Nicanor R Valenzuela

September 1, 1951 - June 13, 2023

Nicanor was welcomed into his eternal home above our skies on June 13, 2023. Nicanor was proceeded in death by his parents Jesus & Nellie Valenzuela. Nicanor, known as “Nic” to his family and close friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years: Sally Valenzuela; Sons: Nic Valenzuela (Mary), Carlin Villa; Daughter Victoria Valenzuela. His grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Rene, Raymond, Arlo, and Axl; Sisters: Rosemarie (Mario), Olivia (Ron); Brothers: Jesus Jr, Pablo.; numerous family and friends he leaves behind. He may be physically gone but will live forever in the hearts of all those he has touched.

Nic was taught to have a strong work ethic, be punctual, respectful, and to be kind to all. He graduated from Tucson High School in 1971. He held various jobs thereafter but then he finally found his niche in life. He became a bus operator for the City of Tucson. Many of his passengers appreciated his genuine smile, his knowledge of Tucson and its streets, and his levelheadedness whenever issues happened. He was a vigilant driver and took pride in driving his passengers safely to their next destination. Nic enjoyed listening to the passengers talk about life, share crazy stories, and sometimes it minutes of quietness. His regular passengers could depend on his gesture of kindness when he would tell them “Have a good day”, or flash to them a happy grin or a wave as they departed from the bus. He worked as Bus Operator for 42 years. He retired from Sun Tran about 5 years ago. He used the values he had learned from his parents not only at his work but in everyday encounters with family, friends, and co-workers.

When his sons and nephews were younger, Nic would take them on camping trips. During those years he would take sleeping bags, flashlights, a box of matches and simple food items. Sometimes, they would just sleep under the stars. The campers would always return happy and eager to share their stories. Nic continued with his desire to camp so he got himself a travel trailer and a big truck. Nic and Sally decided to embrace the camping lifestyle after his retirement. They packed up their travel trailer and headed to the wilderness with Becca, their family dog.

On Christmas night Nic would take his children to his parent’s home to celebrate with their grandparents and Nic’s siblings and their families. Inside Nic’s parents’ house they had Christmas decorations everywhere imaginable. Nic’s father built a large Nativity scene and hung ten strings of colorful Christmas lights all on the rooftop outside of the house. When all the families arrived, we started the night by singing Christmas songs outside by the large Nativity. Afterwards, we would head indoors to warm up. All seven kids wanted to open their gifts next. Nic loved to see the smiles on all the children’s faces, hear their excitement and laughter as they showed off their gifts. Having his children Nick Jr, Carlin, and Victoria share this holiday with their cousins and grandparents made the gatherings so very special and fun.

Nic always had a special bond with his pet dogs. Becca was youthful and kept Nic moving most of the time. These two did many things together like go on walks, look at birds, enjoy the morning sun, or evening breeze, sometimes bathe each other outside with water. Becca could shake her wet coat faster than Nic could dry her at times. Becca had a good relationship with all the grandchildren and made their visits memorable and welcomed. Nic and Becca seemed so natural together. Whenever you got a visit from Nic driving his big blue truck you could count on Becca tagging along "Nic, Becca will greatly miss you as well as your family, friends, and all the people you have touched with your smile and kindness.”