Juan Benito Tafoya

Juan (Benny) was born November 12, 1931 in Durango, Colorado to his parents, Juan Rafael and Maria Celia Tafoya.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maria, both his parents and his three sisters and one brother, Requilda, Soraida, Virginia, and William. He also was preceded in death by his son, John Anthony Tafoya and great grandson Nathan Tafoya.

He is survived by his children Gerald Tafoya and wife Kathi Tafoya and family and Catherine Altimier and husband John Altimier. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Evangeline Mondragon of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Juan lived in rural Conejos County, Colorado till after his high school graduation in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Maria E. Gutierrez on October 6, 1951. Together they settled in south Denver and had three children, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Juan worked for Protecto Wrap Company for many years and retired from Front Range Lumber Company where his coworkers nicknamed him “Juanderful” He and his wife belonged as parishioners to All Saints Catholic Church for the last 69 years.

Juan was a very hard working man who worked two jobs throughout his work life. He owned his own janitorial service for many years. He would work during the day at his regular job and then in the evenings along with his wife and also his children for a short time, would clean commercial businesses. Juan was a dare devil of sorts, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, and he even took lessons for flying an ultralight aircraft which he succeeded in taking solo flights. Juan and his wife Maria also took great joy in owning a property in Fairplay, Colorado which they called the “Triple TTT Haven”. They weekly spent their weekends camping at this two acre property in their pop-up trailer with their children, grandchildren and pets. Juan cared for his wife until her death and showed her unconditional love during her many illnesses. He also was a wonderful father who showed his children special care and love throughout his life. He also lived his life as an example of being a hard working parent/provider. Juan had a great sense of humor although, he was a man of few words, but he did always have the “last word” in all family matters. Juan was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He is loved greatly and will be missed by all.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery and Arboretum, Wheat Ridge, CO