Todd Jensen

Todd Jensen has been described as the kind of man who could hunt a bear with a stick. He was big, he was brave, and he gave those around him a sense of safety and security.

Todd was born May 30, 1984, to Tim & Rita Jensen of South Pine Creek, Tonasket, Wash., on a fifth-generation sheep ranch. At the age of 10, his family transitioned to breeding and raising horses, which Todd would tell you suited him much better; others remain skeptical. In elementary school, Todd's "backpack" consisted of a worn-out leather saddlebag thrown over his shoulder, and he always insisted on wearing the floppiest felt cowboy hat, and of course his boots and spurs. Growing up, Todd loved reading Louis L'Amour books, listening to his great granddad, Omar Smith, tell stories about herding sheep in the Pasayten Wilderness, and helping his grandpa Joe with his stock contracting business.

Todd's summers were spent riding up and down Pine Creek with his siblings, gathering the neighbor kids for some unsupervised shenanigans. One of those neighbor kids was the youngest Jones sister, whom he would later make his wife. Todd grew into quite the horseman over the years and would pack into the mountains with his buddies for weeks at a time. When the Omak class of 2003 walked down the aisle to receive their diplomas, it was the sound of jangling spurs that marked Todd's achievement.

After graduation Todd went to work for Wade & Kevin Cunningham on their cattle ranch and became like a second son to them next to his best friend, Jake. It was there that Todd's dream of ranching and horse training came into focus. In 2004 Todd took a full-time training job in Dusty, Wash.

In 2006 Todd married his soulmate, Rachel, in the Jones family yard in Tonasket, Wash. To hear it told, there is not another love like theirs. In 2007 they bought their place in Colfax and built a life they loved, running cows, training horses, and raising kids. In 2008 they brought home their daughter, Tommy Jo, and in 2010 they welcomed their son, Clancy.

In the spring, Todd loved to spend his weekends traveling from one branding to another, helping his cowboy community get their calves worked. It was obvious to all that the best days were when he showed up with his family in tow. It brought him great satisfaction and pride to work alongside his wife and kids at a lifestyle they all loved. As the kids grew, Todd and Rachel loved hauling them to junior rodeos and steer shows. Todd was always investing in the next generation. He was always willing to jump in and haze for a young cowboy or partner up with a new roper. He would sling your kid up behind him in the saddle and still catch two back feet.

Todd loved hunting and being in the mountains with his brother, Oren. Turkey, deer, elk, bear- he was always game. For years, the brothers led guided hunts for the family business, Tanglewood Guides. He loved teaching his kids to hunt and celebrating their accomplishments. When Todd and Rachel made the decision to start homeschooling their kids, Todd spent his days passing on his skills and knowledge to his children, whether in the saddle or helping Clancy take apart some engine. He always cared about what they were interested in, from the books they were reading to what was going on with their friends.

In late spring 2023 the calves seemed bigger to Todd and spending the whole day in the saddle was near impossible. After a visit to the doctor, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and started treatment right away. That summer Todd got to see something few of us ever will when his family and friends put on the Roping & Racing for Recovery event. People came from all over the country to rope and barrel race and participate in an auction to show their love and support for this cowboy and his family. We often don't know the difference we have made in other people's lives, but that weekend Todd got to see the staggering impact he has made on so many people.

Over the next year Todd fought his cancer with his champion, Rachel, by his side every step of the way. After putting up the kind of fight only a cowboy can, Todd lost his battle with cancer on April 28, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his close friends and family.

Todd is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Omar and Wanda Smith, his paternal grandfather Richard Jensen, and his maternal grandfather Joel Hughes.

Todd is survived by his beloved wife Rachel and his children, Tommy Jo and Clancy Jensen; his parents Tim & Rita Jensen; his grandmothers Donna Jensen and Myrna Hughes; his siblings Oren (Tierney) Jensen, Cory (Teresa) Jensen, Lacey (Zach) Kuhlmann, Jessica (Jesse) Ready; Rachel's parents Ted & Carin Jones; and her siblings Darcy (Douglas) Dinger, and Desirae Jones; plus 16 nieces and nephews; and a list of friends a mile long.

A celebration of life will be held May 21, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Union Cattle's Rock Creek Ranch in Endicott, Wash., (2184 W Endicott Rd Endicott, Wash., 99125).

Rest in peace, cowboy. We'll take it from here.