Louis S. Atencio

Louis S. “Lou” Atencio, of Erie, CO (formerly of Longmont), passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning of April 2, 2017. The family he loved so dearly was by his side. He was 78. Lou was born in Denver, Colorado on June 30, 1938, to Louis A. and Charlotte (Barela) Atencio. He grew up and attended Denver Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Denver West High School in 1956.

Following graduation, Lou enlisted in the US Navy and worked as an Air Traffic Control Specialist serving in San Diego and Oahu, Hawaii. After being honorably discharged, he went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and upon completion of schooling at the FAA Academy, he began his career at Stapleton Airfield.

In the winter of 1960, while on a date with his girlfriend, Florence Trujillo, they decided to elope. On November 20, 1960, Lou and Florence were married in Raton, New Mexico. Over the course of the next 11 years, Lou and Florence were blessed with four children.

In 1962, Lou transferred to the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Longmont. Lou worked for the next 36 years at that same FAA facility eventually retiring as an Air Traffic Control Supervisor in 1998. Upon retirement, Lou started employment with the Washington Consulting Group (WCG) as an Air Traffic Control Enroute Instructor. He retired from WCG in 2003.

Following his second retirement, Lou moved his family to the Vista Ridge Community in Erie, Colorado. In 2004, Lou would embark upon a part-time job as Starter for the Vista Ridge/Colorado National Golf Club. Despite being a part-time job, Lou approached it like everything else he did, with dedication, seriousness and passion. Lou wasn’t a golfer himself but he still took it upon himself to study the course and conditions on a daily basis to provide the golfers with hints or tips to help insure they fully enjoyed their round. Lou thoroughly appreciated the many friendships he developed while at the golf course and it was only when he became ill that he was forced to give that up in 2015.

Lou was a true fan of all sports and was an accomplished athlete himself. During his youth, he excelled in wrestling, baseball and football. Lou was inducted into the Denver West High School's Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball. Later, while serving in the US Navy and being a true sportsman, he took up the sport of boxing. Growing up in Denver, he closely followed the Denver Bears. As he grew older he rooted for and followed the Denver Broncos (although he did suffer a lapse in judgment for a few years and rooted for the Raiders), Colorado Rockies and Denver Nuggets and of course the local Longmont Trojans and Erie Tigers. He was even brave enough to tout his allegiance to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Lou was a runner and was often seen running in all kinds of weather around the Longmont United Hospital or through the streets of Longmont. Lou also played in adult men’s flag football, both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball and was a second baseman for the famed Jetway Flyers in Longmont. Lou closely followed the athletic careers of his family. He was their biggest fan. Be it a swim meet, football or baseball game, wrestling match, basketball game, anything... he rarely missed the opportunity to be there in the stands or audience to offer his encouragement and support. Despite his failing health, he still insisted on helping his grandchildren by taking them to or picking them up from their athletic practices, music lessons or whatever activity they were involved with. Even in the last month of his life, he was still hoping to be there in person watch his great grandson play basketball.

In addition to participating in sports, Lou worked several years for the Longmont Midget Wrestling Program, Longmont Junior Wrestling Program and the Longmont Junior League and Legion Baseball Programs. He also served as Chairman of the Longmont Skeeters Swim Club and was involved with TABS- Trojan Athletic Boosters. Lou coached his sons’ baseball teams at various levels. He even coached a women’s softball team- The Lariat Café. Whether watching, participating, coaching or overseeing, Lou loved sports and staying active.

Lou is survived by his wife of 56 years, Florence of Erie; daughter, Veronica Atencio of Lakewood; sons, Michael (Christy) of Reno, Nevada, Patrick of Erie and Mario (Keri) of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren, Amber Lucero, Monica “Mo” Lontine, Vincent Lontine, Cole Atencio, Sydney Atencio, Skylar Atencio, Blake Atencio, Francesca Atencio and Max Atencio; great-grandchildren, Antonio Portillo, Dion Lucero, Mariah Lontine, Nizhoni Lontine and Leilani Lontine; sister, Pauline (Dave) Rivera; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Lou was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Jean Atencio and granddaughter, Claire Atencio.

Lou was a devoted and dedicated family man. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Lou was a wonderful gentleman with an amazing sense of humor, a great neighbor and friend to all. It can truly be said that Lou never met a stranger. He was generous both with his time, money or resources doing whatever he could to help others. Lou will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Howe Mortuary in Longmont from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 9, followed by Rosary Prayers at 5:00 pm. Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Rocky Mountain Christian Church, 9447 Niwot Rd. in Niwot, CO. Burial will follow at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Rocky Mountain Christian Church in Niwot.

Memorial contributions are requested to the Denver Broncos Charities, (checks can be made payable to Denver Broncos Charities), and sent In Honor of Louis Atencio to: ATTN Broncos Charities, 13655 Broncos Parkway, Englewood, CO 80112.