LeRoy “Rat” Vialpando, 70, of Laramie, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. He was born in Chama, Colorado on December 3, 1945 to Rosendo and Clarita (nee Vigil) Vialpando.
LeRoy grew up in Laramie, making new friends every day. As a young boy he sold newspapers every Saturday and as he grew older he had several construction jobs. He then worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and finished his career with Chemtron.
His greatest passion was his family and friends. Everyone that knew LeRoy knew that they had a friend for life with him. He had a love for traveling and he got to spend six months in Guatemala. LeRoy befriended two men while he was in Guatemala and brought them back to Laramie to help them pursue their educations and letting them board in his family home until they were able to find jobs and their own place to live. LeRoy was a very generous and caring man. He devoted a lot of his personal time into his love of cars, especially his 65’ Riviera and his 56’ Thunderbird. He loved being outdoors in the mountains and he enjoyed dancing.
He was a member of St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dora Trujillo and her husband, Clarence; his brother-in-law’s, Gilbert Sanchez, Wilbert Quintana, and Jesse LeRoy Vialpando; and his nephew, Jeff Arellano.
LeRoy is survived by his beloved son, Anthony Vialpando of Chowchilla, CA; his brother’s and sister’s, Rudy Vialpando and his wife, Helen of Riverside, CA, Loretta Sanchez of Laramie, WY, Elva Vialpando of Laramie, WY, Rose Quintana of Gardena, CA, Anthony Vialpando and his wife, Terry of Laramie, WY, Rebecca Trujillo and her husband, Teddy of Laramie, Mary Romero and her husband, Tony of Laramie, WY, Maxine Vialpando of Laramie, WY, and Wilbert Vialpando of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by his 22 nieces and nephews; and his 41 great nieces and nephews.
Vigil and Rosary services will be at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with the Reverend Fr. Dave Erickson. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
LeRoy’s family would like to thank all of the nursing staff at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center.
Services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook go to www.montgomerystryker.com
Leroy my son loved you so very much with all his heart even though we could never work out are difference you were my first love, i am sorry we could never work out are differences . May you find happiness in heaven my love god bless you my love may you live happy in heaven. My son Anthony loved you more than life itself.
GOSH I AM IN SHOCK. My condolences to the family especially my friend Elva. I just found out today about Leroy and it just makes me cry. I loved that man and we had many precious memories and special moments. I will never forget the good ole days when we danced our feet off at the Latin American Club and the laughter we shared all the time. I will miss him forever but I'm happy to know that he is no longer in pain but enjoying the fruits of heaven. I still hear him laughing and telling us not to make a big thing about his passing, but his laughter as he travels to his new horizon and happiness with his mom and dad who he so truly loved. The angels will be dancing and laughing with him and I can only say Leroy will never ever be forgotten by the people of Laramie as he was ONE OF A KIND and so special to many of us. I won't say goodbye because one day I will see you again. God Bless You and may you enjoy your new home in heaven. I love you forever and always as my memories will LIVE ON forever and I will see you in my dreams. May you rest in peace forever my special friend. Estella Herrera, Phoenix, AZ
My condolences to the family. Our friendship dates back to our pre-teen years. I will miss seeing him on my visits to Laramie.
I remember hanging out with Leroy in my teen years. He was always so full of fun and a very good friend of all my family.He was always there to help and you knew you had a friend for life. Our codolences to all his family and friends.
My condolences to all of your family on the passing of my friend Leroy. I did not hear of his passing until just a few minutes ago. Leroy and I were like brothers for many years,until time took its toll and we slowly drifted apart. I will always have great memories and stories about him and I. I pray that the lord watches over him and may god bless all of you.
We have known Leroy for the last 20 some years. Whenever you would see him he could always make you feel good. He will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family. Pryde and Bill .
To the Vialpando Family we want to express our deepest Sympathy for your loss. Treasure the memories. We will never forget his kindness and friendship. The best memory we have of Rat , was when he would Cruise the WestSide in his beautiful T Bird and his Sharp "Rivi". May God bless you all now and forever. Fabby & Alonzo Gonzales
To all the Vialpando and the Vigil family. I remember Rat when he was best friends with my brother Ernie Montoya. He spent many hours at our house in South Laramie. I remember he and Ernie chaperoning Rebecca and I to dances then taking us home before the fights would start. He was like a big brother to me. In God's hands now. My deepest condolences to all his family.Betty Montoya Eurioste
My condolences to the family, I grew up knowing Rat for his Riviera. His car inspired me to by mine. He always treated me well growing up just around the corner. R.I.P.
While I didn't know him well, I agree with everyone that his smile was special. He'd wave to me as he rode his bike and with that booming voice he'd give out a big "Hello." Maybe not getting to know him is a lesson to pay more attention to those around us. Rest in Peace and thank you for being you.
So sorry about your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. May you find comfort in the fond memories you have of Leroy. May he rest in peace. Bethel Welch
To all the Vialpando family, Rat will always live on in your hearts and in mine as well as all who knew him .My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Ernie Mascarenas
RIP,Rat, my condolences to family and friends of this great guy!
RIP,RAT,my condolences to Family and Friends,of this great Guy. LOVE TO ALL
Laramie will never be the same without this wonderful man. He always had a wave and a smile and it's true he never met a stranger. What a wonderful world we would live in if everyone were as generous and loving as LeRoy. My favorite memory of course involves his TBird. He drove it like a King and when you waved at him he never failed to flash that mega watt smile. He was a man who could make your heart smile. My son Christian loved talking cars with him. I remember the first time he called him "Rat" and I was horrified. LeRoy laughed and I had to join in as this man brought the sunshine. He will always be missed. Your entire family have always touched my life with love and generosity . Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry about your lost. My prays go to the Vialpando family. So sorry God bless. Annette Carrillo and family.
I'm so sad to know you are gone my friend......where did the time go. I wish we could have spent more time together. Your jokes, your laugh and your awesome personality and our talks will be missed. I love you Rat. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
RIP LEROY, OUR CONDOLENCES TO ALL HIS FAMILY.. FROM FRANK & MARIA GRIMALDO. FROM COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO
My dear friend I haven't seen u since I was 18 years old but talked to you on the phone throughout the years for 34 years - wow how time has passed. I met u when I was 17 at a gig my uncle Mike Mesa and CP were playing at in Cheyenne - I will never forget that night - it was like a had known u all forever - we laughed all night and had so much fun. You kept saying your famous phrase "I'm gonna give you all night to quit it" lol. It was hilarious. I remember cruising in the Riviera and you were always working on the Thunderbird to make it perfect and I will always remember your laugh. Rest in peace my dear friend I will miss you. God bles . (If anyone can pass my phone number to Wee bee I would appreciate it and would love to hear from him. Thanku Yvette Martinez - Chula Vista C . (619)674-0119. My condolences to the whole family
To all the Vialpando family, I want to express my sincere sadness for your loss. I remember Rat from way back when the only other side of town was by way of the Clark St. Bridge. He would show off his cars pretty good driving as slow as he could (to really show off his cars). Me and my sister Adelaida would wait for him to cross to the other side and in no time cruise back over. It is an endearing memory still. Sincerely, Anabell Wurth
Rat, it was our pleasure knowing you we had some good times. I always loved your thunderbird it was such a gem. Our condolences are with all of your family, especially my good friend Elva and Pebbles, your Rawlins friends John and Anita gonzales
I am so sorry for you loss. He was a great person
We will miss you! RIP primo... I will never forget riding in your red car for Santana at age 13.....And your last trip to canyon. Condolences to all the family. -Laurie Vigil
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of the most amazing men I have had the pleasure of knowing! Uncle Rat Daddy will truly be missed. These are the times where I wish I was closer to home but know my love and prayers are with you all as you say goodbye to LeRoy. I know my life was better having him in it and I am thankful for all of the great memories!