Carlos Sanchez, age 80 years, passed away on June 5, 2023. He called Colorado Springs home for over 40 years but called many places home over his lifetime. He was a world traveler, having moved to the US from Mexico as a young man before joining the US Navy and traveling to foreign ports abroad. His duty stations found him, and his family, in locations such as Iceland and Spain. He loved his time in the military, having served for 25 years before retiring honorably after achieving the rank of E7. He then worked for a short period with the Sheriff Department as a Deputy Sheriff before working for the State of Colorado in Corrections. His time as a sheriff and in corrections totaled another 26+ years.
Carlos was born on January 2, 1943, to Paciano Sanchez and Mercedes Ruiz Velasco. He has been married to his wife, Lesley, for over 56 years. They married on July 2, 1966, in Mildenhall, England.
Carlos was fond of all things related to airplanes. In his life he fulfilled his longing to be a pilot by obtaining his pilot’s license and owning a small Cessna, which was his pride and joy. Before this he satisfied his passion by working in aircraft support in the Navy. He also loved music and could be found playing his guitar for family and friends at warm summer night barbecues, and he even spent some time with a band, where one of his favorite songs to play was “Charlie Brown” by the Coasters. His Catholic faith was very important to him and he found comfort in his beliefs.
He is survived by his wife, Lesley, his children, Sean and Susanne, and his grandchildren, Morgan, Jasmine and Kye.
He is celebrating with his family in heaven including his father and mother, and his siblings, Paco, Freddy, and Sarah.
A memorial service will be held on June 26, 2023, at 10am at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., with interment and military honors at 1pm at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
He will be missed by both family and friends as he flies beyond the bounds of this earth and soars with the angels! In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that was near and dear to Carlos in his time here on earth.
Jose (Pepito) Hernandez Jr
20 Jun 2023Tío Carlos was like my older brother I never had and the single I knew the longest. Always looked up to him. As a kid I always was amazed at all the places he visited. As we got older and he retired he was the only uncle I could connect with. Both of us were privileged and honored to be at the passing of his siblings. He is leaving a huge hole in my heart. He always saw my mom like his mom. We will always love you Tio Charlie. Auntie Leslie, Sean and Sue your in our prayers. See you soon.
Liz Brown
21 Jun 2023Carlos you will be missed for your wit and humor! You always brought a smile to those around you. Thank you for admiring my paintings so much so that you commissioned one. That was a beautiful compliment. You had such a great heart. My condolences to your family, especially Sean who I also knew. God has given you wings to fly forever. Enjoy my friend!
Margarita Ruiz Velasco de Ortega.
21 Jun 2023We are very sorry for losing an unforgettable cousin with a heart of gold. We’ll keep all the good memories forever. The time we spent together as family was priceless. I was very impressed by all the things he accomplished in life and always admire him for his character and senses of humor. Carlitos and Leslie were the perfect hosts when my husband and I visited them at Colorado. Carlitos will always be remembered. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Margatita Ruiz Velasco de Ortega (cousin)
Manuel Baca
21 Jun 2023Adiós mi Primo! No vemos más delante! Fuiste más que primo, te consideré siempre mi hermano!
Good be whit you! Love u forever!
Gary Ludeke
24 Jun 2023I am so sorry for your loss! I met Carlos through square dancing with the Rampart Ramblers where we became great friends. I was Carlos’s Flight Instructor and also helped him find and buy the airplane he loved so much. Whenever I surprised him during flight instruction he would always loudly exclaim “OH MY GARLIC!!” I still laugh when I think of those times! I wish we could have stayed connected but my wife, Sandy, and I moved to Oregon in 1995 and I never had contact with him again. Rest in Peace my Friend!
Steve Young
27 Jun 2023The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CPO Sanchez’s 25 years of service to our country in the Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Rob Cordwell
11 Jul 2023I will miss you Uncle Carlos, wish we hadn’t have lived so many countries apart. May you rest in peace
jasmine sanchez
15 Sep 2023i miss you always abuelo, it’s been rough without you. but i hope you’re resting easy. i hope to be making you proud!! te amo ❤️