Roque Richard Morales

Roque Richard Morales, age 82, passed away in his Denver home on June 11, 2024. He lived a quiet life in his later years but was strong in mind and passionate in his affairs until the end. Roque lived a full life and always had a story to share about his time in the military or skiing for Bob Beattie at CU Boulder. He was also incredibly patient, especially with his grandchildren, joyfully participating in their games as time passed by.

Roque was born in Denver and grew up in Granby, Colorado to Mary and Manuel Morales, who owned a lettuce farm. He attended Middle Park High School where he was a part of the ski and football teams. After graduating High School in 1960, he began college at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, then transferred to the University of Colorado in Boulder where he graduated with a degree in Engineering. While in college, he was an avid skier and raced on the CU ski team. He had many fond memories of his times on slopes and frequented Winter Park. 

He entered the US Air Force in 1966 and served in the Vietnam war. In 1979 he joined the National Guard in Wyoming as an Air Transportation Supervisor. He ended his military career in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Roque was very proud of his 27 years in service, as he should be. Entering when he was 24 years old, he grew up in the military and it very much shaped who he was and was the basis of most of his life stories. After his time in the National Guard, Roque worked at Airborne Express, an express delivery and cargo airline, for over 20 years until his alarm-clock-free retirement.

Roque is survived by his daughter Lauren Gonzales of Littleton and her husband Cody, and 4 granddaughters, Addison (7), Natalie (4), and twins Isla and Sophia (15 months). He is also survived by his three siblings Manual, Joe and Anne.

Funeral services will take place at Horan and McConaty in Centennial on Thursday, July 18 at 11 am. Public viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be held at the Granby Cemetery this Fall where he will be laid to rest mountainside beside his Mother and Father.