Dr. Carlos Mellizo Cuadrado, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, loving husband, father and friend, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep on February 12, 2019. He was 76 years old.
Carlos was born on October 2, 1942 in Madrid, Spain, the youngest of four children. After his compulsory military service, he attended the Universidad Complutense de Madrid for his BA 1964, MA 1966 and PhD in Philosophy with high honors in 1970.
A longtime Laramie resident of 51 years, he immigrated to the United States in 1968 as a faculty member in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at the University of Wyoming, earning promotion to full professor in 1977. He later became a joint faculty member of the Department of Philosophy. He retired in 2010.
It was shortly after his arrival in the US that he met the love of his life, Esther Vialpando. They married on July 24, 1970 in El Escorial, Spain.
Professionally, Carlos was a prolific scholar and writer. He published scores of philosophical essays, prologues, works of fiction, collections of poetry, in addition to a significant body of translated work that brought the ideas of many of his intellectual heroes, including David Hume, John Stuart Mill, John Locke, Edmund Burke, George Berkeley, Thomas Reid, Thomas Hobbes, among others, to the Spanish-speaking world. Beyond translations, Carlos’ fiction was recognized with the receipt of numerous literary awards including, the Hucha de Plata Literary Award and the Confederación Española de Cajas de Ahorros. He was also appointed as an Honorary Consul to serve his native Spain as its representative for the Rocky Mountain Region.
In 2013 he was recognized by King Juan Carlos I of Spain for his extraordinary professional contributions with the receipt of the Medalla Cruz de Oficial, de la Orden de Isabel la Católica; one of the highest awards bestowed upon civilians by the Spanish government.
More important to Carlos, however, was his genuine love of teaching where he could share his passion for literature and philosophy with his students. He frequently commented on the joy his students brought him throughout his 42 years of service at the University of Wyoming.
Aside from his professional life, Carlos had a deep appreciation for the arts. Music was a huge part of his life. An accomplished pianist himself, Carlos loved to sing and play the piano with his family. Several days a week, Carlos would take time to enjoy the beauty of Wyoming in his drives around the countryside and in his walks around Laramie. He loved to write literary letters to friends and family. His love for soccer was second only to his love for tennis; a hobby and community that meant a great deal to him. In retirement, Carlos would spend hours listening to music at full volume, writing poetry and prose, fishing, hunting, and indulging his pastime painting in Wyoming-inspired themes, wildlife, vistas, and portraits. For those who knew him well, his greatest attribute lay in his sense of humor, most generously shared among his inner circle where it was received with endless laughter.
Above all else, however, the principal focus of Carlos’ life was his family. Carlos’ family always ate dinner together, sang together, traveled together, went to concerts together, and more; all of which created a rich and close family bond. He instilled many traditions and gave generously of his time and love; prioritizing time together with his wife, children, grandchildren, and relatives in Spain. His passing will leave a profound void in the lives of those who loved him.
Carlos is preceded in death by his parents, Felipe Mellizo Contreras, and Asunción Cuadrado Lucas; and his brother, Felipe Mellizo Cuadrado. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Esther Mellizo; his children, Olga Mellizo (Stephan Kroll) of Fort Collins, CO; Carlos Mellizo (Jennifer) of Laramie, WY; Marisa Mellizo Astras (Philip Astras) of Louisville, CO; and Philip Mellizo (Katie Hagan) of Lakewood, OH; his sisters, Paloma Mellizo Cuadrado (Spain) and María Remedios Mellizo Cuadrado (Spain); seven grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. Paul’s Newman Center Catholic Church on 1800 Grand Avenue in Laramie, WY on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 10:00AM. Immediately following a private burial, a reception will be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Laramie Soup Kitchen or Interfaith.
Sad and sorry to hear about the loss of my favorite professor and a wonderful man. Loved his sense of humor, and his teaching was legendary. Thank you and rest in peace, Dr. Mellizo. You are missed.
With sincere condolences to all your family, with many memories.
Our deepest condolences. Love Stephanie, Barry + extended family members
I am so sad to hear of Sr. Carlos' passing. I know how close your whole family is from the few times I met him while working for Esther or Carlos & Jen. Wishing you all the comfort I can send.
We so love-love Carlos. He made us laugh every time we played tennis together. He was so smart, witty, and just fun to be around. Such a cat and mouse player. Just when you thought you knew what he was doing he would send up a perfect lob right over you. He will truely be missed and our hearts go out to Ester and the family
Bill J. Karras & Family I knew Carlos as a colleague and friend; as a friend, hospitable and giving of himself to others, his family and ours, and as a remarkable paella cook; as a colleague, his passionate skepticism, his innate ability to discern the many layers of human behavior and the constant mysteries of human nature. His sudden removal from the lives of his family and ours gives us grief, but what he left gives us joy.
So sorry for you loss. We have passed on the information to our children and they have sent their condolences also. Those being, Korina Koen, Kathyrn Shearin, Jason Shearin, Karolyn Holstine, and Kelli Stoval. We pray for your healing. A. Terry and Patricia Shearin
Mr. Mellizo was my favorite Spanish professor during my student years, 1972-1976. He was a wonderful man, articulate and eloquent, with a brilliant mind and a most engaging personality. He deserves every kind word that we can speak in his memory. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues. Sincere regards, Dan Dapra
Many hearts must be heavy with the loss of someone so cherished. I am thankful for the chance meeting we had when Phil's parents visited Wooster. Even during that brief encounter, it was quite obvious that this man loved and appreciated so many things - things that probably go unnoticed by many. I liked his "spark" immediately and pray that all are able to gather comfort from the warmth and reward of a life lived so well.
Carlos and his wonderful family lived next door to us in Laramie in the 70s and 80s, and I couldn't have asked for better neighbors. If I were to define what a good person is, Carlos would be an excellent model to use.
My deepest sympathy to the Mellizo family. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take Dr Mellizo’s Spanish film caurse one summer. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the course, I was touched when Dr. Mellizo went out of his way to approach me personally to talk to me about the paper I wrote. He was such a brilliant man yet so down to earth. He will be greatly missed. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Although I've never met him, the obituary describes an extraordinary man. Having met one of his sons, his extraordinary truly lives on. My condolences to his family and friends.
Carlos colaboró mucho con su pluma y sus traducciones al mundo de las ideas, en especial al de las ideas liberales. Como lo que hay no es liberalismo, sino liberalismos -así, en plural-, sus obras, sus traducciones, sus estudios sobre diverso autores, seguirán contribuyendo al debate que se da hoy en el mundo al interior del liberalismo. ¿Liberalismo clásico, liberalismo igualitario o social, neoliberalismo? La obra de Carlos Mellizo tiene mucho que alumbrar al respecto. Mis respetos para él y la expresión de mis condolencia y soliadridad para su familia. Agustín Squella (Valparaíso, Chile)
I am impressed by the passing away of Carlos. We know each other in Pamplona and in Barcelona in several occasions. I enjoyed particularly my visit to Laramie. I will not forget never that visit in which we could speak so many hours in a friendship context. Great hospitality! I cannot forget our conversations on Hobbes, Mill, Locke and the discussions on the utilitarists and on every topic we can imagine! With him and her wife I have enjoyed for the first time the American football and a civil wedding in the Mountains! He showed always interest in my books. I will miss him very much. He was a friend, a real friend. My deep condolences to Esther and family.
I am very much impressed by the passing away of my great friend Carlos. We were friends since our childhood, and he was one of the most extraordinary persons I have known. The short description of his life and personality in the above written text is totally right. I will miss him very much. I am sure that God have received him in heaven, because He receives all the truly good persons and Carlos was undoubtedly one of them. My deep condolences to Esther, Olga, Carlos, Marisa and Philip. Yours, Rafa
Leí los poemas que me llegaron y, antes, el libro de textos privados de Stuart Mill que me enviaste y al que dediqué un comentario que también leíste. Y en continuarlo, quedamos.... Rezo por ti. Agradezco a la Providencia habernos permitido compartir tantos años de amistad profunda y prolongada. Desde aquellos de la adolescencia, cuando paseando por la calle Serrano, parados ante la frutería que entonces anidaba ,comentábamos "las cerezas aún no están maduras". El tiempo las hubo madurado y nos permitió convivir en experiencias literarias y académicas intensa a pesar de la distancia. Para Ester y tus hijos por ser los tuyos te envío el cariño de Pilar y de los míos.
Dr. Mellizo was one of my favorite professors. He’s someone I’ll always remember for his passion for teaching. My condolences to his family.
Adios....amigo Carlos simplemente te nos adelantas, por ahora te extranamos mucho; tal vez algun momento!!! nos encontremos en el mas alla y sigamos disfrutando de nuestra Amistad. Pedimos a Dios que tu alma descanse en Paz, y que les de mucha conformidad a todos tus seres queridos Tus amigos de siempre: Hector & Vicky
Esther and family and friends: It was a distinct honor to know Carlos and to admire his dedication to his family and to higher learning. His journey yielded the results of his labors and his legacy will remain truly unspoiled and intact. I do remember his early years in Laramie and how much he was committed to make his contribution. Years pass, but never transcend old family friendships. The thoughts of my sister Isabelle and I are with you as you celebrate the kindness and spirit of a man who lived his life so well.