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PUEBLO SOUTH HIGH CLASS OF 1970

obits

In honor of our classmates who have ridden off into the sunset...

Updated August 2021

Jump to read stories.

Bonnie King Abbate (2010)
Rick Gene Alumbaugh (1993)
Larry Aragon (2004)  
Darrell Eugene Aumiller (2018)
Ola Whitney Austin (2012)
Bob Beres (2010)
Kenneth Charles Bigley (2017)
Rich Blagg (1971)
John R. Campbell (2012)
Jalynn Blanchard Campion
Daniel J. Cesario (2005)
Pamela Renee Courtney (2019)
Roberta Cox
Charles Michael "Mick" Croasdell (2017)
Sam DeGrado (2012)
Richard Difatta (2017)
Bill Earnheart   
Gene Eberly (2019)
Patricia Francis Eberwein (2020)
Jerry Espinoza
Bob Graham (2003)  
David Paul Hickman (2020)
Eddie Green 
Carolyn Ruth Griggs (2020)
Gayle Grove (1986)  
Frank Habich (1994) 
Greg Harmon (2010)
Cathy Thullen Henschel (2019)
David Paul Hickman (2020)
Ron Higgins (2015)
Barry Johnson
Debbie Jones (2015
Lois Lorraine Felps Karbach (2020)
Rod Douglas Kerr (2015)
Kellie Jo Krasovec (2018)
Allen Lindsey (2003)
Lyle Logsdon
Robert Mahoney (2011)
Cheryl Winters Makovsky (2019)
Dave Maldonado   
Anthony Wayne Marfitano (2018)       

Kathy Martin
Connie Mayernick (2021)
Mike McGrath(2016)
Robert Norris (2004)
Karl Pacheco (2010)
Carl Parlapiano (2013)
James (Jim) Parmenter (2021)
Jake Pechak
Dan Peck (2001)
Rebecca Powers Phelps (2021)
Ralph Plummer (Reverend) (2015)
Rick Pobst
Gary Quinlan 
Donald Reinier
Gary Renck
Mike Rockel
Jack Rohrer (2009)  
Mike Romero (2012)
Richard Romero (2012)
Theresa Sanchez (1986)
Ric Shorter
Mary Ann Bouzos Siegel (2015)
Porter Sims
Rocky Smith (2016)
Jerry Sniff (2010)
Pam Martin Stiles (2014)
Sharon Housh Stocker (2013)
Judi Stringer
Wendy Sullivan (1988) 
Paul Thullen (2020)
Frank Todero (2002) 
Gary Trujillo (2013)
Henry Trujillo (2017)
Joe VanZandt 
Robert Waller (2014)
Gloria Webber (2016)
Karen Ann Kikel Weiler (2019)
Rusty Weiler (2003)
Marsha Hansen Wickwar (2006)
Ken Wilhite (2005)
Rick Wood

 

 

OUR STORIES  

Bob Beres
Bob and I were great friends through Jr. High, High school and beyond. He was best man at my wedding to Eileen. We worked for the Denver and Rio Grande rail road together.
I think our goal at South was to have as much fun as possible, and for the most part we did just that. Bob was a great athlete, he excelled at basketball. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. We and our close friends were a lot like That 70’s Show, we cared a great deal about each other but we also took pleasure in seeing one of our group screw up. Heaven help the teacher that had Bob and me in their class. We had a senior English class together, the teacher was a young woman and it was her first teaching job. I don’t think she was ready for Bob and me. I remember Mr. Wilkerson would come and sit in the back of the class to observe. I don’t think she made it to the next year.
If you were Bob’s friend he would do anything for you. In our senior year we got in trouble for something, (I don’t remember what), and since Bob was a star basketball player they were going to let him slide, but they were going to expel me for one week. Bob stood up for me and told them that whatever they did to me they had to do to him, they let us both slide.
I will always remember Bob as a great friend and good person.
—John Kisslan

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Bob Beres

Rich Blagg
Rich, -how I miss him to this day. We first met at a stock car race at the Fairgrounds. He had 3 brothers and 2 sisters just as I did. His older sister, Lodi, married my older brother. While in high school we (Rich and I) would go to Huntington Beach, California to work for my brother at one of the gas stations he owned.
We had so much fun spending our summers in California. We lived alone in an apartment that included me, Rich his brother, Louie and Chuck.
In high school Rich was known to everyone. He was easy going. He was a great athlete, good at wrestling and football.
The year I enlisted in the Army, Rich and a friend were coming home from a skiing trip and they had a car accident. Rich was taken from us. This was in December, 1971.
I think of all the things a young man does, and most of those I did with Rich.
His favorite song was “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart. I still think back to our time together whenever I hear that song.
—John Kisslan

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Rich Blagg

Mary Ann Bouzos Siegel
From her obituary: Published: February 15, 2015
http://www.chieftain.com/news/obituaries/3338442-120/ann-bouzos-mary-nicholas

Mary Ann, 62, went to be with our Lord on Feb. 8, 2015. She was preceded in death by her father, Christ Bouzos; grandparents, Panayiota and Nicholas Bouzos; Toula and Nicholas Pappas; brother, Michael Bouzos; aunt and uncles, Harriett Georgeitsos, Peter Pappas, Gregory N. Pappas, Nicholas Pappas and Christ Giannoulis. Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Patrick; mother, Toni (Sam) DeVencenty; niece and nephew, Nicholas and Andonia Bouzos; aunts, Christione Dopoulos and Georgia (George) Giannoulis; numerous relatives and friends. Mary Ann was a teacher for many years and later helped run her and her husband's business. She will be missed by all who knew her. Viewing, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, followed by Trisagion Service, George McCarthy Historic Chapel. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 1000 Spruce. Interment, Roselawn Cemetery. Online condolences at www.georgemccarthyfuneralhome.com

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Mary Ann Bouzos Siegel

Mary Ann Bouzos Siegel present day

John Campbell

From his obituary Imperial Funeral Home:
"John Robert "JC" Campbell passed away peacefully in his sleep Nov. 16, 2012. He was born Oct. 13, 1951 in Gunnison, CO.
"John's passions were riding his Harley, guns, and exploring the mountains and history of his beloved Crested Butte. He was a proud, generous, hardworking man who had a heart of gold."

* * *

When we were 16 years young, John, Bob Hunter and myself went up to Crested Butte. I recall John had a VW bug with a gasoline heater in it. I got a little worried with all the cigarette smoking going on but that heater put out plenty of BTU's, so all was OK. First and most important item on the agenda was a visit to see his Grandmother, whose home was right on Main Street. She heated her house with coal. Shoveled her own snow too! 
We walked across the street and stepped into Tony's Bar, and stepped back in time. This was the real Crested Butte! A town that grew from coal. I believe John's Grandfather was a coal miner and this was where he and his buddies hung out. 
And so there we were,16, sipping 10 cent Coors beer in the now Legendary Tony's Bar and talking 'bout things that just astounded me. Like the Boone and Crockett world record elk that was shot nearby. The next morning John took us to the General Store, yes, right across the street from Tony's, and there that humongous record elk mount was. Took up half the store.
John loved the old Crested Butte. Not sure about the new Crested Butte. John was a cool guy.
—Steve Johnson

* * *
A pleasant memory from 9th grade at Pitts: Our English teacher paired John and I to play the roles of Romeo and Juliette, in front of the class. She may have chosen the shyest to pull us out a bit, but I thought he was cute so the embarassment was not as bad as it could have been.
—Kat (Volpe) Small

John Campbell

John Campbell

 

Sammy J. DeGrado
Affectionately known as “Wolfman”
Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 12:00 am

Sammy James DeGrado, 60, entered the gates of heaven on April 7, 2012. He was born Nov. 16, 1951, to John and Mamie (DeNardo) DeGrado, who both preceded him in death; along with numerous aunts and uncles. Sammy was a lifetime Puebloan. He enjoyed riding his Harley, loved to gamble and play bingo and mimic the “wolf man.” He was ornery and would tease you ’til the tears came running down. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and helping anyone he could. Sammy is survived by his children, Samantha J. DeGrado, John M. DeGrado, both of Pueblo; sisters, Bernice M. Baker, Pauline Boozer, both of Portland, Ore., Rose M. Hart of Hawaii; grandsons, Donovan DeGrado, Bryson and Austin Smith, all of Pueblo. Memorial service, 10 a.m. Thursday, Angelus Chapel. Inurnment, Roselawn Cemetery.

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Sammy deGrado

Sammy DeGrado

Gayle "Al" Grove

Well it took me 29 years thinking "Gayle" Grove, who much prefered "Al", his middle name, should at least have a comment here. Al died in 1986 after a battle with a health problem, many don't understand how people struggle to overcome. He cured it the only way he knew how.
He was the hardest working guy anyone ever knew and loved heavy equipment and trucks, and doing things for other people. He was an only child and he so enjoyed marrying into a large family where he had brothers and sisters. He was a loving father and husband. He loved our animals so much too.
He was active in the Antique Tractor Association and liked working on cars and anything else that needed fixed.
I can't comment much about him in high school as we didn't know each other well, and didn't really like each other, we ran in different crowds…….funny how that goes when one gets into the "real world" and grows up a little.
It took me 29 years to write because writing about him opens the old grief like a fresh wound, even after all this time, but I didn't like him having nothing on his page. This is my 3rd revision because I was getting a little corny and sappy so I cut a novel down to a short story for the sake of those reading.
We still miss him so much.
JoAnn (Pauletich) Grove

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(photo to come)

Bob Graham

Bob Grahham was a born comedian. The guy could tell jokes to you for hours. He always new the latest jokes before anyone else did. We hung around a lot together, so of course I started knowing most of his jokes. We started numbering the jokes and he would just say the number instead of the whole joke for me. We would laugh our asses off. One day I told him to let me try telling a joke. I said "number 37". He didn't even crack a smile. I asked him why he didn't laugh at the very funny joke I had just told. He turned to me and said "It's all in your delivery, Bobby Capps". Bobby Graham led a tough life and therefore developed a great sense of humor and a major drinking problem. His mother died of liver failure when Bob and his twin brother Bill (drowned in the Arkansas River) were only 10 years old. His father tried to raise them the best he could, but spent too many hours working at the Steel Mill and going to the bars. Bob left Pueblo for many years but we stayed in touch. I went to visit him in Phoenix a few years back. He had just had his truck stolen. I told him it was probably already across the border. He told me "Yeah, them thieving------------- Canadians are always coming down here and stealing stuff". Bob moved back to Pueblo in the late '90s and it was great to hang around with him again for a while. Bob "I get no respect" Graham I miss you buddy.
—Robert Capps

Bob Graham

Bob Graham

Marsha Hansen Wickwar
Passed February 17, 2006

Marsha K. Hansen Wickwar - Pueblo Chieftain - February 21, 2006 -
Marsha K. Hansen Wickwar, 53, passed away Feb. 17, 2006. Survived by her husband, Robert Wickwar; children, Valerie Wickwar and Michael Wickwar, all of Centennial, Colo.; father, Don Hansen of Pueblo; mother-in-law, Ramona Smith of Denver; uncle, Gail (Beverly) Coats; aunt, Jean (Alvin) Rose, both of Miami, Okla. Preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Garner; brother, Richard Hansen; grandmother, Rose Hafer; father-in-law, Howard Smith; stepmother, Kathleen Hansen; and uncle, Henry Hansen. Marsha was born April 11, 1952, in Pueblo. She graduated from South High School and was a retail baker for Alfalfa's Market. Viewing, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and memorial service, 11 a.m. Thursday, Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden Ave., Denver. Graveside service, 2 p.m. Friday, Mountain View Cemetery, Pueblo.

* * *
Marsha was one of my best buddies in junior high and high school. We had a lot in common, -our height being one of them. In junior high, we skated at the skating rink by Sambo's. Once in high school, we took modern jazz dance classes, and danced in reviews at the fair. We tried to catch all the school dances open to the public like the ones at Rocalli, Pueblo Catholic High School and the Knights of Columbus. We joined Maxi's Teen Club, hung out at Pinnochio's (I used her ID to get in), hung out with my brother's band, The Cavemen, and so much more! We were always just on the brink of trouble. We even shared wedding dresses. She was sweet, kind, smart, fun and brave. Oh, and a beautiful blond. Miss you Marsh!
—Kat (Volpe) Small

Marsha Hansen

Marsha Hansen

Ron Higgins
Passed January 16, 2015
Howe Mortuary

Ronnie L. "Ron" Higgins, 62, of Longmont, formerly of Pueblo, died Jan. 16, 2015.

Ron Higgins, 62, of Longmont, died unexpectedly at home on January 16, 2015. He was born March 28, 1952 in Pueblo, Colorado to Arthur “Art” and Leona (Rickman) Higgins. He was a 1970 graduate of Pueblo South High School. Following his high school graduation he went on to attended Southern Colorado State College now known as the University of Southern Colorado where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Because of his thirst for knowledge he furthered his education by attending Parks Junior College in Denver where he received an Associate degree in Computer Programming. His education led him to becoming a Certified IPC Trainer and a Colorado State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education Certified Instructor in Electrical/Electronic Technology. He also received the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from the Institute of Industrial Engineers and most recently (October 2014) he received a Certificate of Completion as a Lead Auditor Trainer for ISO 134858 in Chicago, IL. His affiliations consisted of Rocky Mountain Regulatory Affairs Society (RMRAS) & Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Ron’s career led him from Blackfox Technology Group in Longmont Colorado where he worked as a Quality Control Supervisor (1987 to 1994), to CRC Systems LTD in Broomfield Colorado as a Quality Assurance Manager (1994-1996), to ETTA Industries Inc. in Boulder Colorado as a Contractor (1996), to Blackfox Training Institute in Longmont Colorado as a Contractor (1996), to HEI Advanced Medical Operations in Boulder CO as their Quality Assurance Manager (1996 to 2011), and finally to Medivance / BARD Medical from April 2011 through December 2014 as their Quality Assurance Manager in the Louisville location. He was very proud to work for a company that made a medical device that helped save so many lives.
On September 5, 1972 Ron married Vickie Parmenter in El Paso, Texas. They would move to Boulder and later to Longmont to raise their family. In his free time Ron enjoyed reading, listening to music and an occasional poker game with the neighbors. He was very politically savvy and would spend countless hours studying things of interest to him, such as science and space. He was great at Jeopardy and music trivia. He was also a foodie and liked trying different types of foods and going to new restaurants. He loved sushi and spicy hot Mexican food and if it didn’t make you sweat or cry he felt it wasn’t worth eating. He was very witty with a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He will be missed by so many.
Survivors include his wife Vickie of Longmont, his son Brandon Higgins of Denver Colorado, and his daughter Tanya Hannis (Steven Groesbeck) of Frederick Colorado. He is further survived by his mother Leona Higgins of Denver, his daughter’s two children Easter and Keyan Hannis, and his sister Terry Taylor (Rick Cokeley) of Pueblo Colorado. He was preceded in death by his father Art Higgins in 2011.
Cremation has been entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services.
A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held in the spring on Ron’s birthday, March 28th, 2015. Further details will be announced around that time.

Ron Higgins

Ron Higgins

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Bonnie King Abbate
Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

58, a longtime Colorado Springs resident and formerly of Pueblo, passed away on Jan. 11, 2010, in Colorado Springs. Bonnie was born on Dec. 25, 1951, in Pueblo, Colo. Bonnie is survived by her mother, Lillian King; daughters, Jennifer Strehlow, Echo Abbate and Raeann Peifer, all of Colorado Springs; a son, Brian Poteet of Denver; former husband, Joe Abbate; brothers, Raymond King of Ordway and Robert King of Pueblo; a sister, Becky Alber of Pueblo; eight grandchildren, Aspen Peifer, Hunter Peifer, Amber Poteet, Cassidy Poteet, Ella Strehlow, Abby Strehlow, Trey Abbate and Lonie Abbate. Visitation, 3 to 4 p.m., with funeral service to follow at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel, 1830 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo.

 


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Bonnie King

Bonnie King Abbate
Carl Parlapiano
Posted: Sunday, January 20, 2013 12:00 am

Carl Parlapiano, 60, of Pueblo, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 16, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Opal Parlapiano. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Angie Parlapiano; his godson whom he raised as a son, Aaron; and his daughter, Erin; siblings, Cathy Kerrigan, Pearl (Walt) Reeder, Phyllis Gilkinsin and Ernie (Lacricia) Kramer; in-laws, Marilyn Ortega, Joey Maes and Lisa (John) Trujillo; six godchildren; his close special dog, Ariel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Carl worked at the steel mill for 30 years. He enjoyed playing cards with his union brothers. He enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling and Cripple Creek. Carl also enjoyed the Broncos and the Rockies. Carl is going to be missed by many people. Viewing, 3 to 6 p.m. Monday. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Tuesday, both at Romero Chapel. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends will be received at the USWA Local 2102 Union Hall, 1414 E. Evans following interment.

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Carl Parlapiano

Carl Parlapiano

Rick Pobst
All of us who knew Rick Pobst have missed him greatly, for many reasons. I just want to share a (possibly) little known side of him. He sat behind me in a class (can't remember which! can't remember the teacher!) and had me in stitches with his wonderful, raunchy Bill Cosby and Richard Prior imitations. Who'dda thunk it! It's a miracle either of us passed the class. Did anyone else hear him do imitations?
—Cynthia (Andrews) Anjel

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Rick Pobst

Gary Quinlan
Its been close to 13 years that Gary Quinlan has been gone. I want to share a story Marvin Martinez told me. A bunch of us were out at Red Creek Road where a Woodsie was going on. The private land was a ranch owned by the Gersick family if I'm not mistaken. The man who took care of the property, Bill Wright, carried a Deputy badge and had flashing lights on his rig. We were all having a good time when Mr. Wright came up on our party, lights flashing. In a panic, we scattered from the bright campfire lit party site into the dark.  Problem was there was a cliff in the distance. Few people knew it was there, including Marvin, who was making a bee line strait for it. Gary was running near Marvin and either hollered or tackled him, just in time. I recall the intensity and gratefullness Marvin displayed while telling me this story in 1976.  
—Steve Johnson, submitted January, 2013 

Gary was taken from this world too soon.  I believe it was March or April - 2000. 
Gary and I had a drafting class together when we were seniors, hanging out  around the cute girls drafting tables more than our own. A new concept called 7th period came along which was meant to give students a free period in which to study. Gary and I translated free to freedom and hopped out the back window of Mr. DeLeon's class.  Our "freedom" lasted but one period, interrupted by meeting with Mr. Brunjak the next day.  A two day sentence.  It wasn't pleasant.
Then there was the time Pete Pace had us looking down the barrel of a 38 revolver, followed by a summons for shooting ducks on his property. Gary's Dad, who was a person of importance for the Santa Fe Railroad, had a breakfast meeting with Mr. Pace, whose land happened to be divided by, and accessed via Santa Fe RR property.  Case closed...
Gary was a sharp guy, working his way through high school as a rating clerk for NW Transport. He left behind two beautiful daughters and two twin boys, and a loving wife.  I know his family, including his sister Diane, and others who knew him well, we all miss him dearly. 
—Steve Johnson

* * *
Debbie Wallace and I were in Mr. DeLeon's drafting class (we might have been the ony girls?). I thought Gary was so cute, and looked forward to that class almost as much as art class!
—Kat (Volpe) Small

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Gary Quinlan

Donald Reinier

It's been many moons, but to this day I remember three entries in my annual yearbook. One was anonymous (I've always suspected Marybeth Gust or Mary Hutman) signed on the handyman's picture saying "it was fun in the stockroom the other day"; totally cracks me up to this day! And Kevin Compton's, signed "Kevin Compton does not exist" on each of his pictures (I loved his nihilist humor, of course he soon more than proved himself wrong). But the most touching and troubling was a Jefferson Airplane song lyric from Donnie Reiner, which will remain private, but which has stuck with me all these years. We used to talk regularly on the phone; it was a labored process and often tried my patience. I didn't know him very well. I wish I had.
—Cynthia (Andrews) Anjel

* * *
Don Reinier died in 1972, one of the first of the class of ‘70 to pass on.  He and his older brother Eddie were both  21 when they succumbed to complications from muscular dystrophy. Not many people at South knew Don well. He was quiet and shy at school.  A few of us, though, were fortunate enough to befriend Don and Eddie (Richard Dickson and Randy Kalish were also close friends) and discover facets of their personalities that others probably didn’t suspect. They were clever and funny. They would converse at length on music, films, books, politics, just about anything. They were published poets. They expanded my world: they introduced me to underground rock groups like the Fugs and Captain Beefheart, to Japanese samurai movies, to satirical novels like Catch 22, to political commentators like Noam Chomsky, to the humor of Lenny Bruce. I’m not surprised that Don inscribed a Jefferson Airplane lyric in Cindy’s yearbook: he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the music of that era.
Don and Eddie’s parents, Ed and Peggy Reinier, were remarkable people. They knew the boys had limited time left and were determined to make it as rich and productive as possible. Richard, Randy and I helped them, at various times, wheel Don and Eddie into just about every movie theater, auditorium and lecture hall in Pueblo, lift them into seats before the event, then reverse the procedure afterward. Ed and Peggy took on their duties with a sense of good cheer and no hint of self-pity. Now, years later, knowing how difficult it can sometimes be to be an uncomplaining parent, I marvel at what they did.
I think when you lose a close friend, you carry around a piece of that person inside you. I sometimes find myself, after reading an article or hearing a concert or seeing a movie, thinking about what Don would have to say about it. To have had a friend like him is a great privilege. 
—Kevin Compton

* * *
Some classmates may recall "Notes from the Underground," Don Reinier's music column published in the South literary magazine, Pegasus, during 1969-70. Reading those columns now, one is reminded of the upheaval of that time expressed in Don's carefully crafted sentences: "Abbey Road is a refreshing album of rare beauty, and as some folk poet once said in ugly times beauty is the only true protest." 

Don also submitted a number of poems that revealed, to those of us who did not know him well, unexpected facets of his personality. Although most of us would not want our high school poetry reprinted, I think this one stands up well and gives a glimpse of what he could have accomplished given more time.

The Wind Music
The wind music murmurs mockingly
My hair and her hair
Reaches out obscenely toward the universe.
We gaze at naked starlight--which exposes
Nothing.
Surface tension perhaps?
Sparkling stars mask the universe's meaning.
You ask, "Where are you?"--your voice echoing.
I answer "I don't know" through glistening tears.
Anger seethes within me.
I hurl a handful of dry dirt at the stars.
You smile at my futile gesture.
And we plant our doubt with a kiss.
The wind music murmurs mockingly....

—Laurie Blair Simmons

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Don Reinier

Donnie Reinier

Mike Romero
Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:00 am

Richard 'Mike' Romero, 59, of Pueblo, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 2, 2012. He was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla Romero; and brother, Albino Jr. Mike is survived by his father, Albino Romero Sr.; sister, Maxine Watta; brother-in-law, Anthony Carter; nephew, Luke Watta; and numerous extended family and friends. Mike graduated from South High School with a football scholarship to Adams State College. He was recruited to Oklahoma State University and played football for the Sooners. Mike was a very talented linebacker and was proud of his accomplishments. Special note, thank you Mike for supporting my singing all of your life, Maxine. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Mike Romero

Mike Romero

Wendy Sullivan
Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:00 am

I did not know Wendy well in high school or really well later. But I did see her in church and she was friendly with my Mom and Dad who were very active church members. That's how I remember her as being active in the church and in charities. She had 2 sons that she loved very much, one that required a lot of care and he was very fond of my Dad and my Dad of him. She and her youngest son sadly lost their lives in the Christmas holiday season 1987 and I will never forget hearing that sad news, and I often think of them at the holidays.
—JoAnn (Pauletich) Grove

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Gary Trujillo
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 12:00 am

Gary V. Trujillo, 61, long time resident of Denver, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 7, 2013. He was born on Dec. 1, 1951, in Pueblo, Colo. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Trujillo. Survived by his mother, Rachel; sister, Sandra; brothers, Jimmy (Vicki) and Tommy (Kathy); and 10 nieces and nephews. He was employed at Charles Schwab in Centennial, Colo., and enjoyed traveling with his family. Being an Eagle Scout, he loved camping especially at Ophir Creek/San Isabel. He was an accomplished artist with his paintings displayed in galleries domestically and internationally. A writer and graduate of CU Boulder with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. He worked in medical research for numerous years.Gary was a beloved son, brother, uncle and co-worker who was the life of the party with the ability to engage anyone in conversation. Memorial service 2 p.m. Friday, Romero Chapel. Family and friends will be received at Romero Courtesy Hall following service.

Artist's Bio from ArtistRegister.com:

"My love of painting has been a powerful creative force my entire adult life. Not content to remain within the constraints of two-dimensional painting, I have explored bas-relief use of acrylic media in a series of paintings depicting tropical, natural and ancient civilization themes. With no formal training and heavily influenced by the French Impressionists, my style has remained a playful experimentation with color and form.
    "Having spent so many years in the highly artificial and technological environments of modern biomedical research laboratories, this use of color and space has become one man's search for the harmony of natural influences in an increasingly urban landscape. Noting that mankind has become too alienated from his primordial roots, I have chosen to direct attention to the plight of the world's rainforests and the natural beauty that modern man so often ignores or destroys in this technological world. Balancing my extensive background in science with my love of art has challenged me to focus my creative energy. The results have been works of art that celebrate the natural forces of life with a generous use of color meant to express the vibrant strength of Mother Earth and the ancient civilizations she spawned."
    A former molecular biologist/biomedical research scientist, Trujillo has painted for more than thirty-five years while pursuing a career that has spanned the research spectrum from brain research and electron microscopy to cancer research and molecular biology. Always interested in art, Gary first began painting as an escape from his science studies while a student at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A year later, his first major work, Paradise, was exhibited at the Denver Art Museum as part of an All-Colorado show juried by four curators from four national art museums. This was the first art show he had ever entered.
    A native Coloradoan with a B.A. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, he has spent over fifteen years working as a scientist. Meanwhile his works have been displayed in numerous juried competitions in Colorado and have been shown on loan by the artist at the National Jewish Hospital, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and School of Medicine, U.S. West, U.S. West Dex and First Data Corporation headquarters. Paradise and King Tut were recently part of the 5th International Art Festival "Chania 2007" in Crete. Currently writing a science fiction novel, Trujillo has finished painting a southwestern series and a painting celebrating the Greek/Minoan civilization. For the last thirteen years he has been working in the corporate world. Read Gary's Juried Shows and Exhibitions, here. View Gary's artwork, here.

* * *
Just want to share memories of Gary Trujillo. We were good friends in school, and though we lost touch long, long ago I still remember him fondly. In fact, I was just thinking of him yesterday. He was a lovely and interesting guy with a ready smile and a quick wit. I was fortunate to be his friend-date for homecoming sophmore year. We had a great time and laughed most of the night. Neither of us could dance for beans in those days, which just made us laugh harder. I hope he lived a rich and full life--he certainly made mine more interesting long ago.
—Marcia Sabo

Gary Trujillo was a very good friend of mine. We would talk and laugh for hours. We fancied ourselves to be quite the comedians. I missed him a lot when we moved away to our own lives.
I would always talk to his sister Sandy and we would send each other hellos through her over the years. We drifted apart like people do in life, I was so surprised to see his art website when he worked at my sister's company and we talked to each other through her a few years back,
So sad to get the message he had passed away shortly after that. He was one of the most gentle, kind people I ever knew.
—JoAnn (Pauletich) Grove

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Gary Trujillo

Gary Trujillo

Gary Trujillo "Paradise"

Rusty D. Weiler
http://www.chieftain.com/obituaries/rusty-d-weiler/article_979445b0-f0b6-5980-8857-eaa90b83e49d.html

Rusty D. Weiler, passed away on June 1, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Karen Weiler; daughter, Molly; son, Matt; father and mother, Russell and Pat Weiler; father- and mother-in-law, Matt and Joey Kikel; sisters, Peggy Mullin, Nancy (Jerry) Sutton; in-laws, Charlie and Sharon Schwartz, Kathy Valent and David Kikel; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rusty enjoyed fishing, hunting, sport shooting and playing pool. He loved being around a lot of people all the time. Rusty touched the lives of all his family, friends, co-workers and students. He was truly passionate about everything he did and he will be missed by all. Private services for family and close friends, Wednesday, June 4. Public memorial service at Pueblo County High School at 10 a.m. on June 5 in the school gym.

Annual race commemorates middle school teacher
http://www.chieftain.com/sports/annual-race-commemorates-middle-school-teacher/article_793b3a66-eb5a-58e2-b7f8-20067a4ef0b5.html

Three years after his passing, the heart and spirit of the late Rusty Weiler continue to beat loudly in the hallways at Pleasant View Middle School. Read more >

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Rusty Weiler

Ola Louise Whitney Austin
http://www.caldwellkirk.com/_mgxroot/page_10780.php?id=1156641

http://www.chieftain.com/obituaries/austin-ola-louise-whitney/article_48834dec-5552-11e2-a63d-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=story

Passed away on Dec. 28, 2012 and resided in Aurora, CO. Ola was born in Pueblo, CO on Jan. 16, 1951.

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Ola Whitney Austin

Wilhite, Kenneth Errol
http://www.kmitch.com/Pueblo/obits/wia-wilk.html

Kenneth Errol Wilhite - Pueblo Chieftain - April 04, 2005 - Kenneth Errol Wilhite, 52, a lifetime Puebloan, born June 10, 1952, departed this life on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005. He was a 1970 graduate of South High School, and had a degree in mass communications from what was USC. Kenny was a long haul truck driver, and traveled to all the states in this great nation. Survived by his parents, Clyde and Betty (Andrews) Wilhite; siblings, Adrienne Wilhite, Barry Wilhite; two children, Grant Franco and Danielle Lopresti; a granddaughter, Demari Lopresti; a nephew, Shane Valdez; three nieces, JaNae Wilhite, Taria and Tanaia Valdez; and his favorite uncle, Alvin Andrews; also, William Wilhite, numerous cousins other relatives and friends. Kenny is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ben "Big Daddy" and Lena 'Momma Lena" Andrews; a sister, Phyllis Wilhite; aunt, Mary Saulters; uncles, Thomas Andrews, Wilbur Dean-Andrews, David D. Andrews; grandaunts and granduncles, Harriet and Erskine Hobbs, Ulmon "Big Boy" and Gladys Stephens Andrews, Hulmon "Little Boy" and Myrtle Andrews, and Amanda Sproul. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Bethelhem Baptist Church. The Rev. Oral Miles officiating. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery.

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Ken Whilhite
We’re the best, can’t you see? the mighty class of ‘70!
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