Happy Bday Jack!

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS
March 29, 2006
By Charlie Brennan, Rocky Mountain News

Clothier, 105, still going strong
Rockmount's Weil, who outfits the stars, celebrates birthday


Jack A. Weil, founder of Rockmount Ranch Wear, sits in the back of a horse-drawn carriage Tuesday, during a celebration of his 105th birthday in downtown Denver. Mayor John Hickenlooper renamed Wazee Street "Jack A. Weil Way" for the day.

Jack A. Weil celebrated his 105th birthday Tuesday the way he celebrates just about every other business day, heading down to Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co., which has been in business at the same location, 1626 Wazee St. in Denver, since 1946.

But it wasn't just another day at the shop, what with Mayor John Hickenlooper and a passel of dignitaries, friends and just plain folks on hand for the festivities.

Hizzoner read a proclamation honoring America's oldest active CEO and renamed Wazee "Jack A. Weil Way" for the day.

There was plenty of cake, sandwiches and other refreshments for everyone.

Even the sun shined warmly for the occasion.

Fellow living legends, including Bruce Springsteen, Robert Redford, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan, have all worn Weil's trademarked western shirts with snaps over the years.

Weil, who came to Denver in 1928, doesn't go to motion pictures anymore.

So he hasn't seen Brokeback Mountain, the big-buzz movie of 2005 about a couple of Wyoming cowboys and their star-crossed love affair, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

But the plaid shirt with diamond snaps and sawtooth pockets Ledger sports through much of the film? Rockmount style 69-39, for the record.

The stonewashed blue denim favored by Gyllenhaal? Also from Rockmount.

"I guess we're survivors in this business," was all the birthday boy would say when the movie was mentioned.

His grandson, Rockmount vice president Steve Weil, attended the movie's premiere, and said the film's costuming director had contacted him in advance to find out if he'd be comfortable with the characters sporting his wares.

"When I heard Ang Lee, Larry McMurtry, Heath Ledger, that's all I needed to know," said Steve Weil. "Whether it's everyone's cup of tea or not, this is art."

Between posing with his many well-wishers and endless snapping of pictures, Tuesday's honoree showed his head hasn't outgrown the Resistol hat that sat squarely on his head throughout the proceedings.

"Don't you think this is quite a thing for a country boy from Indiana?" he softly said, as he was assisted by Hickenlooper and his grandson toward an awaiting horse and carriage for a ceremonial ride down "his" street.

Weil was asked for his tips to longevity in business.

One was, "I made a rule that I wouldn't sell anyone over $5,000 (in merchandise) at a time, so they wouldn't own me. If I lost 'em, I wouldn't be out of business," he said.

According to his grandson, Weil's been hospitalized only a couple of times in his life, so there's clearly more to it than that.

There is, Weil admitted.

"I thank the Lord," he said.

Brennanc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2742