Obituary of Albert Gwyn

View Video Tribute Longtime Burlington resident, Julius Albert Gwyn passed away on November 3, 2007 at his home south of Burlington. He was 79 years old. Julius Albert Gwyn was born on November 7, 1927 to James Martin Ida Ruth (Fisher) Gwyn. He was the first child born to this union. He attended Rose School five miles northeast of Flagler, Colorado and quit after the eighth grade to be a cowboy. He would become a cowboy and an avid horseman, and this was his occupation until his last day. He had a gift of understanding horses and cattle very well, and this was proven many times over throughout his life. As a young boy Albert would enlist the help of his younger sisters and rope the neighbors’ cows as well as the family milk cow to practice his cowboy skills. At age 11 he attended a rodeo in Hugo, Colorado, where bull riding champion Kid Fletcher was riding. Kid put Albert on his first bull that day, and Albert rode. It wasn’t long before Albert was traveling to rodeos riding bulls and broncs with best friend Jack Moody. He later trained two trick horses and traveled to perform in Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. “Albert Gwyn and His Flying Spotsâ€? act lasted several years until he retired his horses. Afterward he began raising Quarter Horses, and never quit. Albert was a student of blood lines and champion quarter horses, and several of his horses went on to race. Horses were always his passion, and he was a skilled cowboy and horseman. He was 76 years old the last time a colt fell with him, and he never took a lame step. He was honorary member of the American Quarter Horse Association and a member of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association. Albert was a long time employee of KC Electric Association, McCormick Feedlot, and Plains Feeders. He made many friends over the years and will be missed dearly by those who had the same calling… cowboys, horsemen and cattlemen. He seemed to share a special bond with those in his line of work, and could relate to all ages of cowboys, whether they were a young bull rider of an old timer. He was gentle in his nature, both with horses and with people he knew. He also held a deep appreciation for the outdoors and tender respect for his Lord. Albert was first married to Charlene Armitstead and from this union two children were born, Dave and Mary. He later married Jo Ellen Wright and to this union one child was born, Lisa. Later in his Albert married Alta Wood on April 17, 2003 in Genoa, Colorado. Alta was a childhood friend of Albert’s. Alberts’s folks would visit Alta’s house on occasion and they grew up together. They would happily share the last several years of Albert, s life together. Albert held his dear wife tenderly in his heart, and had a deep appreciation of her way with horses as well. Albert reached his sunset, tipped his hat and departed this life on November 3, 2007 on a beautiful fall day at his home at the age of 79. He will be dearly missed. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ida Gwyn, one grandson Andy Gwyn and one brother-in-law Paul Schiferl. Albert is survived by his wife Alta of the home, his son; Dave Gwyn and wife Donna of Stratton, Colorado, two daughters; Mary Tart and husband Larry of Athens, Texas, Lisa Nolder and husband Chad of Lamar, Colorado, two sisters; Agnes Jones and husband Leroy of Flagler, Colorado and Margie Schiferl of Flagler, Colorado, and grandchildren Leslie, Adrienne, La Dawn, Amber, Katina, Jordan and Hayden. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends, and one faithful cowboy partner champion of 27 years, his gelding John. Funeral services for Albert were held on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 10:30 AM at the Church of Christ in Flagler, Colorado with Pastor Hugh Brown officiating. Albert was laid to rest at the Flagler Cemetery after one last horse drawn carriage escort. Memorials may be made in Albert’s name to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund or to the Kit Carson County Ambulance and may be left at the First National Bank, Burlington, Colorado.