2021/03/obit-valdez-190x300.jpgArthur A. Valdez passed away on March 4 at his beloved ranch in Coyote Park with his family surrounding him with love. He was 78 years old.
Arthur was born on Oct. 1, 1942, in Edith, Colo., to Joe. M. and Josie (Martinez) Valdez. His father left for WWII when Arthur was just 1 month old. The son of second-generation Colorado pioneers, Arthur had a deep love for the land, his ranch and cattle, and an unmatched drive for hard work. He chopped his own firewood in his backyard up until his last winter on earth.
At 20 years old, Arthur met the love of his life and his other half, Dorothy Lindsey, in Alamosa Colo. They married in Dec. 20, 1965, in Laramie, Wyo., and enjoyed 56 years of inseparable love. They had eight beautiful children: Beatrice Quintana, Lawrence, Leon, Shanda, Adam, Troy, Daniel and Michael Valdez.
He worked heavy equipment, started his own dump truck business and eventually ended up a cattle rancher in Coyote Park. He loved riding his four-wheeler and tending to his cattle. No matter what he did, Arthur did it with all his heart and soul. He was a man with true grit, a pillar of strength. Arthur led those around him by example; working hard every single day, he showed all his children and grandchildren and everyone around him honesty, integrity and humility. A great son, father, worker and man, he was and continues to be deeply respected by all. Arthur loved hunting, ranching, his family and horseback riding. He was also a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church and part of the Knights of Columbus.
Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Mave and Josie Valdez; siblings Gloria, Johnny and Annabelle Valdez; and his two sons, Adam Jimmy Valdez and Michael Joseph Valdez. Arthur will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Valdez; his sister, Marcia (Richard and Misha) Valdez Garcia; his children, Beatrice Quintana; Lawrence (Mary) Valdez; Leon (Sandy) Valdez; Shanda (Mike) House; Troy (Dezaray) Valdez; and Daniel (Jessica) Valdez; and his 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as countless relatives and friends. He’s riding his horse, watching over them all.
In lieu of flowers, etc., the family asks for donations made in Arthur’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
