Michael Robert Ulibarri

Michael was born to Jose Miguel and Maria Carmel de Jesus Martinez Ulibarri, “Jessie” at 4:10 am Saturday July 13, 1946, in the home his father built on Sunnyside in Monte Vista, Colorado. At the young age of 75, Michael was welcomed into heaven’s gates on Tuesday October 26, 2021, by his parents, sisters Libby, Lydia, Teddy, and his brother Gerald. He is survived by his sister Mary Alice.

The day dad was born, he was already an uncle to Virginia. His dad passed when he was only 3 years old. He then lost his brother a few short years later. Dad was the head of the household selling the newspaper and Spudnuts on the corner at age 5.

Growing up, dad always had dogs… but he didn’t know how to train them and so eventually Grandma Jessie would grow tired of them. He attended Catholic school and helped Grandma Jessie with a variety of church duties: alter boy, dusting the pews, setting up for receptions. Although he had a heart of gold, he was known to get into mischief from time to time.

Growing up, his favorite aunt was Margaret and his favorite uncle was Ross. As time passed, Johnny and Libby became very important people. Johnny had him working for the railroads in the summer laying track.

During high school, Dad studied all of the core classes including Latin. Hard to imagine but choir was an elective he apparently chose. He kept relatively good grades, but spoke often of struggling with math. He played high school baseball. In 1963, he was the Fashion Coordinator for the Christmas Pageant. His dream was to become a doctor. Instead, Michael graduated high school and entered the Navy in April of 1966.

The Navy showed him the good, the bad, the vastness, and the ugly of the world. He slowly moved up the ranks, embracing dangerous jobs in order to send money home to the family. He traveled the world while stationed on the USS Oxford and saw both the beauty and the ugliness of Vietnam. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he married and had us three children: Lisa Ulibarri-Miller and husband Larry, Deborah Greene and husband Allen, and Joseph Ulibarri and wife Holly. Our step-brother Todd joined the family, too. We, in turn, added to the family empire with grandchildren: Samantha Brun, Alyssa Dunman (husband Trae), Mariah Brun, Cassandra Brun, Nolan Miller, McKenzie Ulibarri, Jillian Miller, Ashley Vralsted, and Whitney Vralsted; and they added great-grandchildren: Carson, Ellie, Peyton, Ezemeralda, and Meridian.

An entrepreneur at heart, Dad didn’t attend the typical University. He titled his “Ulibarri University”.  At this school, he learned that to succeed you need grit, determination, guts to gamble, perseverance, and to share and give to those in need. He considers his degree in Business Administration. The profession chose him. He wrote in his journal that he flunked many times, but the course he excelled in was Grandfatherhood.

He was a salesman and business owner. He owned jewelry stores and bars. Dad worked hard to provide and sometimes his determination was interpreted as cold. In his heart, he was never cold… just always wanted the best for everyone. Dad knew the pathway to success was mostly treacherous and wasn’t about sugar coating. Dad was incredibly proud of his Joe who accomplished more in business and in marriage than he did. DJ (Deborah) makes Dad beam. She struggled so much as a single mom, and is now a hugely successful lady. Dad often gave Lisa a hard time for how much time college took from her… but man, he was a huge support, hanging with the kids and even cooking dinner. His greatest sense of pride resides in all of his grandkids. There are no words for that.

By October 26, 2021, our dad was kind, patient, venerable, fragile, funny, and loving. He worked hard to keep in touch with Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews—family. He took care of so many people in his own way. He always wanted the best for everyone—even if the way he expressed it was unconventional. Life isn’t just about a moment--- it’s the journey.

Viewing will be Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 7p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.  A Catholic Prayer Service will be held Saturday, November 6th, 2021 at 10 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.  Reception details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Shriners Hospitals for Children in his name.