Thomas Ratterree Obituary

Sorry to be so late in signing this guest book. Dealing with Tom was always a refreshing experience for me. He was a true gentleman, a great patriot, and a man of his word. He will most certainly be missed by all who care about Colorado Springs and the AF Academy football team.

A good man and fine friend of Falcon Athletics

To all the Ratterrees...

Tom was such a powerful presence in life; it just doesn't seem right or possible that he is gone.

I am so thankful for the warm visit he and I had about six weeks before his death. Tom remained a gentleman to the end, and I shall always have tremendous respect for him.

I am grateful to have shared in his life, and I will be forever blessed by those memories.

We only met Tom thorough the Quartertback Club five years ago. He was always the consumate gentleman. He welcomed us as new members and always had a warm greeting when ever we met. He will be greatly missed and hard to replace. Much love to his family and all who cared for him. Thank you Lord for such a pleasant person.

Our sincere sympathy, we will miss Tom very, very much. I (Neal) knew Tom for many years & enjoyed working with him in the Legislature, the AFA Quarterback Club and as a Ramrod with the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. He was always so friendly and pleasant. We are proud to have known him.

It was an honor to work with Tom for over 20 years on many projects. The AFA Quarterback Club, as a legislator, an honorary Colonel with the Colorado State Patrol,but mostly as a good friend. He will be missed by all.

Stunned to read of Tom's death!! Worked with him when he was Major..Special Svcs, Peterson Field. Always remember problem we laughed about over his problem with his Base Librarian and her "rope". Admired him greatly.

Tommy,Greg, and Lisa: Deepest sympathy is extended to you and the family. Tom was loved by all and I will miss him terribly. He left a great legacy and we are all proud to have been closely related. Martha Oates (Rock Hill, South Carolina)

What a wonderful gentleman to work for.

We are so sorry for your loss. Though we didn't personally know Tom, he certainly leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with your family. Greg and Lisa, we think of you often and hope you are feeling God's comfort and grace. In His never-ending love, Judy and Rory.

I have met many veterans over the years, but few have had the impact that Tom did. His Love of Country was without bounds, and only tempered by the love for his family. A true American Hero and Patriot ends his service to these United States, and begins his service to the troops that proceeded him, and the ones that will follow. God Bless you Col. Ratterree. Have a safe landing my friend, your dear wife and other friends will be there to greet you.

Thank you for the confidence you have placed on us. Colonel Jim Rix and the Veterans Honor Court Trustees.

Tom was my friend and my mentor. We became acquainted in the late 80's, and I served as party chairman for his legislative district, eventually succeeding him when he ran for the Senate.



Tom was a true statesman. He was liked and respected on both sides of the aisle. When he left the legislature, he tried his hand at lobbying for a while, and we shared a place in Denver. But lobbying was never really for Tom. He was too much of a "Get it done" person to be able to sit on the sidelines. Some people toss around the phrase "natural born leader". Tom Ratterree personified it. And he did it in a way that inspired others.



I will miss talking with him about politics and his beloved Air Force Falcon football team.



Rest in peace, my friend!

Tom, it was such a joy when our paths once again crossed, purely by accident I might add, when you came into a diner here in Enid, OK for breakfast earlier this year. You had driven in from the Spgs. for the wedding of a former AFA cadet you had once sponsored. It was so enjoyable visiting with you and talking of times gone by and of the friends we had in common. I really am glad we had that special time together that morning here in Enid.

Rest well my friend.

Bob Cranford

Colorado State Patrol 2-B (Retired)

Now residing in Enid, OK

Tom was a valued friend and I will miss his smiling positive life attitude.

Our sympathy to all the famliy.

We'll miss your dad. He was a great neighbor.

Greg, Lisa and family.



I am so sorry to hear about Tom. It is never easy to loose someone you love. The thing that impressed me the most is the statement that he thought being a grandpa was what life was all about. I have to agree.



Remember the Serenity Prayer. Lisa, remember the red circle. God Bless.



Jerry Skiles

A vey proud and honored niece to have this incredible man share a part of his life with me and my family. We love you so much Uncle Tom and we will miss you every day.

Rest well and know that you were and will always be a well loved man.

All My Love,

Susan

I am extremely sad to hear the news of Mr. Ratterree's passing. I married a Colorado Springs girl and normally keep very well informed of Mr. Ratt's activities thru my in-laws (Wisneski's). I could write a book of great memories I have for Mr Ratt. But I must 1st mention that I am proudly the 1st USAFA cadet he sponsored back in July 1986 at the request of Coach DeBerry and Coach Grobe. As time went on, the Ratt's became more and more my 2nd family much like CO became his 2nd home back in the '70's. Eventually, they officially or unofficially sponsored over a dozen of us from the Class of '90 (and they continued with more after us)and I can be sure that we all could thrill an audience with great stories. I have two that I hope may trigger memories of a great personality, although I am a better story 'teller' than 'writer'.

To go along with the normal shinanigans, the best ritual was Mr Ratt and his dog, Freeway. Mr Ratt would rise at the crack of dawn with a house full of football players in the basement who all prefered the crack of noon. He was sympathetic to this for 5 min and would come down to the basement and sing "Gentle on my Mind". The song, and quite possibly the singing, put Freeway into a frenzy and she would jump up on the beds and bite, bark and pull at us until we got up. Then, he would sarcastically say...Oh, I was unaware you guys were up til 0200 and wanted to sleep in...but since Freeway woke you up, go mow the grass.

The next one would be Mrs Ratt's motherly love and help. Mr Ratt, all proud of his cell phone back in the late 80's, would call from Monument to say he was on his way home to do some housework. Mrs Ratt, against his will, would let us in on the 'suprise attack' on our leisure time...we would all bolt before he arrived.

Last note...I just found out last week that I have been promoted to Lt Col and had just made a list over the weekend of people to notify...Mr Ratt was on the list in the 'family' section and I am sad for not being able to make that call. I remember sitting on his deck...the one we all stained one Sun afternoon...listening to the reasons why I should stay at USAFA. He convinced me that football is great at any school, but only here can I go be an F-15 pilot and one-day a General...I've been doing F-15's for years and have just made 1 more step in the promotion cycle, thanks!

RIP and God Bless Mr 'Big House' Ratt, you will be in my heart forever.

Love,

Pat McNelis, Class of '90