Michael "Bronco Mike" Anthony Padilla, 64, former Morgan County resident, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the University Medical Center in Aurora following a lengthy illness.  He was born April 15, 1956, in Sidney, NE to Gavino & Carmen Mary Padilla.

Bronco Mike attended school in the Brush & Fort Morgan area.  Later attending the University of Northern Colorado where he became involved as a civil right activist with the Apostles for Justice during the Lettuce / Grape Boycotts and the Cesar Chavez movement.  He was proud to have been able to participate in the civil rights protest march from Greeley to the State Capital in Denver in the mid 1970's.

Bronco Mike was born in Sidney, NE and moved with his parents to Brighton and later to Brush.  He later moved out on his own to Pueblo and then Aurora, where he spent his final days on earth.  During his life he had the opportunity to travel to Spain, Portugal, and all over the United States and Mexico with his brother Robert.

His favorite activity was playing pool.  He belonged to a pool shooting group in Pueblo, where his team was named the Bronco Stallions.  With this team, he placed first in many tournaments.

Bronco Mike got his nickname because of his dedication to the Denver Broncos.  He was a avid fan, never missing a Bronco game.  His home was truly a museum of memorabilia commemorating his favorite team and quarterback.  He was known to wear his Bronco colors to church on Sundays, where even the Priest would call him and his family to the attention of the congregation on game day.  When asked who his favorite Bronco was, he always said "all of them!"

In his later years, Bronco Mike worked as a waiter at the Klamn Shell and the Hideaway in Pueblo, where he made work fun by dancing while delivering orders to the tables and then dancing with the ladies who enjoyed his dancing performances.  He also provided what would be considered the first Uber/Taxi to transport patrons who should not drive.  Creating a business card that read "Don't Drink & Drive – call Mike for a ride".

Mike worked many years for the Burlington Northern Railroad and various oil drilling companies and packing plants before succumbing to complications of diabetes.

Survivors include his children, Rose Loya of Denver, Angela Martinez of Pueblo, Anthony Martinez and Stevie Joe Martinez both of Sterling, CO; 1 sister, Beatrice; 2 brothers, Robert & Eloy, and 8 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Saturino (Satie) and 2 sisters Theresa and Josephine Padilla..

A rosary will be recited at 12:00 PM and a graveside service will be held at the Brush Memorial Cemetery Interment Chapel (Gazebo) on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at 1:00 PM.  Interment will immediately follow in the Brush Memorial Cemetery.   Attendees are reminded to comply with the social distancing requirements, to wear whatever personal protective equipment (masks) that they are most comfortable wearing, and to bring a lawn chair to be seated during the service.  Attendees are encouraged to wear Mike's favorite Bronco colors or jerseys.