Benedict F. Quintana

Benedict F. Quintana, Age 91 July 26, 1927 - April 29, 2018 Ben Quintana, a retired oil executive and resident of Littleton, Co. died peacefully on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Ben is survived by his childhood sweetheart of 66 years, Juanita Cordova Quintana: his children, Kenneth Quintana, Kathy Quintana Buff and Phillip Quintana and wife Anne, grandchildren; Alexis Buff and Kristin Buff, and two great grandsons; Zak and Eli Lank; and his sister; Sinision Quintana, '.and his dog, Sandy. Ben was born and raised in Stollsteimer area of Archuleta County, outside of Pagosa Springs on July 26, 1927. His parents were Facundo and Margarita Quintana. Ben attended Catholic school taught by the Jesuits who brought higher education from European universities to rural Colorado. Mr. Hayes was his teacher that continuously challenged Ben to further pursue his college education. As a young teenager, Ben’s mother, Margarita agreed to let him join the U.S. Navy during World War II, training on the U.S.S. Franklin and then serving on the Escort Carrier U.S.S. Roi in the South Pacific. After being injured by a Japanese plane, Ben was honorably discharged and later attended Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley. There, he earned a degree in geophysics. Ben married Juanita Cordova on January 24th, 1953 with Gilbert “Gibby” Martinez as his best man. Ben and Gibby were hired by Western Geophysical Company of America. They worked on the seismic field crews in New Mexico. After travelling and living in California, Louisiana, Australia, Texas, Mexico, South America and Canada. He made his last business trip to the Soviet Union. After 46 years to the day with the same company, he retired. During retirement, Ben faithfully worked out at the gym until he could no longer. He enjoyed spending time with family. He was a guiding force and role model for his grandchildren, Alexis and Kristin. He was the definition of what a grandfather should be. He loved the Broncos an enjoyed attending the CU Buff games. He loved his large extended family deeply and lite up when he saw them. He spoke often at the end of wanting to go home to his mother and father. He enjoyed a cold beer and never turned down a good happy hour. As a husband, father, Tata, and great grandfather, he always, always, put his family first! He treated everyone with respect and he lived his life by the truth and highest character. He married the love of his life and held her hand to the very end. She got the last kiss! We were truly blessed to have him in our lives. Service: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 445 Lewis Street, Pagosa Springs, 81147 Monday, May 7, 2018, Viewing at 9am, Mass at 10am, Burial afterwards at Hilltop cemetery, Reception luncheon afterwards at church hall. Please share memories of Ben, and condolences for his family, by signing the guestbook below.