John D. Velasquez

John Dale Velasquez passed away at the Washington Oddfellows Nursing Home in Walla Walla, Wash., on Jan. 8, 2023. He was one day shy of his 91st birthday.

John was born on Jan. 9, 1932, in Monte Vista, Colo., son of Guadalupe and Juanita Velasquez. He married Tillie Gonzales in Monte Vista on May 29, 1948. They were married 73 years.

They moved to Montrose, Colo., in 1958, where they made their home until 1970 when they moved to Madras, Ore. He was involved in farming and other outdoor work most of his life. While in Montrose, he worked for a sawmill, supervising all aspects of operations. They lived in Oregon until John retired from the North Unit Irrigation District in Madras, Ore. After retiring they moved back to Del Norte, Colo., until illness forced him into a nursing home in Walla Walla close to his son, Dale Velasquez.

He is survived by his four children, Cindy Byrd (Eric), Lorraine Grebb (Kelly), Dale Velasquez (Kathy), and Ben Velasquez (Elaine), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also has a surviving sister, Irene Thompson and brother, Ernie. Velasquez.

John was preceded in death by his wife Tillie, father Guadalupe, mother Juanita, sisters Eloisa, Celia, Julia, Urciñia, Edubijen and brothers Ben, Albert, Tony, and Milo.

A graveside service will be held at the Del Norte cemetery at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023.