Cristobal (Chris) Velarde

Cristobal (Chris) A. Velarde, a lifelong resident of Velarde, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 28, 2018.  He was born on July 1st, 1940 to Cristobal and Victoriana Velarde.  Chris was the second oldest of seven siblings and spent his entire life as a dedicated family man.  He spent the majority of his hardworking years as a Carpenter Foreman/Superintendent for Davis & Associates and after his retirement he enjoyed working on his farm and apple orchard.  He was a dedicated member of his community and actively worked with the Acequia del Medio.  When his work was done, he enjoyed riding many miles on his Harley, hunting with his son and grandkids and enjoying his cabin at the Pinoreal Ranch. Chris was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Stephanie; wife, Delfina; brother, Jerry and sister Priscilla.  He is survived by his son Danny; daughters Christella (Joe), Melissa (Kyle) and Mindy; Grandchildren Brian, Kimberly (Isaac), Danielle and Stephanie; Sisters Lenore (Alex), Theresa (Joe), Shirley and Lula; Brother-in-law Joe Martinez; sisters-in-law Jovita Casillas, Eva Lucero (Rudy), Angie Gonzales (Pete), Vicky Vigil; lifelong friend Marianne Borgen and numerous nieces and nephews who loved and cherished their time with him. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde with the following serving as pallbearers, Brian Velarde, Isaac Baca, Ted Salazar, Mark Vigil, Atanacio Roybal and Harold Romero.  Honorary pallbearers Phil Gallegos, Andrew Quintana, Tommy Lucero, Alex “Elko” Varela, Robert Johnson, Danny Farrar, Joe Adams and Kyle Sager. The family of Cristobal (Chris) A. Velarde has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.