Funeral services are planned for Saturday afternoon for Western Slope businessman Stan Broome of Montrose, Club 20 announced Thursday.

Broome was a former president of the coalition of Western Slope counties that plays a prominent role in state politics.

He was 81.

Services are at 1 p.m. at Crippin Funeral Home at 802 East Main St. in Montrose.

Broome operated businesses in Lake City and Montrose, said Christian Reece, Club 20’s executive director. 

“Stan was a staunch advocate of Club 20 and a well-respected leader throughout the region,” she told Colorado Politics Thursday. “His kindness and tenacity were uniquely welded together to create someone who could fight fiercely for the Western Slope while offering a kind hand of reassurance and encouragement to others. His impact on Western Colorado history is undeniable and he will be greatly missed.”

Broome served as Club 20’s president from 1999 to 2002, succeeding Greg Walcher, when Walher was named executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

During his tenure, Broome organized annual trips for a Western Slope delegation to meet with decision-makers in state government, as well as Denver business leaders.

“I think the Club 20 Denver trip is Stan’s legacy to the organization,” the organization’s chairman at the time said in a press release when Broome stepped down.

Broome also organized two similar lobbying trips to Washington, D.C.

“CLUB 20 is an organization I have been involved with most of my professional career,” Broome said in 2002. “It has been an honor and a privilege to steer the ship the past few years.”

He is survived by his children: Vicky Hardy of Aurora, Bill Hardy of Delta, Chris Broome-Plemons of Montrose and Barbara Frare of Fort Collins, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie.

Born in Massachusetts, Broome and his family moved to Colorado Springs when he was a teenager, then he obtained a forestry degree from Colorado State University, Club 20 said.

“Throughout his life, Stan was a champion for Colorado – from water rights to forestry management to economic development, he was devoted to the preservation and care of his beloved state,” Club 20 said in announcing the funeral plan to its members Thursday. “Stan was much loved by his family and friends; he will be greatly missed.”