OBITUARIES

In loving memory of John Edward Anderson who peacefully passed, with family surrounding him, on July 3, 2023 in Wheat Ridge, CO at the age of 87.

John was born in Denver, CO on October 21, 1935. He was the only child of John C. Anderson and L. Loreen (Priest) Anderson. He was a proud Colorado native who lived in Arvada, CO.

John graduated in 1954 from Wheat Ridge High School. He met his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Yvonne Hammond, and they were married in June of 1954. He and Yvonne started their family and had three children, Kim, John and Jim. John, a hardworking and honest man in the construction eld, started in lath and plaster of commercial buildings. Andy’s Custom Homes began in 1961. He built over 100 custom homes, even built the rst $100K home sold in Arvada. In 1973 Arvada Home Improvement Center showroom was opened and he continued his home building and began remodeling. John’s outgoing friendly personality was well suited for buying and selling antiques with Yvonne and working at the Disney Store as a cast member.

John, a Godly man, was an extraordinary artist and creator. He built a new stage at Sloan’s Lake Church, which lead to him and as many people as possible with their personal, professional and spiritual lives so that he could have a positive impact on the world. I thank Zig for all that he taught me and for being an incredible role model of consistency, guiding me to being a “meaningful speci c,” instead of a “wandering generality.” If you haven’t read “See You at the Top” I highly recommend it.

Yvonne being baptized. e church transitioned to Altitude Church where he enjoyed his weekly Bible study with his many friends. He loved wood carving and is especially known for his walking canes with characters on them. He generously gave away many carved bears. He enjoyed sketching, painting, gardening and collecting all things Disney.

John, Yvonne and family spent most summers at Disneyland and also started the Colorado Mouse Club for collectors. John’s kindness and love will be truly missed.

John is predeceased by his wife, Yvonne, and granddaughter, Amber. He is survived by his son Jim Anderson, son John C. Anderson and his wife, Janet, and daughter Kim Pipkin and her husband Don. Also survived by his grandkids, Jami, Keith, Ryan, and John M., 14 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Olinger Crown Hill pavilion in Wheat Ridge at 10 AM on August 5th. John and Yvonne will both be laid to rest together at the internment after the service. In lieu of owers the family is raising money for their headstone. (Checks payable to: John Edward Anderson Estate, 5585 Dudley Ct. Arvada, CO 80002). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Anderson family.

As a student of Tom Hopkins and having read every book he has written and having attended dozens of his seminars, I credit Tom with helping me become a top performer throughout my career. Even in leadership roles, his teachings were so impactful. In sales, we hear the word “no” a whole lot more often than we hear “yes.” Tom Hopkin’s Champion Creed instilled in me the speci c mindset I needed to push through the losses and bad days and work towards the overwhelmingly successful days. e Champion Creed says this, “I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed. And the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep trying.” If you are in sales, Tom’s book “How to Master the Art of Selling” is a must-read.

Back in 1999 I had the opportunity to meet Denis Waitley in person. From that day on we enjoyed both a personal and professional relationship. Denis taught me so much about the attitude of winning and de ning success. He was a terri c encourager, and I would leave every conversation

SEE NORTON, P31

February 17, 1945 - July 19, 2023

William “Bill” Austin passed away on July 19, 2023 at the age of 78 after a short, but tough battle with cancer. He was born on February 17, 1945, and was the son of Roxie and Bill Austin. He spent his early childhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas with his two younger sisters Pat and Barb. Later, the family of ve settled in Arvada in 1956. Bill’s life was full of accomplishments. He was a talented wrestler. He was a League and District champion and wrestled in the nals for the State Championship for the Arvada Redskins. At Northeastern Junior College, he was named Junior College All American wrestler and was part of the 1964 National Championship team. He earned an Associates from NJC and a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State College. His careers included driving buses, National Guardsman, and Master Plumber. He retired from the city of Arvada after having been a Building Inspector for 23 years. Bill was a proud member of the Arvada community since 1956 with deep roots and friendships that lasted his lifetime. His life-long love of shing earned him the

Austin family record with a 42-inch, 26-pound muskie.

No other accomplishment could compare to the love and devotion he had for his family. Bill met the love of his life, Kathy, in high school and they were married for 57 years. ey literally built a home and life together with their two children, Heath and Kaylynn. e family expanded with in-laws Brad, and Sandy who he treated as his own. His pride and joy became his grandchildren, Annabeth, Case, Briar, and Bray.

Bill is survived by his wife Kathy, children Heath Austin (Sandy), Kaylynn Johnson (Brad), sister Barb Roark (Tim), brother-inlaw Russ Mayer, sister-in-law Barb Stolte, and countless nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Roxie Austin and his sister Pat Mayer, and his beloved dog Enders.

A funeral service in honor of Bill’s life will be held on July 26, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. at Horan and McConaty @ 7577 W. 80th Ave., Arvada 80003 followed by a reception at the house that Bill, family, and friends built.

August J “Gus” Spano

January 8, 1953 - July 12, 2023

August John “Gus” Spano, 70, of Arvada, Colorado passed away on July 12,2023 at home.

Gus was born to AJ “Mick” and Marguerite Spano in Denver on January 23, 1953. He graduated from Arvada High School in 1971. He also attended the University of Northern Colorado, as well as obtaining his Masters degree and Type D certi cate from Colorado State University.

He worked as a teacher and administrator at Arvada High School, Je erson High School and Moore Middle School. He retired from Je erson County Schools 15 years ago.

Gus particularly enjoyed his son, family, friends, and students. He was involved in many extracurricular activities with the schools.

Gus is survived by his son, Adam, of Arvada, and many friends and re!atives.

Funeral services will be held on ursday, July 27, at the Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary Chapel with burial and a reception to follow.

In lieu of owers please consider memorial donations to: selection. ese moments never fail to make her smile.

Carin’ Clinic, 5150 Allison St., Arvada, CO 80002 or PKD Foundation, PO Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64186.

“It brings me just a ton of joy to see people enjoying it and enjoying the space,” Monson said. “I think it’s also enriched my kids’ love and appreciation for literature because they get so excited about nishing a book and passing it on.”

Monson built her library in 2017 and registered it with Little Free Library, a Minnesota-based nonpro t that aims to increase access to literature by providing blueprints and guides to build community libraries, as well as mapping registered libraries across the country.

Hundreds of little free libraries have popped up across the Denver metro area as their popularity proliferates. Monson said she was inspired to build her library after visiting others with her 11-year-old twins Tommy and Luci, who are avid readers.

“I really believe in the importance of building community and connection for wellness, so I thought it was a great way to build community shortly after we moved to Golden,” she said. “So it was their love of reading and my want to build community that made it happen.”

Since the library is on a bike and walking path, it’s not accessible by car, so Monson took advantage of the unique environment by adding a bench, a slide and fairy gardens around the library to make it an inviting spot for visitors.