Thomas Herzog Obituary

Dolores resident Thomas A. Herzog died after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia Saturday, June 1, 2013, in Durango. He was 48.

Known as "Tom," he was born to William A. and Jeanie E. Herzog on Aug. 22, 1964, in Tacoma, Wash.

"A modern-day da Vinci, 'Rasta Tom' arrived in Telluride at age 19, in 1983," his family said. "He was revered for his extraordinary hand-crafted carpentry, his architectural design and CAD genius, as well as his deep, artistic talent, which he used to create iron works and divine silver jewelry."

Mr. Herzog was self-employed in his fields. He had most recently lived in Dolores, where he built his workshop and cabin.

During the last 14 months of his life, the woman his family called "his one true love," Diane Adelson, nursed him through his illness.

Mr. Herzog was devoted to helping rescue cats, his family said.

"A Renaissance man with a quick, wry sense of humor and a legacy of selfless giving, his motto was 'One Love,'" his family said. "His Harley often sat in the warmth of his solar-powered living room."

Mr. Herzog is survived by his mother, Jeanie E. Young of Bend, Ore.; companion, Diane Adelson, of Cortez; brother, John M. Herzog of Seattle; sister, Kate S. Kiger of Bend; father, William A. Herzog of Seattle; two nieces and one nephew; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held this summer on his land in Dolores.

Memorial donations may be sent to The Feral Cat Project, For Pet's Sake, P.O. Box 1705, Cortez, CO 81321. Donations of pet supplies and volunteer hours are also suggested by calling 565-7387.