Clarence “Tuffy” Davis started out tough – he was born on a cold winter day Dec. 21, 1930, in a two-room house in Marbleton to Clarence and Emma (Kline) Davis. His grandfather called him Tuffy, the name that stayed with him the rest of his life.

Tuffy grew up in the Big Piney area working side by side with his dad for area ranches. Tuffy passed away at home on Oct. 20, 2009.

Tuffy always loved the ranching industry and became very accomplished at driving work teams, moving cattle and breaking horses. From his early teens on there were very few horses that he could not ride. He rode the ranches rough string for years on the roundups.

Rodeo got in Tuffy’s blood and he rode saddle broncs for about 20 years. In 1949 Clarence Sr. leased the Norris Place and the Fredell Place. Tuffy went to work for his parents on the ranch, and the ranch later became his.

Tuffy drove a cattle truck for a second job for Pat Johnson. At this time he met his bride-to-be and lifetime companion Wilma Bloom. They were married April 20, 1955.

Some of the dwellings that Tuffy and Wilma lived in on the Norris place didn’t always keep the cold out, but despite that they raised three children – Tad, Holly & Tim.

Tuffy was a cattleman, who was committed to the industry rich in tradition – hard work – family – closeness to the land – sense of spirit and adventure – willing to accept risk – strength and commitment to what was just and right.

Tuffy was a member of the Green River Valley Cattlemen’s Association and received a lifetime membership in 1996.

Tuffy loved to hunt and fish, and about the only thing that made him nervous was lightning - he was struck by lightning while driving a tractor to the Fredell Place during a haying season.

Tuffy is survived by his loving wife Wilma, daughter Holly, son Tim, grandson Wacey and three great grandchildren.

Tuffy was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Emma, half-brother Charles Nelson and son Tad.

For the complete article see the 10-30-2009 issue.

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