Jose Julian Elias Archuleta, 67, passed away with his family by his side on Feb. 27, 2013.
Julian was born in Pagosa Springs on Nov. 19, 1945, to Ike and Clara Archuleta. He was the youngest of six children. His siblings included three brothers, Elias, Toby and John, as well as two sisters, Della Montoya and Martina Sanchez.
In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army for two years. During his service, he traveled to many different places, including Vietnam. When he returned to Pagosa, he worked at the local sawmill.
He soon married his wife, Matilda, and they started their family. They had seven children together: Cindy, Julian, Ike, Phil, Val, Kristy and John.
Julian was a member of American Legion Post 108. He helped them fund a scholarship for a high school senior through a softball tournament that was held annually for 14 years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family playing cards around the kitchen table, watching the Denver Broncos and outside in the yard with the barrel burning, talking and catching up with friends and listening to music. Julian had a heart of gold and always welcomed all.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Matilda, his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his seven children, 19 grandkids and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Julian are Wednesday, March 6, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, March 7, at 10 a.m., both at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Following burial at Hilltop Cemetery, the family asks all who knew Julian to attend lunch at the Parish Hall and to share any favorite memories.
