R.I.P. Barney Apodaca

I was sad to hear of the passing of Barney Apodaca. He was such a unique individual with a special light to share with the world. He was practically a living legend in Old Town Fort Collins. When I say that EVERYONE knew Barney, it is not an exaggeration. He walked around and had interactions with multitudes of people over the years. 

I met Barney when I lived in Old Town when I was in college. My roommates and I had rented part of a house on the corner of Olive & Remington. Barney lived down on Oak street, and he was always walking by on the sidewalk and we eventually started talking with him. As anyone who has met him can speak to, he is someone that becomes your friend immediately. 

Barney is not only known for his friendliness, but he is also known for raising money for all sorts of great causes. While I knew him, he was heavy into the Poudre Vally Hospital Bowlathon. I worked at PVH and had the pleasure of taking Barney to the hospital one day. He went around to all of the departments meeting tons of people and getting them to sponsor him in the Bowlathon (he was their top fundraiser for a few years in-a-row, I believe). Anyways, it was a sight to see, Barney showed up at the hospital and he was like a rock star. Everyone knew him there too! 

I am deeply sad that he is not with us anymore, but I am glad he is not sick or in pain. I definitely feel richer for having known him. What a great perspective he had on the world. Everyone was his friend, and he was almost always happy and smiling. His legacy that he left behind is quite staggering - the people he met, conversations he had, causes that he worked hard for, and miles and miles of walking. Barney, I hope wherever you are, you know that you are missed by many people.

R.I.P. Barney Apodaca