David Melendez Obituary

David passed away peacefully on Monday, August 7, 2017. He fought with spirited tenaciousness until the very end. Although he will be missed, we find comfort in knowing he is now in a place where there will be no more sorrow or pain, and all things are made new.

David was born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho to a large family of twelve, where food and hospitality were always in abundance. After high school, he joined the Army and served proudly for three years. David earned a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education and followed his passion by becoming a professor, serving at numerous colleges and universities. David devoted his life to building capacity in educators and students. He valued the craft and science of teaching. Whether friend, student, or colleague, David had the most uncanny way of making you feel like you were the only one in the room as he listened with sincerity. He was trusted by many. To know him was to love him. David will forever be in our hearts.

David's legacy will live on through his wife, Ruth; his four children,  Michele (Tom) Messina, Mark Melendez, Julia (Peter) Larsen, and Christopher Melendez; his five grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, Caitlyn, Kai, and Kaleia; his four great-grandchildren, Madison, Zachary, Kamryn, and Ryker;  five siblings; and many nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

The nurses at ViewPointe Memory Care will never be forgotten for their loving dedication to David, as well as the staff of New Century Hospice. Many friends and family supported us during our journey. Special gratitude to Martha, Abby, and Jack.

A Celebration of David's Life will be held at 1:00PM, Monday, September 11, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. The family invites you to visit with them at a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations to the Alzheimer's Association, http://www.alz.org. The solution to eradicating this devastating disease will only be found by dedicating resources for research.