Raul Maynez Obituary

ANGEL Man of Manitou Springs

Raul Pedroza Maynez Sr., 87, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Passed away December 22, 2013. Raul was born in El Paso, Texas to Eduardo and Hermina Maynez on October 9, 1926. He was one of four siblings, who have all preceded him in death.

Before residing in Colorado Springs for 23 years, he lived in Oxnard, California where he retired as a Fireman and Policeman. He also worked as a job developer, helping people find jobs.

Moving to Colorado Springs in 1990 was an adjustment for him. He soon found how friendly everyone was. He would write to his brother to tell him that he was living in God's country.

Under a senior program he got a job with the City of Manitou Springs in 1993. Working outside he was able to meet people from all over. He became an expert of the history of Manitou Springs. Always willing to help tourists. Always a giving man, he started giving out angel pins to people he didn't even know, only because they would say hello. He handed out 1,013 angel pins.

In 2001, he was honored by being the Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade in Manitou Springs. He worked for the City of Manitou Springs for 13 years. He had gotten permission from the City of Manitou Springs to collect donations to have a fountain built in memory of children who loss their lives too soon. The fountain was named "The Fountain of Youth."

Not stopping there after September 11, he wanted the men and women of the Police, Fire, and Sheriff's departments to be honored now and not after they were gone. He got together with all three departments. Once a month the departments would choose someone for an award. The awards were called the American Eagle Award and for civilian workers The American Angel Award.

Proudest moment was when the Sheriff's department made Raul an honorary Sheriff Deputy and presented him with a Sheriff's badge.

Too many accomplishments to list. He will be missed.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He leaves behind: wife, Margaret of 68 years. Daughters, Penny Gray, Linda Howell, Jean Maynez, and son Raul Maynez Jr. Grandchildren, Margaret Glispey, Rocky Gray, Dawn Messi, Jeanie Moore, Robert Howell, Steven Howell, and Alex Maynez. 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a great number of nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, 103 Pawnee Avenue in Manitou Springs, Colorado at 11am on December 28, 2013. Burial to follow at Crystal Valley Cemetery in Manitou Springs.