LeRoy Marquez

He is survived by Linda, his wife of 52 years, sisters Ruth (Bob Bemm) and Lucy, brother Eddie, and a large extended family. Special people in his life are Doug and Brandon Wills and their families, to whom LeRoy and Linda opened their hearts and home. He was preceded in death by dad Adolph, mom Elvira, 4 siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

The youngest of 8, LeRoy grew up in a loving family near Monte Vista. Graduating from Adams State College with an accounting degree during the Vietnam war, he joined the Army and completed Officer Candidate School at Fort Hood. There, with the Army’s perplexing wisdom, they assigned the accountant to the infantry. In Vietnam, LeRoy received two Bronze Stars, one with valor. He also received malaria, a scorpion bite and was repeatedly drenched in Agent Orange. Deciding 4 years in the Army was enough, he returned home.

Successfully obtaining a position with a large Denver accounting firm, LeRoy specialized in auditing hospitals and hotels, including the Broadmoor, where he met Linda. He continued his education, passed the CPA exam, and joined the Colorado Society of CPAs. While auditing Ramsour Brothers Construction in Castle Rock, he was persuaded to join their firm. LeRoy and Linda built their home during this time, and he was most happy to find he needed a tractor. LeRoy was a runner, completing the Bolder Boulder several years, the Clear Creek half marathon – he said it was mostly downhill – and climbed 8 of Colorado’s 14ers.

When the Ramsour Brothers retired, LeRoy opened Marquo, Inc., building small highway structures; and Mountain Aggregates, Inc., supplying sand and aggregates. He served on the board of the Colorado Contractors Association, ultimately as President. After retiring, he enjoyed living quietly with Linda and their cats, the many deer, wild turkeys, and occasional bear and mountain lions that wandered by. And his tractor.

Blessed with a mischievous sense of humor, LeRoy amazed and delighted his caregivers over the last 16 months of his osteomyelitis ordeal. Named the “Coolest Most Distinguished Gentleman” while in rehab, he could be found singing and cracking jokes with the staff.

Tenaciously kind, persistently upbeat, non-judgmental and just plain special. He will be exceedingly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Vietnam Veterans Association or the animal shelter of your choice.