Rockmount Ranch Wear's 'Last Guy Standing' Passes

DENVER (CBS4) - Sam Kornblatt was the only guy still left who could tell you what the early days were like. The last from the early days of iconic Rockmount Ranch Wear, which was in LoDo before LoDo was LoDo as we know it today.

Sam died Saturday at the age of 95, taking some Denver memories with him.

"So that made Sam the last guy standing," said Rockmount president Steve Weil. "The last guy who was there in the early years with all the stories."

Rockmount has sold ranchwear on Wazee Street since 1946. Longtime owner Jack A. Weil marketed the store's unique designs like the diamond snap button and sawtooth pocket that made the western wear legendary, worn by rock stars like Eric Clapton, urban cowboys and legitimate ones.

Jack Weil was legendary and lived to 107, dying in 2008, working in the store each day. In 2001 the city dubbed the street Jack A Weil Way. His son Jack B. also ran the store until his death in 2008 as well.

Sam Kornblatt retired last year after 60 years. He came to Denver from Brooklyn in 1939 and met Papa Jack. In 1946, Jack Weil left Miller & Co to open Rockmount. A few years later, Sam was on board.

"He literally started at the top and worked his way down to the bottom," said Steve Weil.

He worked the upper floors in the warehouse for decades and moved downstairs to the office and store in the 1980s.

"He saw the business grow from its birth, small and regional to what it became today," said Steve Weil. "He met many of the celebrities and loved talking sports when the odd team dropped by."

Known for his Brooklyn schtick, Sam was a staple when visiting the store often working as a greeter.

"We will miss that special twinkle in the eye -- Sam's special sauce," said Steve Weil.

Another piece of the pulse of old Denver has become a memory.

Alan Gionet is anchor of the CBS4 Morning News and reports on a wide variety of issues and "Good Question" stories. He started at CBS4 in 1994. Follow Alan on Twitter @AlanGTV.