Alfred Manzanares

Alfred "Al" Arthur Manzanares - May 2, 1944 - April 14 th , 2017

Al was born in Denver, Colorado, he had a beautiful soul, a heart of gold and faith in mankind. He was always positive, saw the good in people, never spoke ill of anyone and was a hard worker. He enjoyed coming from a big family and loved visiting San Luis Valley as a child and as an adult. His personality and conversations where so great, if you spent 2 minutes with him, you loved him. He played the saxophone, wrote poems, went to the theater, danced, sang, and whistled (a lot). He played basketball, tennis, racquetball and participated in aerobic classes at the club. "Buns of steel" he would always say.

Al dedicated his life to his Catholic faith and family. Growing up his children remember his smiling face supporting all of their endeavors. Whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or school performance, he was there. He enjoyed participating in his family and friends' lives, stopping by a cousin's house because he was in the area, his friend Larry's deli, poker with Ed and the gang, regular visits with his mom, and carried on tradition as the smiling Grandpa supporting all 16 of his grandchildren.

Al and Kathy visited a variety of destinations over their 24 years of marriage, dancing the night away. Al kept you on your toes cracking a joke, telling an unbelievable fun story and making everyone feel welcome. You could not visit any location...literally, without running into a cousin or friend who knew and loved Al. He passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Westminster, Colorado. His smile, positive attitude and love of living will be greatly missed and we were all influenced by him, just being him. His legacy will live on in all who knew him.

Services to be held Friday, April 28 th starting with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by a mass and reception at St. Marks Catholic Church, 3141 W. 96 th Avenue, Westminster, CO.

He loved with all his heart, just as we love him.
Survived by wife Kathleen (Kathy) Lent Manzanares; mother Martha Lopez Manzanares; brothers: Bob Manzanares (Barbara) and Jerry Manzanares; sister: Pauline Manzanares. Children: Marla Manzanares Hoffman (John), Ron Manzanares (Heather), Deana Manzanares Anderson (Scott); stepchildren: Marc Gussenbauer (Michelle), Gena Gussenbauer Anderson (Noel), David Gussenbauer (Stacey); Grandchildren: Lynzie, Desirae (Alex), SheLeigh (Kyle), Automn, Katelyn, Haile, Devyn, Tayler, Michael-Dean, Jazmin, Evan, Evelyn, A.J., Jersy, Vincen and Scarlett; Great-Grandchildren: Kayden, Bailey, Saydie and Raelynn.