MOLLRING, Thomas Jesse

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Thomas Jesse Mollring, 80, of Pinedale, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 29. Tom was born in Pinedale, Wyo., Dec. 17, 1929 to Jay and Ruth Mollring. He attended elementary school in Pinedale and graduated in 1947 from Anderson High School, where his parents had purchased a dairy farm outside of Redding, Calif. Tom attended the University of Wyoming and left to join the Air Force, serving his country in the Korean war. Tom married Bonnie Decaneva of Chico, Calif., and they had two children, Jay and Kim. Later, Tom married Paula Mueller of Pinedale and had a son, Thomas H. Mollring. After his Air Force stint, Tom worked in the lumber industry in northern California. He returned to Pinedale, becoming a big game outfitter at his hunting camp in the Hoback Basin. Tom's love of the outdoors, coupled with his cooking and storytelling talents, enabled him to amuse and entertain his hunting clients for hours. Tom also enjoyed his years in the art business, working at Trailside Galleries and West Lives On Gallery. Upon his retirement, he managed family properties in Pinedale. Throughout Tom's life, he formed many lasting friendships that he considered true blessings. A most generous man, he was very helpful to everyone, and he was truly admired and loved by all. Tom was an avid fly fisherman and a remarkable dancer. He also enjoyed creating Western accessories for his family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother Kenneth "Mac" McLinn Mollring. He is survived by his brother Ted (Christine) Mollring and nieces Jennifer Mollring Sands and Stephanie Mollring Longstreet; his brother Robert Arthur (Mona) and niece Kim Mollring; his children Jay (Dana) Decaneva and Kim Lamb of Chico, Calif.; his son Thomas Harold (Lyndee) Mollring of Billings, Mont.; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Tom's stories of past adventures will be missed, and until we meet again, may his train whistle blow throughout the skies of heaven. Following cremation, a memorial service with military honors will be held Nov. 15 at the Pinedale Cemetery at 11 a.m. The family is planning a celebration of life, gathering of family and friends next July during the Green River Rendezvous in Pinedale. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations being sent to the Museum of the Mountain Man, Box 909, Pinedale, WY 82941.