4/1/1949-12/1/2024
Dennis Ernest Schutz was born April 1, 1949, in Santa Fe, N.M. to Ernie and Dorothy Schutz. He passed away in Abilene, Texas, Dec. 1, 2024. Dennis lived his life in Chromo and Pagosa Springs. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1967 and Fort Lewis College in 1971. He married Nancy Sorrels in 1970 and they had two sons, Alan and Adam. After graduating he taught school, coached basketball and football, and drove the school bus.
Dennis went on to work for the Colorado Department of Highways in Pagosa and eventually on Wolf Creek Pass. He was the ranch manager at the At Last Ranch. Upon leaving At Last Ranch, he went to school to be a farrier. This allowed him to fuel his lifelong passion for quarter horses. His dream of being able to live in Chromo was fulfilled when he became the manager of the Catspaw Ranch at the base of the Navajo Peaks. He married Michelle Tate in the spring of 1994. Together they enjoyed the ranch and living in Florida during the winter months.
He was always most comfortable in the mountains. He could hike for miles, always having the energy to go a little farther. He was responsible for Banded Peaks becoming a coveted destination for guided elk hunts and was thrilled to have his sons, Alan and Adam, join him as hunting guides. Dennis touched the lives of many with his quick wit and bizarre sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by Ernest and Dorothy Schutz; Harold and Ruth Schutz; Cathy Schutz; and Michelle Tate.
Dennis is survived by brothers Don and Dick, sons Alan and Adam, and grandchildren Chase and Maci.
Dennis will be returned to the mountains where he belongs.
