Jose Velasquez Obituary

Longtime Ignacio resident Jose Dan Velasquez died after a short illness Saturday, April 3, 2010, in Aztec. He was

91.

Known as Dan, he was born to Jose and Maria Velasquez on Jan.17, 1919, at their home. At an early age, he discovered

his love for horses, which added to his enjoyment of hunting and fishing. Mr. Velasquez spent countless hours in the

saddle, trying his luck at roping and other rodeo events, and going on numerous pack trips with his family and

friends.

After graduating from Ignacio High School, Mr. Velasquez worked with the family businesses. His father owned a livery

stable and billiards parlor, and the family also hauled mail. He served as a gunner's mate on merchant ships while in

the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. He told many stories about the places in Africa he had seen.

Upon his discharge, Mr. Velasquez returned home and began working for the La Plata County Road and Bridge Department,

primarily as a heavy-equipment operator, retiring after 38 years with the county.

On April 23, 1951, he married Della Alries in Ignacio.

“Dan and Della instilled in their children the importance of family and friends," Mr. Velazquez's family wrote, “and

that they were one and the same. His daughter Cecelia Robbins recalls all the tailgate picnics, camping and fishing

trips, and other countless outings in the surrounding

mountains."

Mr. Velazquez also served the Ignacio community in a number of civic and volunteer ways. His name is on the

appreciation marker at Night-horse Park, and he also was recognized by the Western Heritage Days.

Mr. Velasquez was preceded in death by his wife of

45 years, Della Velasquez; and infant granddaughter Teresa Velasquez.

He is survived by his sons Arnold Velazquez of Oxford, Mike Velasquez of Spring Creek, Joe Velasquez of Farmington, Jim

Velasquez of Santa Fe and Lupton, Mich., and Tony Velasquez of Layton, Utah; daughters Cecilia Robbins of Ignacio and

Vida Brown of Bloomfield, N.M.; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at

7 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be

celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010, also at St. Ignatius. Burial will take place afterward at the Ignacio

West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Guardian Angel Home Health, 4801 N. Butler Ave., No. 2000,

Farmington, NM 87401.

Online condolences may be sent at www.danielsfuneral

home.com.