Obituary of Doyle Weingardt

Doyle Weingardt, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, reached as his wife Mary Pat phrased it at the time, “that great hunting ground in the sky” in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 10, 2014. This is appropriate, as he loved hunting and is no doubt thrilled that he can finally get back to it. Although he battled his severe illness with humor and tenacity for years, his worn out lungs finally gave out. He was 62. Doyle was a “one of a kind” guy with a lively sense of humor and a memorable way about him. The following is a “Doyle by the numbers” list. Although, if a poll was taken of interesting things to list about Doyle from all the people who knew him, the list would surely have thousands of numbers mentioned. But here are the ones that stand out… 5,210 – Pounds of mashed potatoes and gravy he ate in his lifetime – his favorite. 182 – Pounds of beef jerky he made from scratch for his many hunting trips or for gifts to friends and family. 100 – The decibel level of his voice (100 is LOUD) as he yelled, sometimes with joy and sometimes with disgust at his Denver Broncos. 3 – By his side at the end, and bringing him joy throughout his life, his daughters: Christy Lindenschmidt, Lindy Yager and Amanda Thew. A source of pride and support, he particularly loved that they all agreed to be married on the same day. Every father’s dream…consolidation of wedding bills! Not only did his wallet benefit that day, he also gained 3 wonderful son-in-laws and hunting buddies, Russ, Jeff and Britt. 1970 – The year he graduated from Hays Military Academy. He and his best friend, Charlie Rogers, caroused the halls, chased the girls, and made memories to last a lifetime at his beloved school. And do you hear “taps” playing in the background of this obituary? That could be Doyle. He was the “Bugle Boy” for the school. 4003 – The population of Burlington, Colorado. From being a local business owner for 40+ years, to supporting other local businesses, to flipping burgers at the county fair and serving on the school board for 17 years, Doyle made a difference in the only community he ever called home. 360 – Hunting outings he looked forward to and enjoyed throughout his lifetime. The deer, elk, antelope, pheasants, doves, etc…should all be quaking in their boots in the “great hunting ground in the sky”. He’s baaack. 10,352 – The number of slot machines he thought for sure would “hit the BIG one”. We can still hear him chant, “Win Big, Big, Big, Big Win, Win Big, Win Big” as he pulled in to the parking lot at the Indian Casinos. Although never making it rich, he pulled those handles with enthusiasm and was always hopeful. We can all learn something from that. 483,000 – The number of fireworks he shot off on Paradise Drive. His 4th of July celebrations were so legendary, people (even some local police) would park at the end of his street. (Probably just to enjoy the show!) 9 – Years he organized the “Wednesday Night Carp Club”. A group of guys gathering at what once was the Bonny Reservoir to fish the night away. 16 ½ - The number of WWII model airplanes he painstakingly put together during his retirement. 5 – The number of immediate family members welcoming him in heaven. His parents, Joe and Irene Weingardt; his in-laws, Ray and Mary Warren; and his oldest brother Keith Weingardt. However, in no hurry to join them, Doyle also leaves 3 sisters alive and well, Arlene Rueb, Connie Allen and Marianne Kachulis as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 6 – The number of his grandchildren…Maryn, Max, Emberly, Trenton, Jade and Aubrey, all under 7 years of age. Sometimes during phone calls it was hard to hear him over the din of the noise produced by his hoard, but the joy in his voice told the real story. He loved them beyond words and is probably, more than anything else, saddest about leaving these beautiful children behind. And Finally 1 – the most important number of all. The “one” love of his life, the “one” that tirelessly took care of him, the “one” lifetime companion that really optimized the vow of “for better or worse”, his wife of 41 years…Mary Pat. They met on a blind date while attending Regis College in Denver and never looked back. They had a rich, full life and now Mary Pat can be comforted by the wonderful family they nurtured together. The only number left is one million…the number of pieces our hearts have broken into now that he is gone. Rest in peace Doyle. Breathe easy. We miss you.