Obituary of Roderick Clark MacLennan

Roderick Clark MacLennan, 95, of Bennett, CO passed away on May 1st, 2018 at his home of 58 years surrounded by his loving bride and family.   He was born on a very cold morning on January 20th, 1923 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Alec MacLennan and Myrtle Clark MacLennan. 

After graduating from Sheridan High School and the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rod enlisted in the Army on November 9^th, 1942.  After surviving the Normandy invasion on Utah Beach, he earned his Purple Heart at the Battle of Cherbourg.  He was honorably discharged with numerous other medals on January 21st, 1946.  He returned home to attend Colorado A & M University, now CSU, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.  He soon after met the love of his life, Alice Mae Bonds at the state   4-H conference in Ft. Collins, CO.  At this time, he resided in Hugo, CO where he was employed as the Extension Agent.   They were wed on September 23rd, 1951 in Durango, CO at the Methodist Church.  To this blessed union came 5 beautiful children, Ginny, Dave, Jeri, Don & Scot. 

They built the legacy of the Valhalla Ranch between Bennett & Byers, CO from 1960 until the present day.  During this time, Rod served on numerous boards including the Eastern Slope Rural Telephone Company for 37 years, served as President of the American Gelbvieh Association for 3 years and as a director for 9 years and later inducted into the AGA Hall of Fame.  He was a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, lifelong member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, instrumental in the development of the Lincoln County Stockman’s Association, & member of the National Western Stock Show Association. Rod was the Adams County Livestock Judging Team coach for 11 years, of which 4 of these teams were state champions and participated in the National contest.  

In 1993, Rod was named the Record Stockman Livestock Man of the Year.    His true passion in life was for ranching and the cattle industry.  To those who knew him he was a man of vision-someone who could see things that were to come-where there was nothing before.  He was never a follower, but one to be followed.  A GREAT MAN!

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Alec & Myrtle, his sister, Mary Louise, brother-in-law, Bruce, and his daughter, Virginia Louise MacLennan May, and daughter-in-law Brenda MacLennan.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Alice, children, Dave (Sue), Jeri, Don (Lynn), & Scot (Sherry), 13 Grandkids, Russell (Stephanie), Becky (Nate), Brandon (Erica), Dawson (Jenny), Krista (Mark), Lacey (Shane), Logan (Jonie), Lance, Jason (Glenna), Justin, Landree, Jinny, and Jonathan. 15 Great-Grandkids, numerous nieces & nephews and extended family and loved ones.

Funeral Service to be held May 12^th, at 2pm at the Bennett High School Auditorium- 7^th St. Bennett, CO 80102.  A reception to follow at the Bennett VFW Hall-115 Palmer Ave. Bennett, CO 80102 

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in Rod’s name to:

Mt. Tabor Baptist Church-P.O. Box 748 Byers, CO 80103

Mountain View Fellowship-P.O. Box 619 Strasburg, CO 80136