Arnold Quinonez

TORRINGTON, WYO.... Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for ARNOLD 'ARNIE' QUINONEZ, 74, at 10:00am on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at St. Rose Catholic Church with The Rev. Father Kevin Koch officiating. A Wake/Rosary service will be held on Tuesday evening, December 27th at 7pm at the church. Mr. Quinonez died on December 22, 2005 at the Torrington Community Hospital. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday at the Colyer Funeral Home from 10am to 5pm. The casket will be open at the Rosary and closed at the Mass. Those who wish may direct memorial contributions in Arnie's memory to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home. He was born on August 5, 1931 in Nebraska, the son of Jose and Maria del Refugio (Briesca) Quinonez. He grew up and received his education; graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1950. He then attended the University of Northern Colorado where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. A strong proponent of education, Arnie went on to complete two Master's degrees in music education and educational administration; attending Knapp School of Music in Chicago, Illinois, and Northern State University at Aberdeen, South Dakota respectively. He met Maria (Mary) Ramos in 1948 and the couple married on June 21, 1958 in Torrington, Wyoming. They had two daughters of whom they are very proud; Suzanne and Adrianna. Arnie pursued his teaching career in music education spanning 37 years of professional involvement in the states of Nebraska and Wyoming. His emphasis was in the area of vocal and instrumental music K-12 grades. He taught music for the Goshen County School District for 23 years, retiring in 1994. Arnie also received an 'Outstanding Service in Music Education to the Youth and Public Schools of Wyoming' award by the Wyoming Music Education Association. He was an avid jazz aficionado and musician, and as a teenager, he directed the ?Nuco Quinonez & His Orchestra?. He worked his way through college playing in a trio. In later years, he went on the road with Dean Buschnell and recorded an album with Buddy De Franco. Arnie also continued his enjoyment of music in family excursions to Denver, Colorado; attending various musicals and off-Broadway plays. Arnie was perceived by friends as a strong community leader with a warm, welcoming spirit, a great sense of humor and deep dedication to his family and community. He always took time for his friends and was a great conversationalist. Arnie was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years where he served as treasurer for 13 years. He also served as treasurer and played a key leadership role in the Guadalupe Society; an organization dedicated to corporal acts of mercy. Most recently, Arnie received an ?Outstanding Service Award? presented to him by the Guadalupe Society, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Arnie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Torrington; daughters, Suzanne Quinonez of Denver, Colorado and Adrianna Gmeiner and her husband Leland of Spokane, Washington; and three grandchildren, Julia Marie, Anna Lisa, and Joseph Neal Gmeiner all of Spokane. His parents preceded him in death.

Arnold Quinonez

August 5, 1931 - December 22, 2005