Natalio ""Nato"" Banchero

Nato was a man who craved knowledge, lived his life romantically, and treated others with a generosity of spirit. He will be remembered in many ways because of his charismatic, warm and loving personality, and wonderful sense of humor. His family will remember his keen wit and his tenderness toward his siblings, children and grandchildren. His former students and colleagues will remember him for his intellect and creativity as a caring physician and medical research scientist. His wife and loving companion of 37 years, Leslie will remember him for their years of travel, building the ranch together, their love of horses, numerous cruises, similar love of music and opera and their very special bond. His friends will remember him for his storytelling, wonderful dinners, and great taste in wine. Nato died peacefully Wednesday, June 12 with Leslie by his side. Nato was born in Lima, Peru, on June 6, 1935, to Natalio Banchero Rios and Delia Zavala de Banchero. He graduated from medical school from San Marcos University in Lima in 1962. After Nato completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, he returned to Peru where he did research at the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura. Nato emigrated to the United States in 1968 where he accepted a faculty position at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where he continued his research endeavors. His research focused on the effects of high altitude on the heart and lungs, and he published prolifically on the subject. During his tenure at the medical school while teaching physiology to multiple disciplines, he was awarded a full professorship. Nato served as the honorary consul for Peru from 1969 to the mid 1980s, and many friends in the Peruvian community in Denver will remember him for his help in securing consular documents and for his advice about how to thrive in the United States as an immigrant. Always possessed of a curious mind, Nato had numerous side projects during his life, some of which included interests in Peruvian jewelry, restoration of Jaguars, connoisseur of wine and collector of art. After Leslie bought an Arabian horse, Nato also fell in love with Arabians and quickly purchased his own! That first gelding led to a multi-year obsession with Arabians, which he bred and showed in competition in Colorado and other Western states. His most beloved Arabian was Nartek, who loved to nuzzle Nato and became a wonderful companion. Another passion of Nato's was his love of building and remodeling. His last major project or swan song along with Leslie, was building their dream home, Rancho Encantado. For Nato, this was a true labor of love. Nato's exquisite taste and flair for aesthetics show throughout their home. While Leslie fussed over the table, the flowers, and the music, Nato spent hours cooking his perfect gourmet cuisine for many guests and family. He was especially famous for his paella! In 1994, after 27 years, Nato retired from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. During his retirement, he continued to enjoy the ranch, his numerous hobbies, his travels with Leslie and spending time with family. Nato adored Leslie and showed it in his everyday life. Nato raised four children to be independent-minded and self-determined and his love for them was unshakable. Most of all, Nato always strove for something greater. He eschewed the pragmatic choice for the more daring or noble or even fun one. He loved Halloween, choosing terrific Halloween costumes from Dracula to a monk. He told stories of his mischievous childhood. Nato will be remembered as a generous and kind man. Perhaps nothing says more about a person than how their family and friends regard him. We are proud to have been part of his life as a wife, as children, as siblings and as friends. Nato is survived by his wife Leslie Capin. Also surviving are: four children, Natalio, Ines Maria (Chris McManus), George, Paola (Travis Rector); eight grandchildren, Robin Beck, Meredith and Trevor Johnston, Michaela, Natalio Roberto and Amelia Banchero, Grayson McManus, and Claudia Rector; four siblings, Delia, Rodolfo, Ileana, and Bertha; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Close family and friends will gather to celebrate his life in private. Please share your memories of Nato and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook.