Billy D. Cardenas
October 7, 1950 ~ December 12, 2022
Billy David Cardenas passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 72.
Billy was born on October 7, 1950, in Walsenburg, Colorado, to Richard and Mary Cardenas. The oldest of four children, Billy started working at an early age. He turned his strong work ethic, desire to take care of his family, and compassion for others into a thriving career as a Denver policeman.
Billy was an All-State baseball and basketball player at Widefield High School in Colorado Springs, and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds out of high school. However, his mother had other plans: she insisted that education be his priority, so he skipped the big leagues and attended Ottawa University in Kansas. His mother was so proud that he was the first in the family to attend college. While in Kansas he met Susan; they married and the following year welcomed their first son, Eric, and shortly thereafter were blessed with Tim and then Kristi. Billy loved being a dad and a grandfather. If you asked him, he would say that his greatest accomplishment wasn’t his baseball legacy or his 31 year career as a policeman, it was his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Billy was a kind and generous man, never judging or holding mistakes against his family. He had a significant impact on those around him. The love he imparted to us will live on in us, his legacy is one of which we’re all proud.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, his stepfather, Curtis Norman and by his brother Greg Cardenas. He is survived by mother his Mary Norman, his sisters Anna and Theresa; children Eric (Theresa), Tim (Krisha) and Kristi (Shawn); grandchildren Brennen, Sydney, Aaron, Dominic, Karissa, Jorge, Martin, Ariana and Jordan; and great-grandchildren Alani, Cannon, Rhea, Lynelle and Ruben.
Friends are invited to join the Cardenas family on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11 am for a celebration of Billy’s life at the Trinity Church of Wheat Ridge 4490 Newland St. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A light lunch will immediately follow.
On this date 12/11/22 the Lord made a call for one of his best Denver policeman that I have ever known Billy Cardenas. I met Billy while working the morning shift in 1982 at which time I learned to appreciate his technique and style of work. Billy had the ability to calm all critical police calls and yet handle same with positive results. Billy often shared with me his love of family and pride of fatherhood. I admired Billy for his great police work and better yet for being a wonderful person. Dear Lord take care of my friend Billy.
Billy was a great Cop and a Friend. While he worked at DU we used to meet for coffee late evenings and while the he expressed his Love for DPD and especially how Proud he was of his Son Eric following his life steps on DPD and his Love for his Family. Billy touched my Heart. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Billy was a Hell of a Cop and a great friend. While he worked at DU we used to meet up late evenings for coffee and there he expressed his Love for DPD and especially how Proud he was of Eric his Son and how his family meant so much to him. He touched my Heart and may you Rest in Peace with the Father and Jesus in Heaven my Friend.
One of the finest gentlemen I have known for many years as a true friend. Billy, a safe journey to you as you fly with the Angels into the Kingdom of our Lord. LOVE YOU, MY FRIEND. My best to you and your beloved family.
Bill and I were married for 17 years. Yes we had our differences, but we were happy for a long time. RIP Billy you will be missed. Prayers for the family, during this difficult time 💙
Billy was one of my TO's in the academy, and later when I was on probation I worked with him a couple of times. It was on the morning shift, 11:00 pm to 6:00 pm on car 323. Being the probationary Officer I had to drive and do the paperwork. He would sit in the passenger seat and you would swear that he was asleep! But if you missed a turn going to a call or a traffic violation, or suspicious person or vehicle, he would open one eye and say, “Are you going around the block, because you missed your turn? Or, are you going to stop that car? He was a great policeman, teacher, and a wonderful person. He was always patient with younger officers and with citizens, even if they were rude or irate. And even after an officer was off probation, they could still go to him with questions and he would patiently help them. And he had a great sense of humor! He will be missed by many!!!
My cousin Billy absolutely loved you ,your quick wit ,your laugh and beautiful smile ,and what a wonderful listener you were ,a real sweetheart and gentlemen you always welcomed my family i with great respect and trick me When it was my turn to pay for lunch you'd hunt down the waitress first and when I get back it was already done paid for you silly guy, I loved going out of my way and traveling to see you ,because you loved me for me and I thank you for that truly understanding me and taking the time too laugh and laugh ,Your positive Attitude I will carry with me forever love you until we meet again…❤️
Rest In Peace Billy. Thank you for all your years of service in the Denver Police Department and to the citizens of Denver. Thank you for the great times playing golf together. I learned a lot getting my butt kicked by you on the course. God's speed.
Billy was a big reason I applied to DPD….I got into the academy and was assigned to District 3 when I graduated and he was one of my T.O.'s…..I learned a lot and we joked around a lot….
The biggest lesson he taught me was …sometimes….good people make mistakes and need some help rather than a ticket or an arrest ….other times some very bad people needed to be caught and face the consequences in front of a judge….
The trick he said….Was to be able to recognize which one was which at the time….
I think of what he said all the time when going about my day ….
I'll do my best to pass your message along sir…. I'll see you again someday and you can fill out my daily sheet and tell me how I did …..til then my friend…Rest east Billy …
Billy was a big reason I applied to DPD.I got into the academy and was assigned to District 3 when I graduated and he was one of my T.O.s..I learned a lot and we joked around a lot.
The biggest lesson he taught me was sometimes.good people make mistakes and need some help rather than a ticket or an arrest .other times some very bad people needed to be caught and face the consequences in front of a judge.
The trick he said.Was to be able to recognize which one was which at the time.
I think of what he said all the time when going about my day .
Ill do my best to pass your message along sir. Ill see you again someday and you can fill out my daily sheet and tell me how I did ..til then my friendRest east Billy
The picture the family chose of Billy is how I remember him. That same smiling face was so familiar. Never got to work directly with Billy during our time on the job, but he was one of the nicest gentleman there was.
He is my brother! We went thru a lot growing up but had always been my mountain! When I was young I would try and follow him wherever he went! We had our tonsils removed together! He broke his leg I took care of him, when I had eye surgery he took care of me! Went to all baseball and basketball games! Then he went to college and could've gone pro in baseball but fell in love and came back to Colorado, got married! Eventually he joined the police department and stayed in between 30 and 40 years ! Don't know the exact years! I moved back and forth from Denver 3 times to Louisiana but he was there for me! Last time it snowed but he drove and I can say all the trips were an adventure! When together we always could talk and laugh! I will miss all those times, he was the Mountain for everyone! Family, Friends, didn't matter! Never held a grudge, I never really saw anger, and he never complained! It was so amazing! The past years we took care of each other! I don't know what I'm going to do without him but I will try to be like him! Love you Billy and miss you! Be seeing you again!
I had the honor of working with Billy on DPD! He was a great cop and good friend. He had a great sense of humor, and was a gifted athlete. He and his family are in my heart and prayers, as Billy now sits among the angels. RIP Billy!
Billy you have been my rock over the past few years. I will miss your warmth and caring. Our time together was like ships passing in the night. I loved our debates over politics and social matters. Your laugh was so wonderful. You treated my so well and I it is so hard to image my life without you in it. My heart has an empty place where you were.
What can I say? Only married for 13 years, but friends for 52. You were the father of my children and would do anything for any of us. I so appreciated the love you had for my mother, she loved you, too. I am sure you are with her on the other side. Thank you for going with me to see my sister, Karen, near the end of her struggles, your strength was what I needed. Rest in peace, my dearest friend. Till we meet again.
Billy, the last time we tee'd it up you continue to have that infectious smile and happiness no matter where the ball went! You just had a good time everytime we met up at the golf course! God bless you Billy and your family! We will miss you!
Respect Love Chewie and Sharon
I had the pleasure with working with Billy while at the Denver Police Department. Billy was one of my training officers, and remained friends after he retired. I moved out of state several years ago, and only recently heard of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. God bless you all
Billy, I was blessed to have known and worked with you my friend. I will never forget your big smile, laugh, grace and positive attitude. Farewell my friend.
Uncle Billy will always be the original hero in our family as far as I am concerned. I can only imagine the number of lives he saved throughout his life. A true bada$$ kind of guy but with a heart of gold. He was a credit to the DPD but also to his family. He will be missed and loved by all who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives. I will always remember the story of how he blew my grandmother off at der Weinersnitchel in Denver because he was undercover. It infuriated her forever, which for anyone who knew her, was a triumph in itself. My heart is with those of you who loved him the most.
This world will be a lesser place without one Billy Cardenas. Like so many others, I had him as my FTO back in 1987. Sounds like a long time ago but feels as recent as yesterday. Billy was my favorite TO and certainly the one I learned the most from. We became friends on the job and often met for coffee in the wee hours of the morning at Mr. Donut on South Colorado. He was a great cop, a terrific person and a good friend. He is gone way too soon and will be missed forever. God's blessings on him and his family. There will never be another Billy C.
Billy was one of the best friends a person could have! He was a true gentleman and helped all who needed it. His infectious laugh could make your day a better one. We made so many memories with him at Crestmoor Downs and he will never be forgotten!!! Fly high Billy and dance with the Angels ❤️❤️
A fine police officer, athlete and gentleman. He is now patrolling the streets of Heaven as he once patrolled the streets of man.
Going to miss you my brother in blue . He was a great partner in patrol as well as vice bureau. Billy will be missed and will always be in my heart.