Dave L. Valdez

Dave was born on May 5, 1939, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his father, King Valdez and his mother Mildred Salazar, both of Fort Collins. He is survived by his daughter, Joanna Keiffer and son in law Sjohn of Loveland; his granddaughter, Anna Falk, her husband, Dan and their son, Dave's great-grandson, Edward, of Parachute, Colorado.

Also surviving are Dave's seven siblings: Cordelia Jiron of Littleton, Colorado, Marge Vasquez and husband Pete of Tucson, Arizona, Vernie Valdez of Greeley, Colorado, Mary Pineda and Debra Valdez, both of Windsor, Colorado, Veronica Sanchez and husband Jerry and his brother, Joe Valdez, all of Fort Collins, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

Dave graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1958. He enlisted in the US Army on December 15th, 1961 and proudly served his country. He completed a 4 year term of service, on active duty until March 26, 1965. He then remained in Oakland, California to finish his tour of enlistment. Dave did his basic training at the Fort Carson US Army base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He spent most his tour in Honolulu, Hawaii, serving some time in Thailand as a construction engineer.

He married Gloria Vigil of Fort Collins in 1966. His “One and only” daughter, as he said it all the time, Joanna Lynn, was born in December of 1966. When Dave returned to Colorado from active Army duty, he enlisted for another 8 years in the CO Army National Guard. He achieved the rank of E5 Sergeant. He resigned after 12 years of service, and was honorably discharged.

In his youth, Dave loved working outside with his father on the farm. He also worked for Forney's Industries, G&S Sanitation and Barella Landscaping for many years. His hobbies included bicycling, walking, reading, sharpening knives, and collecting guns, swords, walking sticks, and Native American items. He enjoyed dancing, watching westerns and campy sci-fi shows and movies, donating to many various causes, and was a lifetime NRA member.

Dave was a kind man who never knew a stranger. He loved to visit with people. He loved his daughter and grandchildren dearly. He will be greatly missed!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 from 1pm - 3pm in the Columbine Room at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. Dave will be placed to rest in a private ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Memories of Dave and words of condolence for his family are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com