Obituary of Michael McArdle

Michael Justice McArdle passed away on June 11, 2018 from an extended illness. Michael was born September 25, 1958 at Lowry Airforce Base in Denver, Colorado to Lt. Colonel Thomas McArdle and Captain Nora McArdle, their first child. He is survived by his wife Edie Busam, stepchildren Amanda Neal (her husband Matthew Roberts), Elizabeth Crutcher (her husband William Crutcher), David Neal (his wife Stephanie Neal) and 6 grandchildren; Holland, Laina, Liam, Lucy, Lillian and Charlotte. He has four living siblings; Thomas McArdle, Lt. Colonel James McArdle, Moreen McArdle and Dr. Mona McArdle. The eldest son of a military family, Michael moved with his family to Alaska until the age of ten where his family then settled in Colorado Springs. Michael was a 1976 Mitchell High School graduate, studied at School of Mines and University of Northern Colorado. At UNC, Michael became student body president and was on the Board of Trustees for the University. Michael began his professional career in Greeley at the Greeley Chamber of Commerce and then moved to Denver to work for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI) for many years in government relations. He worked for CACI for 15 years and moved to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment where he served the state in the role of Director of Labor for 20 years. He believed his biggest accomplishment was his work to create the Child Health Plan in Colorado. Michael and Edie married on the balcony of the state capitol and he became a devoted husband. His love enveloped his family and he was deeply adored as a stepfather, joyously participating in his children’s lives, celebrating them at every step. He was celebrated as a grandfather (papa) and much loved by his grandchildren. Michael will be remembered for many things, most especially, for his devotion to his wife and stepchildren, and his unyielding kindness toward others. He also loved history, museums, politics and Colorado. There was no one better than Michael bantering on any issue, for he read everything in the nonfiction section of the library! There will be a memorial service honoring Michael on Saturday, July 14th, 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2015 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80202 with a reception in the undercroft of the church immediately following the service. Michael was so loved and will be so missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 2015 Glenarm Place, Denver CO 80205, www.StAndrewDenver.org, designating music program or operating fund. Also, the Denver Hospice is accepting memorial donations on Michael’s behalf, 501 South Cherry, Ste. 700 Denver, CO 80246 Please send your personal memories of Michael to Edie Busam, 2001 Lincoln St. Unit 1210, Denver, CO 80202. Your memories will be cherished and shared with family and friends.