Tad Hunter Sickels

Tad Hunter Sickels, 16, of Naturita, CO, passed away on June 23, 2019 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Montrose, CO on August 8, 2002, the youngest son of Sam and Mindy Sickels.  He attended Nucla High School, where he would have been a Junior this fall. He was, most recently working for Williams Construction as a Laborer.

Tad was a competitive wrestler first and foremost. He also played football and baseball at different times throughout his life. Although he was naturally quiet, he was the class clown, always making those around him laugh. He was everyone’s friend and had a very caring nature about him. He carried a 24/7 grin full of dimples and charm.

He was a very hard worker. His work ethic stemmed from his competitive drive in the wrestling room. He was born into a family where wrestling, hunting and outdoor recreation was fostered. His dad, Sam, coached both Tad and his older brothers on the wrestling mat from the time they were toddlers, and for them, wrestling was a way of life; a life where each of them became a force to be reckoned with.

Tad loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He spent countless hours in the surrounding mountains with his family or friends, hunting with hounds or reeling in a large rainbow trout.

Tad was good hearted, caring and humble. He will be remembered for all that he was; a funny, laid back, quiet kid that liked to hang out with his friends, loved his family, and spent any free time hunting or fishing.

Tad is survived by his parents, Sam and Mindy Sickels of Naturita, CO; his brothers, Ty Sickels of Olathe, CO and Tray Sickels of Clifton, CO; his maternal grandparents, Donnie and Helen Butt of Egnar, CO; and paternal grandparents Jerry and Janet Sickels of Naturita and Carl and Linda Kelly of Cedar City, UT; aunts and uncles, Donnie Sickels, and Jerry Lee (Misty) Sickels, of Naturita, CO; Miracle Sickels of Norwood, Karl (David) Jeffries-Posner of Amherst, MA ; and Monica (Rick) Imel of Gilbert, AZ; Clint (Julie) Kelly of Cedar City, UT; and Trent (Devey) Kelly also of Cedar City, UT. Tad also leaves behind many cousins, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents and two aunts, Pamela Mendisco and Pam Ballard.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Nucla High School.