Dr. Arthur B Vialpando

Dr. Arthur B. Vialpando, a physician who dedicated his life to caring for his patients and family, passed away March 10, 2015, at the age of 85. He was born Aug. 5, 1929, in Trinidad, Colo., to Marcus Vialpando and Rose Cordova. He graduated from Primero High School in 1945, Regis College in 1949, and Creighton Medical School in 1955. While studying at Regis, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Piquette, and they were married on Sept. 4, 1951. Upon completion of his medical internship at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver in 1956, he started his medical practice in Aguilar, Colo. Throughout the years, he expanded his offices to Trinidad and Walsenburg. He also served his community in a number of ways including Mayor of Aguilar, President of the Aguilar School Board and Las Animas County Coroner. After retiring from his medical practice, he and Mary Lou relocated to Pueblo. Dr. Vialpando enjoyed spending time with his family, to whom he was lovingly known as “Old Timer.” He often retreated with his family to his ranch in Southern Colorado, where he shared his love of fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Arthur was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lou; his parents; brothers, Marcus “Buddy” and Charles; and sister, Josephine. He is survived by sons, John (Charlotte)Vialpando, Dr. Stephen (Debra) Vialpando, Mark (Loretta Sword) Vialpando; daughters, Pam (Jeff) Vigil, Betsy (Gerald) Ruiz, Nancy (Mark) Bauman and Tina (LeRoy) Sandoval; brother, George; and sister, Joan. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2827 Lakeview Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Reception to follow both services at the parish hall.