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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Thank you from the bottom of our heart for your condolences, stories and prayers. Our Dad will be missed and we are proud of all he has done for many people he called friends. We will have a Memorial Service on Saturday March 17, 2018 at 10 am. Multipurpose Chapel here in Ignacio, Colorado with a luncheon to follow. It will be a honor if you can make it. Thank you again.
Samantha Pinnecoose
February 20, 2018
Sending love and hugs to your family!! Kirk and Judy Becker
February 16, 2018
Going to high school with Sam was an honor. His quiet polite ways, fun sense of humor, and smile that made everyone feel better. He played sports the same way he treated people, with confidence a desire to play as a team player. The best years of my friendship with Sammy developed after we became adults. His humor developed, along with his enthusiasm for living life with developing interest. He always took time to visit. Sam as you adventure to the joys of God's heaven, I just need to let you know how happy you made Cookie feel, when you would call and check on her. You made her feel loved and cared about as one of her oldest and dearest friends. She told me what it was like when the two of you transferred the same year to Bayfield . You took time Sam . We all appreciated your visits. Will be looking for you on the other side
wanda
wanda Amon
February 7, 2018
I want to send my sincere sympathy and condolences to Sam's family and loved ones in dealing with your loss. I attended school with him in Bayfield and thought a great deal of him and felt he was a good friend to me and to all our class. I feel it was a real pleasure to have known him. I pray God will bless and comfort you in dealing with this loss.
Sincerely,
Vance McVicker
Vance McVicker
February 2, 2018
I went to high school with Sammy. He always called me his cheerleader. Whether he would admit it or not I am pretty sure every Christmas at our exchange of gifts in school he always traded to get my name. I still have the cuff links he gave me one year in the gift exchange. When I told him this at our 40th class reunion he laughed and said no way! I am so glad I was able to spend time and talk to Sammy at the class reunions I got to go to. Sammy was a great friend to me and called me a few times after the reunions to just talk. I will really miss him and his humor. Rest in Peace my dear friend and classmate. To your family I wish your hearts to not be heavy with the burden of Sammy's passing as he is truly in a better place, racing his horses in the great beyond. Sincerely, Charlene (McNew) Steelman
Charlene (McNew) Steelman
February 2, 2018
Sincerest condolences and prayers to the family as well as our deepest sympathy for your loss.
From Zariah Cloud, Robbi Tahlo, Vanessa Howell, Steven Howell, Jody Tahlo and Frances Howell.
Zariah Cloud
February 2, 2018
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all the family. May Sam Rest In Peace. Love to all from Greg and Marge Borst
Marge Borst
February 1, 2018
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