William H. Barba

William H. Barba (Bill) was born in a small Southern Colorado town called Cameo, on May 4th, 1917. It no longer exists except as a ghost town. His family included his father, Frank Barba and his mother, Jessie. There were several siblings, Louise Barba, Frances Martinez, Juanita Barba and Andy Barba. As a young child he had memories and stories about living in Glenwood Springs prior to his family moving to Pueblo.

Bill outlived all of his siblings from the union of his father and mother. Juanita died about 1940, a young women from an unknown cause. His brother Andy was killed as a young man. His sister Louise died of TB in her thirties and Frances in 1998, she had diabetes. Bills mother and father were divorced and both started new families. His Half sisters Rita Borjon, on his mother’s side and Jeannie Romero on his Father’s side maintained life-long relationships. Bill loved all his siblings but had a special fondness for his sister Frances. They enjoyed as much time together as life would allow, visiting each other and remembering old times.

He grew up in Pueblo living on the South side and met his first wife, Aurelia Gonzales at a dance. His first child, Geraldine was born in Pueblo in 1940, where they lived for about three years. As a husband and father he supported his family working at the Steele Mill in Pueblo.

Being a restless young man, he and Lala (Auriela) were divorced shortly after the third year. His daughter remained in Colorado with her mother. . Bill made his way to California where he spent a few years, and may have met his second wife, Louise Ruiz, there. Louise was from Ogden, Utah where the two decided to live with her three children, Joey, Angelina, and Linda.

After a variety of jobs he settled in working for the Union Pacific Railroad where he stayed until he retired in 1979. He lived in Ogden for many years raising his stepchildren. He and Louise also adopted Tanya the daughter of Angelina. Eventually Louise and Bill had two boys of their own, Bill, Jr., in 1959 and Frank, born in 1960. Both children were born and live in the Ogden area as do his stepchildren Angelina and Linda and his adopted daughter Tanya.

His second marriage ended in the 70’s. He remained in Utah working at the railroad. He was a dancer and met his first two wives at dances, which is where he met Zorrida Cerrud, his third wife. They were married in 1977. By this time all of their children were grown or teenagers. She was from Panama and Bill was able to make many trips there which were the highlight of his life. After about ten years Zorrida died from breast cancer. Bill loving cared for her during this time.

Bill had many nieces and nephews. Delores and Richard, Frances’ children lived in the East and Bill visited often and enjoyed being able to see the country. He and Zorrida loved to travel so they went on many trips to visit both of their relatives.

Not being one to be alone for long, he met Victoria Martinez and although they we never married they were loving partners for over ten years. She had many children and Bill was soon part of the extended family. When Victoria’s health began to fail and she was placed in nursing care Bill decided that he would return to Colorado, and in 2003 he moved in with his daughter in Broomfield.

His plan was to find an apartment but due to his own health spent the first several years with his daughter and her husband. As his health deteriorated it was necessary for him to be where he could be assisted. He moved to The Villas At Sunny Acres where he spent his last years. He was able to be in “independent living” which made him feel good. While in Colorado he was able to spend time with his half sisters and renew their relationships, which he enjoyed. He also made many new friends, looked up old ones and enjoyed life in general.

He lived a full and long life dancing his way through the hearts of many a young woman. He loved life and held on tight till the end. He will be remember by many and loved by all his family.