Miguel Bugarin

Obituary - Miguel Bugarin

Miguel "Mike" Bugarin of Arvada, Colorado, born August 8, 1941 in Greeley, Colorado, to Ecequiel and Felecitas (Montes) Bugarin, passed away peacefully at Lutheran Hospital on September 16, 2026, at the age of 85.

Mike grew up in the tri-city area of Frederick/Firestone/Dacono, Colorado, and during later teen years lived in Vancouver, Washington.

After returning to Colorado, Mike joined the U.S. Army in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. A  certified sharpeshooter, Mike served until honorably discharged in 1960 as a Private Second Class (PV2).

After military service Mike rejoined civilian life in Denver, Colorado, where he met and married Delores "Lori" De La O of Denver, Colorado in 1964. Together they had son Michael born in 1965 and daughter Diane born in 1971.

Mike worked for a short while as a truck driver before embarking on a 40+ year career in the meatpacking industry, helping to feed America.

In retirement Mike enjoyed his hobbies and passions, such as watching sports, going to games, wood working in the home shop, attending auto shows and auto races, and enjoying life with his family and close friends. He loved his children, grandchild, and dogs.

Mike is survived by his son Michael Bugarin of Lakewood, Colorado, daughter Diane Bugarin of Arvada, Colorado, and granddaughter Marisa Bugarin of Lakewood. Also survived by sister Gloria (Bugarin) Denney of Vancouver, Washington, and sister-in-law Theresa De La O of Aurora, Colorado.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Delores "Lori" (De La O) Bugarin, parents Ecequiel and Felecitas (Montes) Bugarin, and brothers David Bugarin, Jess Bugarin, and sister Corina (Bugarin) Monares.

A Celebration of Life to honor Mike will be held at the Aspen Mortuary Chapel, 6370 Union St, Arvada, Colorado, on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 1:30 PM.

Military Honors will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, Colorado, on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to Humane Colorado, formerly The Denver Dumb Friends League. To honor Mike's and Lori's beloved dogs, Smokey and the Bandit, who were adopted from the Dumb Friends League.

https://humanecolorado.org/donation-center/