Todd Brian Vinzant

Todd Brian Vinzant passed away on Sept 30 from complications related to pancreatic cancer. It is a blessing and curse we knew less than two weeks how sick he really was and in truth still do not know the full extent.

Know that the week before Todd passed, we were all together, horses, dogs, Todd and I on a dream trip to Ft Robinson, NE. Todd spent those days doing what we loved sharing together, exploring history, hanging out with the dogs and enjoying fresh air with our horses.

Todd grew up in the Bear Valley area. Graduating from Mullen High School in 1980. From there he went on to Fort Lewis College earning a BS in Biology.and Chemistry. Though Todd had hoped of continuing on to veterinary school, he chose to accept a research position at Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) where he worked for nearly 37 years. While at NREL, Todd earned a Masters in Microbiology from the University of Denver. Todd published numerous scientific papers and achieved pattens on several projects. 

His personal life, equally if not more impressive than his professional life, Todd became well known in the antique motorcycle world has one the best "wrenches" in the country, having rebuilt and restored several antique motorcycles mostly of Harley-Davidson and Indian models, with a few Triumphs and others sprinkled in the mix. He was even for a period of time the president of the local Rocky Mountain chapter for American Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA). Todd was also a Life Member of Free Tomorrow MC, enjoying brotherhood and comradery with fellow members for over 30 years. 

When Todd was not out on our property in Elizabeth, CO "tractoring", a favorite pass time, he could be found in his shop working on motors, milling, machining, welding and word working. There seemed to be no craftsmanship Todd was not involved if not an expert. He enjoyed hunting with his brother and friends, often enjoying being their guide more than the hunt itself. Todd was a modern day "mountain man" in many ways. 

Those who knew Todd knew a strong man of immense physical strength, intelligence and love. That is how Todd would want to be remembered, an excellent friend first, who always told the truth even if hard to hear and a man of near encyclopedic knowledge on all things motorcycles and otherwise.

I remember Todd as my best friend, "life partner" and soul mate (his words, I came to understand and adopt). I remember his electrifying blue eyes that danced with light, and often filled with tears of laughter following a story told. Evidence of a life well lived with excellent memories and friendships. I remember the warmth of his huge hugs. The way he could comfort me in our worst times and congratulate me in our best. Most of all I remember his absolute faith, devotion and love to his friends and our family, the two and the four legged. Not ready to say goodbye. I say, "See you again, in this life and the next."

Todd is survived by his wife Nicole A Vinzant, brother Tab Vinzant, sister in law Henrietta Hubenka and step-mother Barb Vinzant, his little buddies Gil and Maggie Mae, and our horses Ginny and real life mustang, Maximus. 

Celebration of Life to be held at:
The Rusty Bucket Bar and Grill
3355 S Wadsworth, Lakewood, CO 80227
November 11, 2023 from 2-5pm

In lieu of flowers or plantings please donate to:

Wild Horse Outreach and Advocacy

"In Memory of Todd Vinzant"

Please be sure to earmark donations to be used for: Devil's Garden Mustang 

Donations can be sent via the following channels:

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Wild-Horse-Outreach-And-Advocacy

Venmo: @wildhorseoutreachadvocacy

PayPal: paypal.me/wildhorseoutreachWHO  

Through our website:

https://wildhorseoutreach.org/index.php/support-whoa/

Via mail to 

Wild Horse Outreach

& Advocacy

POB 113 

Guffey, CO 80820

With Gratitude,

Nicole-Pi Musmanno Vinzant
303-868-6843
www.lessonsfrompi.com
www.gowestyoga.com

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