William Troy Lichliter

WILLIAM TROY LICHLITER

Lifelong Cortez resident William Troy Lichliter died at St. Mary’s Medical Center on November 30, 2020. He was 76. Troy Lichliter was born to Art Lichliter and Reva Brown Lichliter on November 4, 1944 in Durango, Colorado. He graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 1962. He worked at Cortez Livestock Auction as head foreman.
His childhood was spent north of Cortez with his three brothers, Duane, John, and Ron and beloved sister, Aurta. He and his siblings rode horses to Mildred Schoolhouse, before attending Montezuma-Cortez High School. When Troy was young, his uncle Bill owned the old Sale Barn, currently where the Cortez Public Library is today. Troy’s childhood was spent raising livestock, hunting for arrowheads, and fishing in Hartman Draw.
Troy’s passion was buying, selling and trading sheep and goats. He lived and breathed the livestock business. He had a great skill for the trade and fostered strong bonds with ranchers not only in Montelores, but across the Navajo and Ute Mountain reservations as well. Troy would always say “Want a fat sheep? Good eatin’ they are.” He donated livestock to the Montezuma County 4-H to enrich the youth. He also received the Southwest Colorado Livestock Associations “Cattleman of the Year” award in 2006.
Troy possessed a huge grin, a strong desire to help others and a fast-paced energy. He worked so hard, managing hectic sales and loading trucks late at night. He slaughtered sheep, helped load hay, hauled around livestock for friends and lent a hand to anyone in need of it. He enjoyed the simple things in life like dances at the Legion. Troy didn’t eat to live – he lived to eat.
Troy’s friendship and service to others knew no bounds. He loved his family and friends with absolute devotion. Cortez Livestock Auction will not be the same place without his constant footsteps up and down the alleyways. Troy was a special person who lit up happiness in everyone he met. His absence is particularly tender to those closest to him.
Troy loved his family and friends with absolute devotion. Cortez Livestock Auction will not be the same place without his constant footsteps up and down the alleyways. Troy was a special person who lit up happiness in everyone he met. His absence is particularly tender to those closest to him.
Troy is survived by his wife, Lyn Lichliter of Cortez, Colorado, his two children, Amy Lichliter of Chiang Rai, Thailand and Jackson Lichliter of Cortez, Colorado, his brother, Ron Lichliter and sister in-law Lynn Lichliter of Safford, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Cortez Livestock Auction at a time to be announced.