Miguel Angel Manjarres

Miguel Angel Manjarres, Lt. Col. USAFR It is with deep sorrow that the family of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miguel "Mike" "Manny" A. Manjarres announces his passing on June 14, 2007. He was preceded in death by his father and role model, Frank "Kico" D. Manjarres; grandparents, sister "Maria" and brother-in-law, William Riley. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Molly Ann; his three children of whom he was extremely proud, Christopher Manjarres (Lindsay), Dr. Brian Manjarres (Rick Hofeld) and Angela Manjarres (Rolando Astorga); mother, Juanita; ten brothers and sisters, Sylvia Riley (Jack Haskell), Frank Jr. (Annette), John (Cindy), Norma (James) Sykes, David, Isabel (Jimmy) Chavez, Alicia (Dan) Margritz, Paula (Roger) Abbott, Cecilia, Christina (Peter) Fimbres; his in-laws, Gene and Beth Butler; sister-in-law, Karen (Andy) Pettit; brothers-in-law, John, Guy (Gina), many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and last, but certainly not least his loyal and loving companions, Snoopy and Bailey, who greeted him with wagging tails every day. Samantha, his little black puppy, is waiting with tail wagging in Heaven. Mike lived life to its fullest. He was a very dedicated husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He treasured the time with his family and friends. He was a fanatically dedicated Arizona Wildcat and Cardinal fan routinely finding his parking spot and seat hours before the games, as well as an excellent pool and card player. He enjoyed traveling the world and exploring new cultures. Everyone who met Mike became an instant friend for life. Mike was born on May 19, 1949, in Bisbee, Arizona. He graduated from Bisbee High School in 1967. He set an example by being the first member of his family to earn an associate's degree from Cochise College and then a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University. Mike continued his education for the betterment of his family and earned his Master's degrees from the University of Arizona and the University of the Pacific. He taught, coached and mentored many throughout his life by example at Bisbee High School, Apollo Junior High, Sunnyside High School and Spring Junior High. He was always a voice and advocate for those in need of a voice. Mike successfully established Girl's Softball at Apollo Junior High School. He joined the Army National Guard in 1972, transferring to the Arizona Air National Guard in 1976. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and officially went active duty with the US Air Force in 1979 through the United States Air Force's Officer Training School. Mike retired in October 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his military career he was stationed in numerous places including Tucson, California, Alaska, Wyoming, Florida, Belgium and Hawaii, and returned to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona in 1993. Throughout his distinguished 34-year military career he received numerous decorations. He was a strong Christian man who always lived out his faith. Mike will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his ever present sense of humor. He was the life of any party and his smile lit up any room. His passion for education, his love for his fellow man, his faith and positive outlook on life was unmatched. Mike was a very giving person and had a heart of gold. He served as a tremendous role model and mentor for his family and friends. He will always be our oldest and "best-looking" brother. We will all miss him very much. The world is a better place because he instilled these qualities in everyone he came into contact with. A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 21st, 2007 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Avenue, Tucson from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held June 22nd, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Odelia Catholic Church, 7570 N. Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ. A military ceremony will follow immediately after Mass at ADAIR FUNERAL HOME. It is said that the main goal in life is to give more to this world than you take from it. In that case, be grateful He gave enough for all of us.