Rocky Arlen Birdsey, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Cordes Lakes, Ariz., on Feb. 27, 2022. The son of Sam and Garnet Birdsey, Rocky was a third generation Creedite born in Del Norte, Colo., on Nov. 19, 1945. Rocky graduated from Creede High School in 1963 and loved being a part of the legendary Creede Boys Basketball team, going to State all four years!
He married his high school sweetheart, Iris, in 1963 and together they raised their only child, Rocky “Shane” Birdsey.
After surviving an accident at the Emperius Mine in 1966, where he lost his brother Norman, Rocky spent time working at the Emperius Mill. He then began working for Mineral County, alongside his father Sam, on the Mineral County Road and Bridge Crew as a heavy equipment operator and welder.
After 40 years of service to Mineral County, he retired and he and Iris became Snowbirds, going between their homes in Cordes Lakes, Ariz., and Creede, Colo.
Rocky was the quintessential “Mountain Man”. He loved being in the mountains hunting and fishing. He was an outstanding bow hunter and taught himself how to make his longbows and arrows. He was happiest spending time with family; hunting, fishing, camping and being in
the Creede Mountains. He was proud of his Creede heritage and was honored to have had a hand in helping to develop and build the Creede Underground Mining Museum and Community Center.
Rocky is survived by his wife of 58 years, Iris Ruth Sword Birdsey, his son, Rocky “Shane” Birdsey (Susan), Creede, Colo.; grandson Cole Birdsey (Stasha), Creede, Colo.; granddaughter Kaitlin Birdsey, Grand Junction, Colo.; and great-granddaughter Brennand Chaney, Grand Junction, Colo. His sister, Uvaughn Beal (Alfred), Farmington, Colo. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his brother Norman Birdsey and sister Leslie Yanchunis Williams.
The family greatly appreciates the amazing group of people from Angels Care Hospice in Prescott, Ariz., for their support and care during Rocky’s last hours at home.
At this time there are no plans for a service. Rocky requested his ashes be spread on the “Snowshoe” in Creede. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Creede Underground Mining Museum, P.O. Box 422, Creede, CO 81130.