Harry Charles Spendlow Sr.

Harry Charles Spendlow, 85, of Erie, passed away February 23rd at Longmont United Hospital surrounded by his beloved family. Harry was born on August 3rd, 1937 in Erie to Arthur and Virginia Spendlow. Not only was he born and raised in Erie, it was also the place he met his high-school sweetheart, Midge, and where they ultimately built a home full of love that spanned generations. Harry and Midge wed on October 8th, 1960 in Westminster, Colorado before welcoming three children – Michelle Spendlow, Buddy Spendlow, and Arnette Rieder.

After high school graduation, Harry spent three years in the Army as a medic where he learned a skill-set that would prove to be his life-long calling as he went on to be an EMT in the emergency department at St. Anthony Hospital for 28 years. His passion for the job was evident in the incredible relationships he built and the innumerable patients’ lives he touched during their darkest days.

Harry was an avid outdoors man as a hunter and fisherman, he relished the opportunity to share those hobbies with anyone brave enough to join him. He was a hometown sports fan and shared the anguish and the wins of the Avalanche, Broncos, Nuggets and Rockies, although he was the biggest sports fan for any activity that he had a grandchild participating in.

Harry belonged to St. Scholastica’s Catholic Church in Erie where he was an active parishioner up until his passing.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four brothers Arthur Jr., Wesley, Leo, and Norman, and daughter, Michelle. Surviving are his wife of 62 years Midge, son Buddy Spendlow (Jody) and daughter Arnette Rieder (Jake); grandchildren Nick Spendlow (Stacie), Megan Pollard (Scott), Lindsey Spendlow, Katelyn Rieder, Bryan Rieder (Taylor), and Steven Rieder; and great-grandchildren Tatum, Mackenzi and Nolan Spendlow, Calen Pollard, and Jaci and Riley Rieder. Harry’s reach as a grandfather went beyond his immediate family as he was considered a grandfather to countless others.

His legacy will live on through the lessons he taught – to love one another, to lead by example, to have a thirst for knowledge, and to appreciate the power of a strong handshake.

Visitation with the family is set for Wednesday March 8th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm with Rosary to start at 6:30 pm at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Catholic Mass service, officiated by Father Wedow, will be Thursday, March 9th at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 715 Cabrini Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026, followed by reception. Internment with Military Honors after reception at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Erie.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Harry’s name can be made to St. Scholastica’s Catholic Church Incarnation Fund, PO Box 402, Erie, CO 80516.