Obituary: Washington Herbert 6-17-32 ~ 12-24-13

Washington Herbert, age 81, of Aurora, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2013. He was born on June 17, 1932, to the late William and Salomi Herbert in Dehradun, India. Washington is survived by his loving wife Usha Herbert; children William K. (Katie) Herbert and Meena A. (Paul) Vieyra; grandsons Alexander J. Herbert, James R. Herbert, Matthew J. Herbert, Christopher J. Vieyra and Noah A. Vieyra; siblings Wellington (Evangeline) Herbert, Veda Herbert, Vertuza (Mohammed) Qureshi, Verbina (Sunil) Osmond, and Winston (Sushil) Herbert. He also had numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Viola Lall and brother-in-law Rev. Benson Lall. Washington was the oldest of seven children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science in 1953. After teaching for one year he earned his teacher’s training degree and continued to teach for eight more years at the high school level. In August of 1962, Washington relocated to Denver, Colorado to pursue a master’s degree in religious education (MRE) from the Iliff School of Theology. In 1967 he accepted a position at John Mall High School in Walsenburg, Colorado while working on a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Denver. Washington continued teaching chemistry and physical sciences in Walsenburg until retiring in 1991. Washington’s desire for education never ceased. Upon retirement he relocated to Trinidad, Colorado so that he might pursue his desire to learn painting. He enrolled in Trinidad State Junior College where he began to attend painting courses. His focus was on oil and pastel mediums. In 2000, Washington and Usha settled in Denver so that they may be closer to their children and grandchildren. A Memorial Service for Washington was held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 beginning at 11:00 AM at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, 19491 E Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO 80015. Please visit www.horancares.com to share memories of Washington and messages of condolence with his family.