying Business Management; then in Louisville, Kentucky he obtained formal horse training. Sam's true passion was training, riding and owning race horses. Sam's horses competed and placed in various races in Farmington, Albuquerque and Ruidoso, New Mexico. He loved the thrill of racing and could be found on a track training and conditioning his horses.

He is survived by his children; Samantha Pinnecoose, Freda Pinnecoose, Vanessa Pinnecoose-Torres, Felicia McKinley, Clarence Pinnecoose, Antonio Cloud and Barry Cloud all of Ignacio; Siblings: Barney Pinnecoose, Cecil Pinnecoose, Evelyn Russell all of Ignacio, and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, LaVeta Vigil (sister), Stanley Pinnecoose and Bennett Thompson (brothers).

Cremation has already occurred. A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring.