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Patti Clapper rejoins Pitkin County commissioners

Aspen Times staff report
Aspen, CO Colorado

ASPEN – Commissioner Patti Kay-Clapper sat in with the Pitkin County commissioners Wednesday for the first time since her husband, Tom, suffered a heart attack at a local restaurant in April.

“Two months ago yesterday, he died,” said an emotional Clapper, who offered an update on her husband’s progress as he continues to recover at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital in Aurora.

“It has been a rough ride,” said Patti, who has been staying at a hotel in Denver. “Every day is a gift for us.



“He asked me to thank the community for the support … he can’t wait to get home,” she added.

Tom Clapper is talking, and walks with assistance. His left arm remains sluggish and he struggles with his short-term memory, but his long-term memory and sense of humor are intact, Patti reported.




The Clappers will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on June 22. “He said we’d be dancing,” she said.

Tom Clapper, who is a candidate for the commissioner seat currently held by his wife, may be home by July 4, or may not be able to return until a little later in July, Patti said.

He is down to 198 pounds, she added. “You may not recognize him.”