Charles Archibeque

Charles Archibeque, 84, of Greeley, Colorado passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Charles was born on October 30, 1932 on the family farm in Pierce, Colorado. Charles was the 6th of nine children born to Matias and Maria Inez (DeHerrera) Archibeque. Charles graduated from Pierce High School in May of 1950 and at 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Aircraft Carrier Bon Homme Richard during the Korean War where he was a teletype operator with security clearances. He loved his time in the U.S. Navy, loved serving his country, and he was a very proud veteran. Charles was honorably discharged in August of 1953 and moved to Greeley to begin working with his brother Willie Archibeque as a concrete finisher. Charles and his brother Willie worked on the Boyd Lake construction project that helped bring water into Greeley. In 1962, Charles was hired by Ellis and Capp Equipment Company as a diesel mechanic where he worked until 1970. On August 24th, 1970 Charles began his career with the City of Greeley as a building inspector and plans examiner. During this time, he built numerous relationships. These relationships are as strong today as they were back then and this is a testament to his values, integrity and love for people. Charles continued his education with the City of Greeley to increase his knowledge in building codes, plans and architectural prints. After Charles’s retirement from the City of Greeley in 1990, he thought he would throw his hat in the political ring. In 1991, he won the city council seat for Ward I which he kept for 8 years. During this time, Charles and Laura opened up the Mirasol Mexican Restaurant in downtown Greeley. It became a successful family business for over 9 years. In 2007 Charles ran again for City council and served two more terms until 2015. Charles spent a lifetime nurturing a community spanning over 40 years. Charles was very active in community service and dedicated hundreds of hours to boards and commissions. He was personally appointed by Governor Bill Owens to serve as the Northern Colorado Commissioner for the Colorado Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Weld County Airport Authority, chairman of the board for Northern Colorado Catholic Charities, member of Knights of Columbus, board of directors for NCMC Foundation, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, Greeley Downtown Development Authority, Office of Hispanic Affairs, and Chairman of United Way. He was also very instrumental in the creation of Plaza De Milagro, migrant housing located in far east Greeley. On August 29, 1955 Charles married Laura Montoya in Greeley and their love story has been going strong for the past 62 years. As they say, behind every great man is a great woman; that was Laura. Laura was the glue that kept everything together and was Charles’s biggest fan, supporter, confidant and friend. She truly admired him, he was the love of her life and she never let him down. Charles and Laura raised their family of 7 children in their east Greeley home which they bought in 1958. Charles solely expanded the home throughout the years; the same place he chose to spend his final days. Charles’ greatest accomplishment was his family. For those who knew Charles knew he was a fantastic gardener and an avid fisherman. His fishing adventures took him from Homer, AK to Maui, HI and every fishing hole between Wyoming and Colorado. In fact, every family vacation included a favorite fishing hole. Since the inception of the Denver Bronco franchise, win or lose, Charles was a true blue and orange fan! Charles is survived by his wife Laura; children, Carla (Tony) Esquibel, Lori (Jerry) Trujillo, Lisa Archibeque (Russ Stephenson), Karen (Louie) Esquibel, Julee (Joe) Martinez, C.J. (Ermelinda) Archibeque and Nickie Archibeque (Tony Pena);grandchildren, Jessica (Kevin) Martinac, Lucas (Ashina) Trujillo, Valyne Esquibel (Kamren Kamp), Erika Esquibel (Ben Pruitt), Kahla Esquibel (Joseph Ornelas), Mathew Esquibel (Emily Dempsey), Jaydyn Esquibel, Brittni Hernandez (Rigo Rangel), Hope and Anastacia Archibeque, Nathaniel and Nicolas Martinez; great-grandchildren, Zayden Gonzales, Giana and Jeremiah Martinac, Jordan, Aubriana and Alivia Trujillo, Mathew Francis Esquibel and baby Kamp due July 2017; and recognized great-grandchildren, Monica Ornelas, Emma Dempsey and Kallai Kamp. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Matias and Maria Archibeque; sisters, Della Romero, Cora Chavez and Nyna Gonzales; son-in-law Robert Soares; and grandson, Erik Esquibel. Viewing will be held at Adamson on Wednesday March 29, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017 with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 9:30 a.m. both at St. Peter Catholic Church, 915 12th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. To leave condolences for Charlie’s family visit adamsoncares.com