William James Medrano

Bill Medrano was a troubadour and entertainer. He never met a stranger and never left anyone with anything but a smile and gratitude. He made everyone’s world a better place by being in it. He commanded every room he ever entered: living room, family room, dining hall, ballroom and backyard. He kept us entertained with his music and his jokes (the long ones with a punchline that was worth the wait). He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor and confidant. If he didn’t teach you how to laugh, he taught you how to sing, play the guitar (he was a leftie, so it was like playing in front of a mirror), catch a fish or fletch an arrow. And if you couldn’t learn any of those things, he just showed you how to be a good person.

He drove a truck for over 40 years and on the weekends, he was a bandleader for the Country and Western group the Roadmasters. On Friday and Saturday nights he made sure everyone got to blow off a little steam dancing, laughing and being with friends. He kept everyone dancing for the whole night and would always make up songs about people in the audience on the spot!

He was born in Gunnison to his parents Lucille (Livingston) and Leno Medrano. He and his twin sister Mary finished off the family of seven kids.

He resided in Englewood, Colorado where he met the love of his life of 50 years. Verlea was the June Carter to Bill’s Johnny Cash. They shared their love of music and raised their blended family together (Debbie, Larry, Sherrie, Billie and Ron). They taught us what being lucky and in love truly meant.

They moved to their dream home in Bailey, Colorado in 1990 where they lived for 30 years hosting family holidays and even a pig roast. Everyone was always welcome and true to form, you could just be together and relax while Bill and Lea made sure everyone was entertained, well fed (and watered), and most importantly, together.

Bill and Lea eventually headed down to Yuma, Arizona where Bill rediscovered jam sessions and musical collaboration. He found a new audience for his songs, wit, and jokes that still make us all chuckle when we think about them.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years (Lea); his twin sister Mary (Ray) Hopper; his brother-in-law Edwin (Mary Jo) Ham, his sister-in-law Charlotte (Sonny) Sansburn; his children Larry Vice, Sherrie Eiben (Dwayne Larsen), Billie (Dee) Medrano and Ron Medrano. He has 7? Grandchildren and 2? Great-grandchildren as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Leno; his brothers Spencer, Ralph and Junior; his sisters Muriel and Mary Lou; and his daughter Debbie Kidder.

Rest Easy Cowboy.