George Valdez Jr.

George C. Valdez Jr., 49, a lifelong resident of Velarde, went to be with our lord unexpectedly on Friday, August 20th. George was preceded in death by his father George Sr., son Matthew, brothers Norman and Jeff. Maternal grandparents Victoriana and Cristobal Velarde and paternal grandparents Lola and Fred Valdez.

George is survived by his beloved mother, Lula Valdez, daughters, AshleyJo, Brittany (Leroy), Alyssa (Dwayne), and Angel (Austin). The pride of his life, his grandchildren, Khloe, Adalyn, Devin, Hailey, and Mason. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his unborn grandson Isaiah. God daughter Natalya Abeyta. Mother of his children Melissa. Sisters Shirley Sanchez (Clyde), Emmie Lou Romero (David), and Ida Lopez (Xavier). Aunts, Lenore Naranjo (Alex), Theresa Baca (Joe), Shirley Martinez, Jovita Casillas (Nicolas), and Elaine Trujillo. Uncle Joe (Joe black) Martinez. His companion, Jeanette Martinez. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he loved and adored dearly. He leaves behind special friends Morris Abeyta, Eli Martinez, & Joe Romero.

George always wore his heart on his sleeve. When he was needed he was there. He always had open arms for everyone no matter the circumstance. He was never one to judge - to him everyone was family. You never would find him without his radiant big smile. He had a personality that was greater than life itself. As he would say “another day in paradise”. He had a passion for mechanics and auto body - it never mattered what the project was he put his blood, sweat, and tears into it.  He took great pride in the work he did. He was truly a man of passion. If you really knew him, you knew that he was even more passionate about his Harley. Rain or shine you could find him on his bike. In his words “a ride always set me free”.  Now he is in his real Paradise.

Public visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 6:00pm in the Sangre De Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Espanola with a rosary being prayed at 7:00pm. A mass will be held Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Velarde with a burial to follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery.

Pallbearers are as follows: Morris Abeyta, Joe Romero, Danny Velarde, Eli Martinez, Josh Padilla, and Rubel Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers are as follows: Granddaughters Khloe & Adalyn. Son in laws, Dwayne, Austin and Leroy. Goddaughter Natalya. Jerry Velarde, Nelson Sanchez, Chris Valdez, Lorenzo ‘Lj’ Sanchez and Lingui Melendez.

The family of George C. Valdez Jr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Family Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com