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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OBITUARY 
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Oldest Working CEO Dead at 107

'Papa Jack' Weil, a Denver fixture, was 'to Western shirts what Henry Ford was to cars'

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(Newser) – Jack A. Weil, the Henry Ford of Western shirts who was thought to be the oldest working CEO, died yesterday at age 107, the Denver Post reports. “Papa Jack,” as he was known in the Denver community, popularized the Western shirt as we know it. The sawtooth pocket and diamond snap design of his Rockmount Ranch Wear apparel is the longest continuous style produced in the country.

Weil’s store was patronized by commoners and celebs alike, from the Killers to Bob Dylan, and all celebrated his down-home friendliness. He started the company in 1946 after emigrating from Indiana at the behest of a garter company he worked for, the Rocky Mountain News reports. "He always greeted you by standing up, giving a firm handshake and looking you in the eye, and that's part of Western culture, and a big part of who Jack was," said a friend.

Jack A. Weil, founder of Rockmount Ranch Wear, poses amid some of the ties and shirts sold by his company at its headquarters in downtown Denver.
Jack A. Weil, founder of Rockmount Ranch Wear, poses amid some of the ties and shirts sold by his company at its headquarters in downtown Denver.   (AP Photo)
A company car, in keeping with tradition.
A company car, in keeping with tradition.   (Rockmount Ranch Wear)
Bob Dylan still purchases Rockmount apparel.
Bob Dylan still purchases Rockmount apparel.   (Rockmount Ranch Wear)
A 1962 Dylan, also in Rockmount, which was founded in 1946.
A 1962 Dylan, also in Rockmount, which was founded in 1946.   (Rockmount Ranch Wear)
A new generation of Rockmount aficionados: the Killers.
A new generation of Rockmount aficionados: the Killers.   (Rockmount Ranch Wear)
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The West is not a place. It's a state of mind. - Quote credited to the late Jack A. Weil

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More on "Papa Jack"
Wikipedia

"Jack Weil the Younger" died in January
Rocky Mountain News

An appreciation
Westword


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