Kim McWilliams Obituary

On Monday, February 14, 2022, Slim McWilliams went home to Jesus. By God's grace, he passed peacefully with family by his side.

If you had the opportunity to meet Slim, you know the kind of man he was-the life of the party with his jokes. He was loyal, kind, generous and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He never knew a stranger and loved his family with his whole heart. Slim was all of this and more.

Kim Keith (Slim) McWilliams was born April 13, 1946 to Helen (Swing) McWilliams and Ken McWilliams in Denver, CO. He grew up an "air force brat," starting out at Lowry AFB in Denver. The family, now with little brother Dean in tow, was deployed to Munich Germany in 1954 for four years. It was there his parents adopted twin baby girls (Betty and Anne). Returning from Germany, his dad was based in Ft. Collins for several years before transferring to Schertz, TX where Slim graduated from high school. Slim went to Wyoming each summer to work for his uncles near Worland and the night he graduated, he finished working on his truck and left for his beloved Wyoming. One of his favorite jobs was working for Rim Rock Ranch near Cody, WY. It was here that his boss gave him the nickname of Slim and it stuck with him for life. He graduated from University of Wyoming and received his teaching certificate from Adam State in Alamosa, CO. He earned his MBA in Banking from PCBS in Washington State and taught at the Western State School of Banking in NM for many years.

Through the years, Slim had many occupations. From outfitting in WY, he moved to teaching elementary school in Cortez, CO. When the Cortez teachers went on strike in the early 1980's, he worked in the oil field. He ended up in Bakersfield, CA and when the oil company who employed him realized he had a knack for training, he became their field trainer in safety. From there, Slim moved into the banking field. After several years working as vice president and branch manager of Community First Bank in Ridgecrest, CA, he moved back to Cortez. He hired on at Citizens State Bank in 1993 as vice president of commercial lending but soon became president and CEO-a position he held until he retired from banking in 2009.

Slim was a cowboy and horseman. He enjoyed breaking and training horses, packing into the back country and leisurely trail rides with friends and family. As a young man, he spent a summer training jumping horses for the Dupont family in Pennsylvania. Rodeoing a few years himself, the rodeo legacy was important to him. He and a couple of fellow teachers taught the Cortez High School Rodeo Club from 1973-1977, influencing the life of many students. In 2005, when the VFW in Cortez decided to no longer hold the PRCA rodeo, Slim stepped up to the plate, gathered a group of local business and community members, created a non-profit entity, rebranded the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo, and moved it to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. He was chairman of the Rodeo for many years and instrumental in its success and growth.

He was a natural leader and very committed to community. He volunteered and served on many boards including the Chamber of Commerce of both Cortez and Ridgecrest, Montezuma Valley Irrigation, Region 9 Economic Development, Axis Health Systems, Rotary, 4 Corners Child Advocacy, and Independent Bankers of CO to name a few. He consulted for the Colorado Small Business Development Center, helping new businesses become successful.

Slim was adventurous, fun, and loved being outdoors in "God's" country. There wasn't anything he wouldn't try at least once. His zest for life and great sense of humor always made others smile or laugh. He had many great horse adventures and stories, and loved to travel with family and friends. He became a private pilot in his 50's and enjoyed flying as much as possible.

He had a wonderful bass voice, singing old cowboy songs from eras gone by. He performed at numerous cowboy poetry gatherings throughout the country and around many campfires with friends and family.

Slim was a man of faith and loved the Lord. He was actively involved in several churches throughout his life, leading youth groups and worship services.

Slim is survived by his wife, Sue (Tycksen) McWilliams, brother Dean, twin sisters Betty Cox and Anne McWilliams Palmer. Children include Shannon McWilliams, Debbie (Roy) Brandt, Deanne Clary, Glenda Carter, sons Sean McWilliams and Mike (Sonya) McWilliams and stepdaughters Jessie Jameson (Paul Valdez), Erin (Dan) McGuinness. Slim is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Corie McWilliams.

Slim was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed, but we have great assurance knowing he is with Jesus with a clear mind, healed body and taking his last pack trip home. A celebration of life will be held on March 12, 2022 at 10:00 at the First Assembly of God church, 120 S. Linden Street, Cortez, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.