William Apodaca

William Bill Apodaca was born March 31, 1932 to Salvador, and Emma Apodaca in Gardiner, New Mexico. He was the eldest of 3(Samuel&Esther). As a young child growing up in New Mexico, William got to sit back and watch the construction of I25 which is a direct route of travel between Colorado and New Mexico. After turning 8 ears old, he and his family moved here to Denver, CO where he attended Mitchell Elementary, Cole Middle School, and Manual High School, where he also played football for the Thunderbolts. Following graduation, and after turning 18, he joined the US Military where he served in the Korean War as a Tailgunner aboard the famed B52 Bomber. In 1954, William was joined in marriage by Irene M. Castellano. Following this Holy Union, Irene and William became parents to 4 beautiful children. William Angelo(Theresa), Samuel, Charles, and his only daughter, Ruth Apodaca(Paul). William was a very bright, amd loving soul. He was always cracking a joke, or making someone smile, or laughing. Nothing could ever keep him down. Not even this crazy Colorado weather. During the summer, even in the blazing heat, you would pull up to find him in his backyard pulling weeds, or watering the lawn. And in the freezing winter months, you’d pull up to find him shoveling his walks. He was always a hard-working man. That hard-working spirit, combined with His warmness he demonstrated as a person, made him a joy to be around. William made everyone around him want to stay positive, and become a better person. He constantly demonstrated an unconditional love, and very strong support for his family. No matter what it was, William would drop everything he was doing to satisfy his families needs. Just ask his grandsons….he was always there to take them to football practice, or to watch every game. “Take their legs out hito, they can’t run without their legs” as he would always say. William is preceded in death by his Son(Samuel). He leaves behind his grandchildren (Billie Jo, Dominic, Blair, Kailon, Charrisse, Leilon, Tahjlon, Chelon, and his Great grandchildren, William, Hannah, Kimora, Aspen, Karter, and Kai’Lani) & an nephew (Kevin) to cherish, and always uphold his memory. To know William was to love him. And everyone loved him. “ACE” as his daughter would call him, was her best friend, and a man any person would love to model their own life after. Your jokes may have stopped coming Gramps, but the laughter, and smiles you left with us are still here. We all love you, and cant wait to smile and laugh with you again. Rest In Paradise Grandfather. Give em’ your “knuckle sandwich.” Or “flip em’ the bird.”