William Tuthill Obituary

I met Dr. T when we first moved to Colorado. It was fun to work with a doc that had SO MUCH knowledge from years of practice. As a new grad, he was a great mentor and provided advice that I still use today. He was always eager to help and fun to be around. I enjoyed his tales of travel and fun. I am thankful to have known him and his wonderful wife.

. I was shocked to hear of Dr. T passing. My heart goes out to Barb and his girls and the family. I will always remember him as a great Veterinarian, mentor and family man. I learned so much from him which I will always cherish . He lived to heal and help those in need and enjoyed life to its fullest. I am Blessed to have known him.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bills passing in Feb. My heartfelt condolences to Barb, Karissa, and Kailey.
I met Bill in South Padre Island many years ago. We shared a common passion for kiteboarding and spent quite a few hours together on the water. Bill, being the generous person he was invited me to stay at the family house in La Ventana, Mexico this past October. As a retired builder Bill and I enjoyed brainstorming projects for the house, implementing them in the morning with Walt, and still finding time to have fun in the afternoon kiteboarding in the Sea of Cortez. Its there I realized what a force in motion Bill was, not sitting in place for a moment. Great memories. I'll miss you Bill

Our love to Barb, Karissa and Kailey...We can not know the depth of your pain and loss, but hope that knowing we care, we are here for you, and we are praying, helps. We mourn the loss of Bill - Wild Bill - because we lost the opportunity to get to know him better, we lost the future friendship / family relationships we looked forward to. Since Kailey came into our lives and married our son, Joey, we had begun what we knew would be an adventure being connected as family for many years to come. We so enjoyed times we spent together. Gary's fishing trips with Bill won't be forgotten. Experiencing the eclipse together! The trips to Sayulita to plan and then again to experience our youngest children's wedding were times we'll never forget! Bill was so fun, generous, adventurous, gracious and obviously excited for the future wedding. He was so loved by his family and he has left a strong group of women - he left you, but he left you equipped to face the future. I know you do not feel strong now with the weight of broken hearts, but your Wild Bill taught you well. We love and admire each of you for the passion for life, the determination you put into goals, the love of family and friends you freely give, and the adventurous spirit you live out. Our dear Kailey and Karissa, we know you will continue to pass those qualities on to Everleigh, Anara and our little Lucinda. Those are obviously qualities passed on to you from Bill. Dear Barb, the shared family and grand babies we will enjoy together, as family and friends. Always here for you. Please know we love you and pray God will comfort you - always. Gary and Diane Gieck

The world lost a good one. A man who believed in making every moment count, not only to himself, but to everyone around him.

Bill was a kayaking buddy of mine for many years. He was so much fun to be with and his energy, infectious enthusiasm, and skill level were goals we all strived for.

Bill's high standards were exemplified in his work, family, and recreational pursuits. It's heartbreaking when a life like his comes to an end, but for all of us who lead active lifestyles, it is less of a blow when one is doing what you love, with people you love and support. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed!

To Barb, Karissa and Kailey,
Our hearts go out to all of you. Bill was full of life and adventure. "Dusty" was an understatement. Bill LIVED life. One thing for sure his love of his life was his family.
I will always hold our time in Hawaii as one of my most cherished memories. Hope all your memories will help you carry through as he would want you to.
We love you all so much.
Rick and Sherry

I am still in disbelief that Dr. Tuthill has passed as he was always so active and vivacious, so full of life. He had a smile and laugh that could brighten any room. He had such a zeal for life. He was a great veterinarian and mentor. He was so generous of his time and energy. I remember him offering to return from his Vail house to help do emergency surgery on my own dog over the weekend. He loved veterinary medicine and set the foundation for two incredible hospitals. Although he loved vet med, his love for his family was so genuine and immense. He filled each and every day with purpose and passion. May we all live with such zeal that at the end of our days, we can have packed in as much love, compassion, trips, and adventures as he did. His joie de vivre only leaves us wishing for more time with him. My most heartfelt condolences to you Barb, Kailey and Karissa. May his light and love be a legacy to remember and cherish always.

By far Susie and my most fond memories will be of his organizing several fraternity reunions at Barb and his magnificent
ski lodge in Vail. Rather an indescribable blend of diverse personalities complimented each other resulting in several days
of non stop laughter. These memories and renewed friendships were a direct result of his incredible generosity and tenacious
organizational skills which were but of 2 of his numerous positive attributes.

He also possessed a wry sense of humor. My most vivid experience of same was during Christmas break while attending
Colorado College. Christmas Break was also a mandatory call to hit the slopes for our fraternity. I was skiing with
Jim Heitzmann when we happened upon the inseparable expert skiing duo of Skipper and Tut. Tut innocently suggested we attempt Look Ma,
neglecting to mention it was a steep black diamond run full of moguls. Both Berg and I were intermediate skiers at best
thus were constantly falling while attempting to avoid crashing into trees which bordered the run. Finally I vowed not
to fall again and headed straight downhill. By some miracle I managed to reach the bottom where Tut, Skipper, and
several other friends were waving their skies which I thought were applauding my efforts. Instead they were warning
me of a ski lift line on the other side of a hole in the trees to which I was headed at full tilt. Fortunately I avoided
the line and instead crashed into a bank of snow. Later Tut and Per admitted they had intentionally led us to Look Ma
as a fraternity joke. To this date the Look Ma episode has provided numerous laughs especially for Berg and I.

Look Ma not only exhibited his sense of humor but also his adamant conviction to playing and working hard. He lived life
to the max leaving nothing on the table. A very special friend whom cherished his family and enhanced the
lives of all who he came in contact. I will always retain the ideals for which he stood.

Susie and Bob Yunker

I was just a naive pledge (still am some of them would say) when I met Bill and his Sigma Chi Brothers. Bill and his fraternity brothers truly lived the ideals of the organization and inspired me to live up to their expectations. I remember Bill as a model of what Sigma Chi sought: good character, able student, ambitious purposes, congenial disposition, good morals, high sense of honor, and deep sense of personal responsibility. YES - that depicts Bill Tuthill. He was that model and inspired many of us, and to this day. And, he will do so onward. We Sigs say "All honor to his name"

Just following our engagement, Ann met Bill, Barb and the "Brothers" at the Maine wedding and joined this precious group. It is a special Bond.
All our love to Barb and family

Dr. T was the best boss, coworker, and human. Thanks to him I went from someone who hated surgery to someone who felt very confident and loved doing surgery. He was always such a great teacher: patient, kind, and had a great sense of humor. He was so giving and would always do what he could for people who couldnt quite afford what their pets needed. He was a rare soul and he will be so very missed.

Aunt Barb, Karissa, Kailey, Kelly and Joey - were so sorry for your loss. Weve always admired how proud he was of your family. Well miss him very much.

I was lucky to have known Bill as a friend, mentor, associate, colleague and longtime business partner. His enthusiasm and vision for our veterinary hospital is something we are proud of and will continue as Bill's legacy. Dr. T hired me out of college, mentored and believed in me. Always making himself available for advise or assistance and of course always willing to offer an opinion. The days working side by side turned into years and then decades, thirty plus years in total. I am so grateful for that time and will cherish each and every memory. Good bye my friend.

Bill, 'Tut' was like a brother to me. He was my husband, Skipper's best friend in the world! Barb being more like a sister, so my heart aches triple!!! Tut was one heck of a dynamic man - super father, loving grandfather, an ALL AROUND family man; smart, funny, considerate, generous, contagious-adventurous, and always there when our dogs needed help. It saddens me that I will never hear that unique and uplifting laugh of his. . .thanks for being such a wonderful friend/brother to us all!!!

It is impossible to summarize Bill's indelible and enormous impact in the world with mere words. This cannot be any more true than in my life.

Bill sculpted me from an insecure and timid young boy, who was an outdoor adventure wannabe at best, into who I am today. I absolutely know I am not the only one. He had an indescribable way of setting high expectations while instilling so much confidence in you, you would somehow and near impossibly exceed those expectations. As a result, any one under his tutelage always came out feeling like they could achieve the impossible.

With his loud boisterous laugh, unwavering love and support of his daughters, immense pride in his son, incomprehensible talent at enriching the lives of animals and their owners, and unrelenting spirit of adventure, Bill will be sorely missed. In every adventure, I will always hear Mike's voice telling me to not take myself too seriously and Bill's voice telling me to push that much harder. My heart, love, and support goes out to Barb, Karissa, Kailey, Kelly, and Joey. Thank you so much for letting be a part of your family for so long.

as a freshman i arrived at Colorado College in 1967 not knowing a soul.
One day i noticed blood dripping down from the 2nd story room above me.
Wondering if there had been a murder, i stuck my head out the window and discovered a brace of mallards.
Immediately, i knew i had found a soul mate in this land of liberals.
From that moment on Tut and i were a pair. for 50 years we did it all
My best friend is gone, but he left me a treasure chest of memories which I visit often.
I will miss his smile and laughter everyday for the rest of my life
skipper dickson

Barbara, Karissa, Kelly, Kailey, & Joey, please accept our deepest sympathy and love. Bill was so proud of his family. We are sure that his guidance, love and sense of adventure will help lead the way forward for all of you during this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. We had the pleasure of having Bill as a friend. I met Bill in South Padre Island, Texas. We were kiteboarding buddies. Bill was the most generous person I have ever met. He would share anything with anybody. We shared many hours on the water kiteboarding, many hours fishing, and many good meals. He was famous for his shrimp meals and his guacamole dip. My wife and I were Bill's quest in La Ventana just before Bill passed away. He loved his family so much. He especially loved his granddaughters and that he was able to care for them while the moms were skiing. Bill, we miss you. A hole has been left that can't be filled.

This is a very sad time for all. My deepest sympathies go out to Bill's family. I reflect on many uplifting memories. I was the flower girl in his and Barb's wedding in Maine. Bill gave me skiing lessons and that wasn't for the meek! He made the best sandwiches for everyone skiing and would carry them in his backpack. I interned at his veterinary hospital for a school project and that was an amazing experience in 1980. The older I got, the more fun we had together. As recent as last year when I went to La Ventana and spent two weeks. It was such a great time. Rest in peace Bill, you are missed by many. All my love, Gigi

Dr.T was not only a great mentor, but also a great man. He taught me so much about veterinary medicine. He was always there to help, even coming in when he wasnt working. He also showed how to balance work and family. It was very clear that his family was the most important part of his life and would do anything for his children! He was a great man and definitely left his mark at North Academy Veterinary Hospital, he will always be remembered!

I didn't know Bill for long, but my office rented space from him. He always had a smile and a genuine kind word for all of us. He was a person who was easy to talk to and always interested in what you had to say. I can only imagine the amazing impact he had on the lives of those he knew well! What a pleasure it was to get a glimpse.

To Barb and the girls,
My absolute condolences on your loss. Bill (Dr Tuthill) was a wonderful vet and even better man. I will always remember the kindness he showed me and my Blue when we had come in after he had his accident.
I'm happy to have had the opportunity to meet such a great man.
Love you all!

So sorry for your loss. Well miss you Uncle Bill. Love, Nick

Dr. Tuthill was so much more to me than the man that gave me my start in Veterinary medicine. He gave me a chance right out of vet school and I've stayed with his practice for over 20 years - says a lot about what a wonderful practice he ran and how well he treated his associates. He was, of course, an amazing mentor and taught me not only excellent medical and surgical skills but how to be a caring and compassionate vet as well. He loved his patients like they were his own. He was a great personal mentor as well. He always seemed to know something about everything and was full of wonderful advice. He touched many lives during his time here with us and will be dearly missed. All my love to you, Barb, Karissa and Kailey. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you peace during this difficult time.

Anna Mooney, DVM

Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Barb, Karissa and Kelly, Kailey and Joey and the rest of the family for Bills unexpected passing. It is impossible to put into words how sad we are to lose such an exceptional friend and how much we will miss him. Starting with the first meeting of our families nearly 25 years ago in Hood River, OR, we all have shared friendship through happy and sad times, enjoyed uncountable trips, always centered around the many sports that we all loved. Bill was always the planner and instigator and never one to let us off the hook for missing a trip to Lake Hattie, Hawaii, South Padre, Vail, Mexico or Jackson, and we were so looking forward to spending endless time together once we were able to retire. We are heartbroken that we wont have those future times together. There is no better definition of a best friend than Bill, who always gave without question, and was always there for all of us no matter what the circumstance. With Love, the Hursts and Family

I will never forget all of the wonderful memories with Uncle Bill - adventures in Hawaii, always being a phone call away for pet advice and my favorite, a whirlwind super special day exploring Yellowstone and seeing the Steamboat Geyser go off. Always in our hearts

My Uncle Bill was a man full of adventure , love and compassion. He was a champion for his family and a protector by nature. When we lost my sister in October, he was right by our side- words of encouragement and hugs to help us get through. I feel so lucky to have had him in my life and to have gotten to know his kind heart and spirit. We will miss you Wild Bill- forever in our hearts ♥

Our deepest sympathies to Barbara, Karissa, Kailey, and the rest of the Tuthill family during this difficult time. We we always remembers Bills infectious smile and him lighting up the dance floor at our wedding and the other cousin weddings

My fondest memories of Bill are built around the many times our families skied together in Vail. Ever the adventurers, Bill and Barb invited my husband, Tim, and I and our 3 young sons to play and ski in their mountain home in Vail. Our three boys skied joyously with the very active Tuthill kids! We laughed and shared many meals together, but one of my happiest memories is Bill teaching our three young sons after a long day of skiing, to jump out of the hot tub and run and lie down in the snow. Thinking of it still makes me smile! Bill also gave expert and kind care to our family dogs over the years. He was always a voice we trusted and enjoyed.

I treasure my many memories of Bill and the Tuthill family from many windsurfing and kitesurfing beaches.

Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you Barb, Karissa, Kailey and your precious families. You are all much in our thoughts. Our families shared many precious holidays together. We pray that you will know comfort and help in so many ways in the days ahead. Love Ivan and Kerry

My friendship with Bill began as a pledge to the Sigma Chi fraternity at CC.......but deepened in the years following college. Whether it was goose / duck hunting, skiing, camping, fishing, or partying........it was always an adventure with Bill. He was fun, inspirational and placed the bar high. Sometimes we bent the rules.......and got chased off a property or two for innocently trespassing to shoot doves. Considering he seemed to be so healthy and strong, it is ironic that he passed when he did........albeit aggressively pursuing a sport that he loved. Tut was a doer. He was a dear friend and I will miss him dearly.

Dave and I hadn't seen Bill for a while before we heard the sad news of his passing. Having fun on the water was a fitting way for him to go, even if it was untimely. Though all three of us are veterinarians, our many great memories of him go back to days when Dave met and worked with Bill at the Animal Medical Center in NYC and on the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon (1989 and 2000). We got to know his family on the river and off the river, in our reunion gatherings and Thanksgivings at Vail.

On the first Grand adventure with Bill, Howard Sr. and Walt joined us. On our second epic adventure Walt, Karissa and Michael made the trek- all in the famous Tuthill cataraft. Togetherness and adventure seeking runs in the family! I'll never forget hiking out of the canyon with young teen Karissa on a 112 degree day!!:-) We boated, camped, partied and life was good!

We will always remember and miss Bill's good humor, enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and friendship. Barb, we are thinking of you and the girls and hope our paths will meet again sometime soon. I'm sifting through some of those old memories and will send some pix.

Love, Liz Whitney, Dave and Ryan Twedt

Lifelong friends are impossible to replace. It started at Colorado College in the late sixties and continued to the present. Scattered thoughts and memories: patience as Tut taught me and others how to play bridge, or to skate better while attempting to hold a hockey stick and shoot a puck, blood pooling out from under the Kastle garage door after Skipper talked him into taking a deer within the city limits, then field dressing it in the garage!!, kind and considerate care of my pets at his clinic in Colorado Springs (albeit many of those appointments turned into who have you heard from, and more stories about Skipper, as laughter regaled the back hallways of the clinic, no doubt causing concern among staff that Tut was falling behind. No problem, hed say. Ill catch up. His friends were important to him.

In 2001 Steve and Suzie Hughes hosted a Kastle reunion at their home in Pismo Beach, California. Tut suggested we drive together. We laughed our way through the mountains of western Colorado, the desert lands of Utah and Nevada (thought we might have seen a UFO in the night sky east of Las Vegas) and into the glorious landscapes of California. A road trip to remember.

Barb, Kristen and I cherish your friendship and mourn with you. May you find peace and comfort in your faith and the memories of Bill.
Jim and Kristen Heitzmann

I met Tut at Slocum Hall, Colorado College, Fall of 1967. Freshman year. He was my roommate, senior year, living off campus in a house we called 'The Kastle'. Five of us. Plus 'Mom', Stephen Lee's lady. A 53-year friendship.
I remember coming 'home' from class one day, and Tut's Jeep had a freakin' deer laying over the hood !!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME ???? Playing bridge evenings at the Kastle after studying. Sitting on our $10 ( bought at an auction ) sofa, B.S.-ing away the down time. Tut was always, always, gracious, funny, interested in you,
kind, relaxed, full of laughter, smart, gentle, and a good man. He offered his home in Beaver Creek, Colorado to all of us for our 5-year reunions, and we were dazzled by his place, and his generosity, and his attention to all of our needs. Deeply felt thanks to Tut and Barb for every visit !
My all time favorite memory: a late February, 1978, blizzard hit the mountains. 24-36 inches of snow fell overnight on Vail mountain. Some friends of mine and I, decided to drive up from Denver to ski the deep stuff.
I had not skied with Tut prior, so I called him, invited him to meet up.
He joined us. The sun came out. Crystal clear, almost navy- blue skies. Champagne powder, knee-deep everywhere, waist deep at times. We skied the back bowls all day. Watching Tut glide through that Colorado Powder, blissful, ever-so-graceful and athletic, the joy in his face! I can picture him like it was yesterday...
Bill Tuthill. One of the really good guys. I will never forget his laugh and his friendship. My wife and I will treasure every memory. 'You always found it here, Tut'. Boomer and Fargo

We know him as Bill, Tut, and even Sweet William. Back at Colorado College in the late 60s - early 70s, we all shared common experiences and friendships. In Tuts senior year, I (the only woman) got to share the Kastle with Sweet William and four other Sigma Chis. Dont ask me why I was welcome at the Kastle; it was a time when kids werent supposed to do that coed thing.

I quickly learned Tut had a love for adventure from jumping over a cabin on skis, to fishing and hunting, and, yes, even cooking. Those loves remained with him forever. I still see the picture of his Land Rover caught in the middle of a river somewhere in Colorado. In fact, over all those years, whenever I saw a Land Rover, I couldnt help but smile and think of that picture.

We were friends for over 50 years. Sharing that time with the guys in the Kastle and eventually their wives has given me a sense of stability in a world that can often be a little crazy. I cant tell you how lucky the group has been to come together over the years and rekindle our friendship. The comradery and sometimes silliness, but always the caring and love we have for one another, is hard to explain in words.

Bill, Tut, Sweet William will always be a part of that. He will never be forgotten.

Susan Hughes
(aka Mom)

You may wonder why one of Wild Bills nicknames was Sweet William. Aside from the fact that he could be easily mistaken for a cute teenage Eagle Scout, his frat brothers discovered that this perceived sweetness was totally magnetic when it came to women. Whether it was Giuseppes for beer and pizza, The K for foosball and cheap whiskey, or the Golden Bee for top shelf martinis, Bill was the PERFECT wingman. We soon learned that when we brought Bill along as bait, it was easier for the rest of us to get dates. Since Bill had so much Connecticut class, it also helped that he knew how to behave in upscale environments, which really came in handy for his middle-class buddies. Lucky for me, some of his class, good manners and big-hearted generosity rubbed off on this Texas cowboy. He was, in fact, being magnetic at the party where I convinced a Utah girl to start a 50-year journey with me. Thanks, Sweet William.

Stephen Hughes
(aka Stephen Lee)

I met Bill through his daughters Karissa and Kailey. They are two of the most wonderful, creative, and generous young women Ive ever known. Im sure Bills deep character and lovely spirit will live onward, through these two amazing daughters, and their children. I look forward to seeing the fine Tuthill qualities carry into the next generation. With immense respect, Ponteir Sackrey

We loved getting to know Wild Bill the last few years. What a fun guy he was! Sorry he received the worst gift at the Humphrey white elephant, but he took it in stride and was a great sport. We will remember his smile and his warm hospitality while we were in Sayulita. Barb, you both are a treasure. We love you and the girls and wish you the very best. Our prayers and hugs are here for you anytime. Love ya, Eric and JoAnne

I'm so happy to have had the pleasure of being a part of Dr. T's practice. He was a great mentor. May your hearts mend overtime and be overtaken with loving memories.

Bill, mate, every memory is a good one. Thanks for all the wonderful times we shared. Miss your laugh, miss CNN on in the background, miss hunting for the stuff you put somewhere and it somehow moved. Life ain't going to be there same!!

Hello Barbara, Karissa
I am so sorry to hear that ...
We only met once... but at the first sight, i understood that William was an incredible Husband, Father and Grandfather ...
Attentive, Generous, Serene... devouring life... he really released a particular Ora.
I am wholehartedly with you
Lots of love

Barb and my sisters
My heart is so broken at the passing of Bill. He was a true force. One of my favorite memories was drinking Red Stripe and lime with him and Karissa at the Houndstooth after she and I graduated. The man was fiery brilliance. A true daddys girl, Karissa and Bills dance together at her wedding was wonderful! He is missed, and we are sending you our love from Mississippi.

Sending much love to you and your family. There will always be good memories, and love that was shared.

I am sorry I never got to meet him, I am sure we would have liked him. Please know that we are thinking of you and the family at this difficult time. Hugs

So sorry for your loss, Barb! Your man was one energetic powerhouse of a guy and it is still hard to believe he is gone. My heart is with you and wish you the very best. Live life to the fullest and as another wise man said have a good lunch!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dr. William Tuthill, was a superb outdoor sportsman. I was not surprised he passed away while kit boarding. He was a passionate and caring person. He taught my family how to windsurf, and my daughter how to snow ski. Though he hired me to coach his daughter gymnastics, I learned a lot about teaching through his thoughtful support and ever-inquisitive curiosity. My business was forever enhanced because of Bill's support and quest to make everything around him better. Bill encouraged us to look into Citizens Project as a way to help others. He was a soldier against racism, a believer in diversity. Bill's influence showed us how better to think, help out others and at the same time help ourselves. He was amazing at saving money and not wasting it. He made the extra effort to make healthy meals a head of time, to eat healthy and avoid fast food. Dr. Bill (veterinarian), has given my family and I such good health tips, and how to better care for injuries, I've seriously told people he's my doctor! He's one of the best father figures I ever met. After fifty years of coaching, I've met a lot of great fathers! Bill had no equal. Our world is significantly less without him.

Dr. Tuthill cared for my Plott Hound doggie Homer after moving to Colo. Spgs. from Nashville in 1982. He was an excellent and caring vet. I will always remember the beautiful way he treated me and Homer when we had to put Homer down. What a great veterinarian and human being. My sincere condolences to Dr. Tuthill's family.

Barbara: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. He sounded like a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family during this difficult time. May all the memories you gained over the years remain close to your heart. Hugs to you. Georgette

Still in disbelieve...such an athlete.
My heart and thoughts are with Barb,Karissa,Kelly, Kailey and Joey.

Blessings for you and for your family always

Barb, I'm truly so sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Prayers and hugs on moving forward, one at a time. XO

I am so deeply sorry Barb and family. I am thinking if you always. Suzanne

Barb and family, We are so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeanette and Buddy

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. He was a force of nature and touched many people. I know how much you will miss him.

May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken hearted.

Dr.T will be missed deeply!!! I was blessed to work with him. He was an amazing mentor, leader and a friend. He loved his family!!! Sending prayers for the entire family ❤.

Barb and children, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was surprised to read of Bill's passing. If there is any comfort in this, it would be that he was doing what he loved to do. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.