Gonzalo Medina Arriens 

Cremation Center of Kansas City

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 Gonzalo Medina Arriens, loving father of four and grandfather of five, passed away of natural causes at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Born December 12, 1936 in Caracas, Venezuela to mother Guillermina Arriens de Medina and father Rene' Medina Guardia, Gonzalo spent his childhood on a ranch in Barlovento, Venezuela with his brothers, Rene’ and Guillermo; and sisters Yolanda and Teresa. Gonzalo came to the United States in 1952 to complete high school and attend the University of Kansas and later, the University of Missouri Kansas City. He played soccer for KU throughout college. Gonzalo owned and operated the Medina Pharmacy in Stanley KS, along with working for Olathe Medical Center and Bethany Medical Center, where he retired as a pharmacist. He married Dinah May Hall in 1969 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2019. Together they raised a daughter, Allison and three sons, Emory, Mike and Gonzalo Jr. They raised their children to be responsible, compassionate and hard working. Gonzalo was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. More so, he had a passion for soccer. Gonzalo was the first coach and founder of the Blue Valley Soccer Club in 1977. He taught countless youths across Kansas City the sport of soccer and the values of sportsmanship – including his three sons. Many will remember Gonzalo and Dinah spending countless hours at their son’s wrestling meets for many years. Gonzalo also loved to travel, spending winters throughout Central and South America with his wife and children throughout their lives. Gonzalo was known for his sense of humor, love of the outdoors, and for being an outstanding coach - on and off the field. He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s events while teaching them the principles of leadership, respect and compassion. Gonzalo is survived by his four children and their spouses, Allison Walford, Emory and Stacy Walford, Michael and Tiffany Medina, and Gonzalo Jr. and Amy Medina; and grandchildren Spencer, Lauren, Greyson, Jackson, Maya, Truman and Eli; great grandchildren, Liam and Rainer Walford; and sister Teresa Medina de Lopez. His wife Dinah passed just three days before his death. Service A private family service will be held August 21, 2020. A memorial service for family and friends will be held Spring 2021, to be announced. Memorial Contributions Donations in remembrance of Gonzalo can be made to St. James Academy wrestling program.

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Gonzalo Medina Arriens Obituary | Cremation Center of Kansas City