Eugene Velasquez

Eugene Velasquez

1947-2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a great man, Eugene Velasquez, after a hard fought battle with colon cancer.

Gene was born on Feb. 12, 1947. He was raised by his mom, Angelina; and grandparents, Bonifacio and Acianita in Las Mesitas, Colo. He attended school in Las Mesitas from kindergarten to eighth grade.

He said when he was young, he loved to ride his bike and fish, he took care of all the farm animals and did chores like chopping wood. He was then sent to McCurdy Christian School in Santa Cruz, N.M., from ninth through 12th grade. While at McCurdy, he was an all-star athlete — quarterback of the football team, started four years on the basketball team and track and field.

After graduating in 1965, he attended Adam’s State College in Alamosa, Colo., where he would have continued playing college sports, however he got a job in Denver. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

He spent boot camp at Fort Campbell, Ken., then was stationed at Fort Eustis for advanced individual training as an aircraft electrician. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was an expert in rifle training. After being honorably discharged from his service, he settled down with the love of his life, Diana.

Diana and Gene raised four kids in Golden, Colo., then moved to Peralta, N.M. Gene worked for more than 40 years for Hartford Steam Boiler as an inspector. He was able to travel across the state and make his own schedule, which he loved, because he could schedule his own time in the mountains.

Gene loved his family and the outdoors, he loved his Kansas City Chiefs, and Duke! He loved hunting, fishing and camping. He wasn’t a big fan of music, “silence is golden.” He said a lot without saying a lot. He will be truly missed.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Angelina Velasquez; sister, Eunice Aderhold; and sons, Derrick Velasquez and Damien Velasquez.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; son, Shawn (Michelle); daughter, Kendra (Tim); grandkids, Skyler, Bryce, Sidney, Trace, Ally, Katie, Derrick, Seth, Khloe and Adam; special niece, Jennifer Owings; and brother, Roger Velasquez.