Emilio “Emil” Manzanares
Emilio “Emil” Joseph Manzanares, died February 28, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado following a bravely fought illness with heart disease. He was born on April 23, 1935 in Optimo, New Mexico.
Emil grew up on the Wooten Ranch in Morley, Colorado, before moving to Trinidad, Colorado. He attended Holy Trinity High School where he excelled in athletics and led his team to a state championship in football. He was named in Parade Magazine’s All-America football team. He later attended Colorado College on a football scholarship.
With an ever-present entrepreneurial spirit, his career included the ownership and management of a variety of businesses. He may be most remembered for the Peaceful Valley Golf Course and the Corner Pockets Widefield and West.
He is survived by his mother, Isabel Higbee; brother, Jesse; sisters, Lillian and Sylvia; wife, Sandy; children, Stan (Nicki), Mickey, Sheila (Steve) and Jocelyn “JJ” (Dennis); grandchildren, Brandon, Chelsea, Shanna, Kelton, Dillon, Dane, Teegan and Griffin. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry; brother, Larry; sister, Emily; son, Larry; and grandson, Emilio.
Everybody who knew Emil knew of his spirit. He touched many hearts with his kindness, laughter and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Larry Manzanares Scholarship Fund, 561 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, Colorado 80204.
Every man dies, but not every man lives. Emil definitely lived.