Ernest Valdez

Ernest Eliodoro Valdez of Thornton, Colorado passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2022 at the age of 91. Ernie was born on March 21, 1931 in Del Norte, Colorado to Jose Isaac Valdez and Aurelia Maria (Dupont) Valdez.

Ernie graduated highschool from Sargent High school in 1949 where he excelled as a student athlete in football, basketball, and track. His senior year he received athlete of the year and was able to run the 440 in under 50 seconds. After high school he continued to work on the family farm until he moved to Denver at the age of 38.

In Denver, Ernie met the love of his life, Mary Alice Santistevan. They were married from 1970-2018 when Mary Alice passed away. Together they raised the two youngest of his 11 children. In 1975 he graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Soon after he was hired by the federal government where he earned several awards for his work. He retired in 1998.

Ernie enjoyed hunting and fishing in the San Luis Valley. He was an avid sports fan and spent his time watching college football, basketball, boxing, the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies. His biggest passion was basketball and he coached little league basketball for several years. Traveling brought Ernie joy, he liked to explore, had fun gambling in Blackhawk and Las Vegas. Ernie was a devoted Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He taught Spanish speakers to speak English and taught Catechism alongside his wife to young children at his home church, Holy Cross Catholic Church. Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family, he had an outgoing personality and a great sense of humor.

Ernie is survived by his children Pauline, Joanne (Harold), Clarence, Teresa (Nathan), Patricia, Robert, Dale, Isaac (Michelle), and Mathew (Jamie). He is also survived by 29 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Jake (Bernie) and his sister Delma.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Isaac and Aurelia Valdez; his loving wife Mary Alice; his daughter Eileen and son in law Ralph; daughter Clara; brother Arthur and sister in law Angie; brother Gilbert; sister Ernestine and brother in law Eugene; and brother in law Sammy.

His contagious presence will be missed!

Memorial Donations in Ernie's name may be made to: TRU Community Care https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/njCXCA?vid=vdezo

The services will be as follows: