Celestino Nacor Miguel Manzanares

Celestino (Tino) Manzanares, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, in Alamosa, Colorado, surrounded by his family.  Born on May 19, 1935, in San Luis, Colorado, Tino was raised in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he developed a passion for boxing.  With guidance from his friend and mentor, Bob Adams, Tino's talent was recognized, and he earned a scholarship to Idaho State University, where he competed on the boxing team and completed a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering.

Tino enjoyed a fulfilling career as a mine safety engineer and loss prevention specialist, roles that reflected his pragmatic nature.  At the same time, his practicality was complemented by his remarkable kindness and generosity, always ready to assist anyone in need.  For forty years, Tino cared deeply for his south Denver neighborhood, where he frequently went out of his way to look after his neighbors.  Before settling in Denver, he lived and raised his family across New Mexico in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Grants.  It was in New Mexico that Tino found his passion for mine exploration.  He founded ManVar Mining, and together with his family, pursued the dream of striking it rich in the Pecos wilderness.  Although this dream remained unfulfilled, the adventure brought the family closer, uniting brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews in friendship and love.  Every July, family would gather from Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico to search for gold and share precious time and built memories together.  The gold may have been scarce, but the bonds of family grew rich and strong.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura Taylor; his children, Tina Marie, Jason, and Mark (Myra); his grandchildren, David, Eli (Nicki) Nolan (Rylee), Marissa (Christian), and Lauren; and his great-grandchildren, David, Nicholas, Eli, Alyssa, Amelia, and Nolan.  He is also survived by his brothers, Andy (Mary Jo) and Jesse (Rayma); his sisters, Bertha, Marcella, and Sylvia; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tino was preceded in death by his first wife of 19 years, Amelia Gallegos; his parents, Gaspar and Jesusita; and siblings Theresa, Bernie (Angie), and Linda (Joe).