Arthur F. Madrid

ARTHUR F. MADRID
Age 69,
Born in Brighton, CO on September 5,1938
Resident of Evergreen, CO
Passed December 26, 2007

Arthur F. Madrid was a good man. He loved with a passion. He loved his wife, his children, grandchildren, family relatives and good friends. He also loved his back yard, a good drink, an ice-cold beer and a good game of poker.

Art would love to be remembered for his generosity, competitive nature and his great sense of humor. He would make friends with anyone, anyplace or anytime. It didn't matter if you had only a dime in your pocket or a million dollars, Art treated everyone with the same kindness and respect.

Art would always be able to tell when his children were up to no good. He would move the ottoman for the kids to run into, just to check the time the kids came in at night. He would play detective after the kids had friends over without permission. Haircuts for the girls were always done with masking tape on the bangs. When Art had to make his own food he would end up making eggs, often in a pie tin, because he did not want to wash a pan. He mistakenly was eating chicharones on his ice cream, thinking they were nuts. Cold cereal was his specialty.

Travel was something that was Art loved to do. He enjoyed camping, fishing and taking trips with MaryLee, his children, or family. He enjoyed multiple trips to Spain, where he would have new adventures each time.

All of the grandchildren thought that grandpa was the "best tooth puller ever." They had a hard time sleeping over because grandpa snored too loud.
During his high school coaching days, he would take the time to make sure that his wrestling team members would be to the tournaments on time, even if it meant that they would sleep at his house for the night. He made sure that all his students on the Spain trips were all accounted for, even when they tried to sneak out at night. At least once a week, he would have a "leaky red pen" at school, often requiring him to go home for lunch to change his shirt.

Education was always a top priority. Receiving a wrestling scholarship to attend college, he was the first of his family to attend college and receive a degree. Graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a teaching degree, he also earned a Masters degree in foreign language from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Art was so proud of all of his former students and their accomplishments. Many of whom would contact him in later years just to check in and say thanks again. He would love hearing from them and receiving updates has to how they were doing.

Everything that Art did in his life he did without hesitation. Loving, and living life to the fullest. His greatest joys was the love of his life, MaryLee, his children and grandchildren. The greatest gift that he left his family was the knowledge that " Education is your future". He knew that telling a joke could make people lifetime friends, and having a cold beer on a hot day is a good thing.

Art Madrid will be part of the lives of many people through all the many activities including School and Community activities, coaching, hunting, fishing, and casino friends.

Art was married to MaryLee Griego, for 46 years, he is also survived by his Children, Tammy (Jed) Goniu, Kurt (Janet) Madrid, Elena (David) Beal, Andrea (Neil) Neudorff, and Keedran (Brian) Muncaster. Ten Grandchildren, Samuel, Jessica, Jacob, Jeffery, Jaxson, Markie, Terin, Hunter, Maximo and Lyndi. Three Sisters, Lucille Maes, Beatrice Suazo and Inez Chavez and One Brother, Robert Madrid. Numerous nieces and nephews and inlaws.

Memorial Service will be held on January 4, 2008, 9:00 am at St. Cajetans Catholic Church, 299 S. Raleigh St., Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials to be gifted to the: Elks National Foundation, in the name of Arthur Madrid, Evergreen Elks Lodge, PO Box 298, Evergreen, CO 80437, or Autism Society of Colorado, in the name of Arthur Madrid, 550 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80226.

ART MADRID WILL BE MISSED