Michael Pappas

Michael Pappas was born in Walsenburg, Colorado on December 9, 1929 and died October 8, 2013 in Loveland, Colorado. Mike was raised in Frederick, Colorado, where he was a standout basketball player. He was a member of the 1948 Class A Prep All Stars. He continued to play basketball after he enlisted in the Navy, playing for AirPac while stationed in San Diego. After his discharge, Mike received a basketball scholarship at Colorado State College of Education, now University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. In addition to playing basketball, Mike was charter president of Theta Xi fraternity. Mike graduated in 1954 and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Mike was an educator for 35 years. He spent time as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He retired from Jefferson County Schools in 1990. He was honored by the Colorado Athletic Directors Association and was inducted into the Jefferson County Athletic Hall of Fame. After retiring, Mike spent time with his hobbies: fishing, woodworking, and traveling with his wife Elizabeth. He was a member of the Westminster Elks, and was honored as Elk of the Year in 2002. Mike is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betsy) of Loveland, his sons Michael (Linda) of Loveland, Greg (Sharon) of Arvada, and daughter Marianne (Steve Berge) of Denver. His daughter Anita Pappas Adamson preceded him in death. Also surviving Mike are 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and his sister Marie DeGesualdo of Frederick. A celebration of Mike's life will be held Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 1:00 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 W. 80th Ave., Arvada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael's honor to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Donations can also be made online by visiting www.elks.org/ENF/ Please share your memories of Michael and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.