Cynthia Anne "Cindy" (Kriznar) Blue

Cynthia Anne “Cindy” (Kriznar) Blue, a radiant spirit known for her boundless kindness, humor, generosity and the countless friendships that colored her life, passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 6, 2024, at the age of 69. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments, just as she was throughout her life. Cindy left behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and laughter that lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all she encountered.  A practicing Christian all of her life, she studied the life and teachings of Jesus, and lived with love for God’s creation. Cindy never met a stranger, and her eagerness to learn about the people she met along her journey, and the friendships that blossomed from these interactions, became a running theme in her life.

Born in Bartlesville, OK, on October 11, 1955, to Albert (“Dee”) Leo and Rita Virginia Kriznar, Cindy was the second of three daughters, growing up with her beloved sisters Carol (“Lynner”) and Eileen (“Eensie”). The Kriznar family eventually moved to Denver, CO, where Cindy blossomed in a tight-knit community on Turner Drive, dressing up troll dolls in the latest paper dress fashions and playing a memorable “Danger, Will Robinson” robot in many a playground episode of Lost in Space and, as would become the theme of her life, made many lifelong friends.

After graduating from Ranum High School in Westminster in 1973, Cindy pursued her dream of finding a “helping career” at Western State College in Gunnison, CO. She was active in band, choir, drama, and even joined the Mountain Rescue Club— of course meeting many lifelong friends along the way. There, she met and married Bill Blue, with whom she shared her beloved children, Bradley “Bear” David and BriAnne “Breezy” Dawn. Though the marriage ended, Cindy maintained close bonds with her former in-laws, embodying her belief that relationships are forever.

Her path eventually led her briefly to Meade, KS and then to Moab, UT in 1978, where she taught Business and Typing at Grand County High School, joined the Moab Community Chorus, participated actively with her church and, true to form, forged countless new friendships that would stay with her for life. In 1988 she moved to Colby, KS, where she worked at the Service Center as a Job Training and Placement Specialist for low income or handicapped teens. She sang in the church choir and found lots of adventures for her family, including harrowing adventures with murderous stallions and dung beetles, stories which her kids would be happy to share if you ask nicely. In summers, she traveled to Alamosa, CO, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling. And it may not surprise you to know that, in each place she went, she collected lifelong friends - many of whom are reading these words right now.

Cindy was a dedicated and passionate guidance counselor, working briefly in DC Oaks Alternative School in Castle Rock, then for several years at Idaho Springs Alternative School, and ultimately finding her beloved professional home at Horizon High School in Thornton, CO. She helped establish the SOAR program there, inspired generations of students, and—true to form—made many lifelong friends among students and staff alike. She believed in every student’s potential, often seeing what others missed, and took profound joy in guiding them toward brighter futures.

Through a group called Parents Without Partners in Denver, Cindy’s life changed in two beautiful ways. First, she formed the initial few friendships that would expand and ultimately become the “YaYa’s,” a sisterhood of women (often accompanied by their “HaHa” spouses) who celebrated life’s adventures with each other in frequent get-togethers and wild celebrations. Most importantly, she met Ron Arpin, the love of her life. They married, and together they blended their families, with Ron’s sons Gregory, Brett, and Scott, adding joy and love to her life. With Ron by her side, Cindy found a deep and lasting happiness, enriched by the love of their children, children-in-law, and an ever-growing group of grandchildren, who each held a cherished place in Cindy’s world.

As a mother and grandmother, Cindy was joyfully unconventional, and utterly devoted. She’d flip coins on road trips to let chance decide their path, plan scavenger hunts, and take them line dancing at the Cactus Moon. Every holiday was an event, with Christmas being especially magical, each year marked by a new theme and a house transformed in secret by morning. She wrote whimsical odes for loved ones and was never without a way to celebrate others’ accomplishments, big or small.

Cindy’s kindness was a defining trait and will undoubtedly be experienced in ripples through time, as her kindness was often contagious. To her, displaying kindness wasn’t grand or performative; it was woven into everyday acts. As one small example, she kept stacks of $5 bills in her car for anyone holding a sign, and never questioned the motives of those asking for help. She’d rather be “hopeful and kind” than worry about how the money was going to be used. She supported FISH in Broomfield, CO, to support the basic needs of her neighbors, Heifer International, Compassion International, Shriners Burn Hospital, and countless other charities with her time, resources, and unyielding empathy. Cindy was also a creator, making stained glass art, writing odes, singing in “Rock Choir,” curating themed celebrations, and reveling in giving gifts that were as imaginative as they were heartfelt. Wherever she volunteered, and to whomever she gave, she never missed the opportunity to be more than just a donor or volunteer. She took great interest in the individuals she helped and, in doing so, made many lifelong friends.

For Cindy, no moment was too small to celebrate, no person unworthy of attention. Whether sharing a laugh with a stranger on an airplane or chatting with a grocery store clerk, she lit up spaces and lives effortlessly, and made lifelong friends along the way.

Cindy (“Babe” to Ron, “Gammers” to her grandkids), is survived by her loving husband, Ron (“Doc,” “Ron Arpin,” “Moondoggy”); her children, Bradley “Bear” Blue (married to Tara, with grandchildren Penelope “Penny Sweet Pickle” and Samuel “Sam-I-Am”); BriAnne “Breezy” Bredenberg (married to Mike, with grandchildren Andersen “Sweet ‘Tayta,” Emerson “Sweet Pea,” and Graysen “GiGi”); her stepsons Gregory (married to Katie (Katyah)), with grandchildren Landon “Doni” and Cooper (“Coop-de-doop”), Brett (married to Katrina, with grandson Ashton), and Scott (married to Emily, with grandchildren Colton Reed and Sadie Sue); and her sisters Carol “Lynner” and Eileen “Eensie.” She is also survived by her father, 99 year-old Albert (“Dee”) Kriznar. And numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Rita Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, Cindy asked that donations would be made to Pediatric Burn Care Unit at Shriners Children’s Hospital, a cause close to her heart after seeing their wonderful service in action after a recent family tragedy.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on November 23rd, at Family in Christ Church (11355 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) at 12:00 PM. There will be a reception in the same location immediately after. For family and friends unable to attend in person, Cindy’s family invites you to attend via live-stream at the following: Cindy Blue Live-Stream.

Consider wearing a pop of bright color if attending the service. Cindy wanted everyone, this room full of family and a lifetime of accumulated friends, to come with bright spirits and ready to laugh, reminisce, and to share the stories that will keep her memory alive.