Vincent Tookey

Long time Silverton resident Vincent W. Tookey died in Dallas, Texas, on October 4, 2012. He was 93.

On February 6, 1919, Vincent was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Mildred and George Tookey. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1936, and then went on to business school.

Vincent first came to Silverton by bus over Red Mountain Pass during a snow storm. He had been hired to work for the Shenadoah Dives Mining Company. His first thought was to get back on the bus and go back to Grand Junction. Instead he decided to stay and on June 6, 1942, “eloped” to Ouray, Colo., to marry Caroline F. Pearson his wife of 62 years.

Vincent served in the Army from 1944 to 1946. Vincent had a varied career including working at the Shenadoah Dives Commissary, Purchasing Agent for Standard Metal, Bookkeeper for the Circle Route Garage, and maintenance for the Silverton Public Schools and was elected to serve as the San Juan County Assessor.

Vincent also fulfilled his civic responsibilities by serving two terms as a Trustee on the Silverton Town Board and then serving a term as mayor from 1972-1976.

Vincent worked hard to provide for his family, often working two jobs. He enjoyed traveling and Vince and Caroline delighted in taking their children and later their grandchildren on the annual family vacation that usually included a stop at Disneyland.

Vincent was preceded in death by wife Caroline and their two sons, George and Charles. He is survived by his children Caroline Hamacher, Cindy Willis, William Tookey, James Tookey, Richard Tookey and Timothy Tookey, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday October 13, 2012, at 2:00 pm at the Word of Life Fellowship in Silverton. The Pastor Jim Greenfield will officiate. Burial will occur at the Hillside Cemetery in Silverton.