In Loving Memory of Loren James (Bo) Cass

Loren James (Bo) Cass was born in Trinidad, Colorado on December 30, 1937 to
Devere and Concetta (Clara) di Caro Cass. He passed away on November 22, 2023 in Rocky
Ford at the Pioneer Care Center. His twin sister Loraine always called him her baby brother
because she was 9 minutes older,Lorraine grew up to become a jockey while Bo rode, raised
and trained horses all his life. He loved all horses from his first Quarter horses to the passion of
his life, his Thoroughbreds. His first jobs were at the Fairgrounds cleaning stalls, grooming
horses, walking the “hots” after their exercise At the time there were over 50 horses at the track
full time. Always the entrepreneur, he developed a paper route for the Chronicle News and
Pueblo Chieftain from 12 papers to over 75, all delivered on horseback. At about age 15 he
went to Raton, New Mexico and found work at La Mesa Park with several trainers doing exactly
what he loved, working with racehorses. He went to tracks in New Mexico, Nebraska and Iowa
with trainers gathering invaluable knowledge about the racetrack industry.
He came home after two or three years and began working at Pavetti’s Meat Market located
across the highway from the Fairgrounds behind his parent’s home..He worked on their farm
raising crops, driving trucks, picking up and delivering animals for the processing part of the
business. He learned financial skills there that he took to heart all his life and considered the
Pavettis like family.
Bo wanted constantly to improve himself and so found a job with Pioneer Construction as a
laborer. He had learned to drive a truck in his neighbor Frank Keck’s wrecking yard and put that
skill to work driving for Pioneer. He became a bridge carpenter for the company traveling all
over Colorado building bridges. He was especially proud of the Pueblo Dam and State Bridge
over the Colorado River in Wolcott, Colorado. Bo was a proud Union carpenter for 37 years.
Working for Lawrence Construction, Kiewit, and PCL Civil he helped build Trinidad Dam, every
new bridge in Trinidad, two bridges over the Purgatory River near, the railroad track reroute in
the river bottom near Trinidad, numerous boxes in the area, the  4th street bridge in Pueblo,
Colorado Avenue Bridge in Colorado Springs, and the Morrison interchange on 470 in Denver to
name a few.
Bo also owned and operated the Baldy Canyon Mine near Trinidad for several years as well as
working in the Sundance Mine in Starkville. He was an outstanding operator of any kind of
heavy equipment. It was often said if it had a motor he could run it. He helped his brother-in-law
doing over-road trucking on weekends between construction shifts. During all this, he was
never without a Thoroughbred horse.
He met Esther Ninemires in 1979 courtesy of his brother Robert. She was the Art teacher at
Trinidad High School. They married in June 1980. For 45 years they worked, farmed, raised
horses, trained horses, sold horses, showed horses, and raced their horses earning Colorado
Thoroughbred Association stallion of the year in Colorado twice. The most fun for Bo was riding
in parade competitions as a couple or with friends using costumes designed and made by
Esther. They traveled from Trinidad to Pueblo to Greeley earning more than 20 first-place
awards.
Bo also served as President of the Little Britches Rodeo Association in Trinidad.
Bo also discovered his talents as an artist showing skill in pastels and discovering he was a
really good bronze sculptor. He also showed great skill in cabinet making. He was constantly
taking classes at TSJC investigating new areas such as welding, carpentry and art.
Bo was a quiet person but he had the Irish sense of humor and was always ready to tease or
crack a joke. He loved to dance. Anywhere there was a good western band you could find Bo
and Esther. She said he did his courtin’ on a horse or the dance floor. He had an amazing life
and was an incredible partner. His smile, laugh, honesty and work ethic will be missed by all
those who knew him.
Bo is preceded in death by his parents, Devere and Clara Cass, older sister, Catherine, twin
sister, Lorraine, and special uncle, Tony Dicaro. He is survived by his wife, Esther Cass of
Trinidad, Colorado, brother, Robert Cass of Brenham, Texas, and nephew, William Bill Zorn of
Trinidad, Colorado.
Those who wish to honor Bo can do so by planting trees in his honor.
Honorary escorts are: Cary Nelson, Archie Haught, Larry Tortorice, Sal Guzman, Lee Mehsling
Services will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at Comi Chapel followed by interment
at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements made under the care of Comi Funeral Home