Fletcher H. Wood
1925 - 1991
He was described as a horseman's horseman, but he also was a gentleman and a friend to all. He will be
remembered for always having a smile on his face.
If a man was judged by the company he keeps and the family and friends who love him, then Fletcher
Wood's almost countless memberships and liaisons and his impact on the people who met and
befriended him is immeasurable.
His commitment to his work and his civic responsibility is legendary in Jefferson County, where he was
director of activities at his beloved Jefferson County Fairgrounds for more than twenty-seven years.
He served tirelessly as a member of the Jefferson County 4-H Advisory Board where his devotion to youth
and nature were renowned.
When kids needed a hero to look up to, Fletcher was there, serving as a 4-H leader in horse packing and
leather work. In 1987, he received the prestigious "Friend of 4-H Award."
He judged National Finals Little Britches Rodeo for eighteen years along with many high school and
amateur rodeos.
He worked with the youth and horses of the Westernaires from the very beginning and kept a watchful
eye over his students.
Fletcher also left his mark on Jefferson County government. County Commissioner Marjorie "Bunny"
Clement referred to Fletcher as "Mr. Jefferson County." "There is not a facet of the county that was not
touched by Fletcher," she said.
He was past Captain of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Mounted Posse. Having joined that group in 1950,
Fletcher earned the distinction of serving longer than anyone else. He also served on the Board of
Supervisors for the Jefferson Soil Conservation District for seventeen years.
Fletcher's love of nature was demonstrated in his respect and affection of animals. During his life he was
very active in all forms of horse activities having owned, trained and shown Hunters, Jumpers,
Saddlebreds, Pleasure, Reining, Cutting, Team Penning, Calf Roping, Heading and Healing and Trail
Horses. He rode bareback, broncs and bulls.
He was well known for training Australian Shepherd and Queensland Blue Heeler dogs. He also wrote and
published numerous articles on the training of dogs and horses. He was actively engaged in raising and
training horses and Longhorn cattle at the time of his death.
He designed and managed Golden Mesa Ranch, now known as Table Mountain Ranch; Arbloade De Oro
in Conifer, and the American Equestrian Center in Los Angeles.
He was a member of the National Western Stock Show Association and served as Ring Master for
thirty-four years and Horse Show Manager for three years. He was named "Colorado Horseman of the
Year" in 1982.
He also belonged to the Round Up Riders of the Rockies, the Colorado Horseman's Association, and many
more groups who shared his passion for horses.
He served in the U.S. Army and the Colorado National Guard. He was a Mason and a member of the El
Jebel Shrine.
Fletcher is survived by his wife and partner of forty-four years, Mary; and two daughters, Judy Ann Hust
and Bonnie Lou Shaw; one son, Kent H. Wood, and four grandchildren.
There is a link that cannot be severed, our memories will live forever.
Dedicated on August 2, 1992
Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
4-H Foundation, Cooperative Extension Staff and Advisory Board, 4-H Clubs of Jefferson County.
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