Ferdinando Bustos

Ferdinando (“Fred”) Rinel Bustos, age 97, passed away June 30, 2021 surrounded by his family.  Not an educated man, but a man of knowledge and wisdom.  He was born in Mora, New Mexico on April 20, 1924, where he lived on his family’s land, Cañada del Carro, until he moved to Wyoming, where he met his wife in 1950 and then moved to Commerce City, Colorado. He made a living working for the Union Pacific Railroad, and later worked 34 yrs with Gerald H. Phipps as a construction laborer and proudly left his mark on numerous hospitals and various structures throughout Denver before retiring in 1986. He was a union member of Laborers 720 for almost 68 years. He enjoyed western movies, especially Audie Murphy, country music, and loved to play his 12-string Martin guitar; he continued to play until arthritis set in late in life.  He was an avid hunter as part of his upbringing to supplement the dinner table and skillfully provided for his family for many years. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Bustos, and his three daughters, Linda Chevarria (Gene), Jennifer Schweitzer (Jerry), and Debra Bustos (Lalo Diaz), his sole grandson, Vincent Bustos, and his brother, Albert Bustos, several in-laws, and nieces and nephews.    He is preceded in death by his parents Servando & Salome Bustos, sisters and brother, Sinforosa Lucero, Miquela Montoya, and Edumenio Bustos. Funeral services will take place at Horan & McConaty, July 12, 2021, at 11 am, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003 with a Reception to follow.