John M Barela

John "Mutt" Barela was welcomed into the loving arms of his Father and his loving wife on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Loveland, Colorado.

Mutt was born to Manuel and Mary Barela in 1944, and he was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado in a large Catholic family with nine siblings.
He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1962, and he was drafted into the Vietnam War where he was an Army Petroleum Laboratory Specialist. After his time in the army, he had multiple careers including landscaper, barber, and dispatcher.

Mutt met the love of his life Marijean when his sister Jessie set the two up on a blind date, and they married in 1969. Together they raised a beautiful family with two sons.
After their youngest son graduated high school, they moved to the mountains in 1988 where Mutt had always wanted to live. With Marijean, they loved every bit of the peace and quiet the mountains brought, and they enjoyed the simple things like a wood burning fireplace and home cooked meals.

Mutt was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Marijean Barela along with his parents: Manual & Mary (Pino) Barela and his siblings: Frank Barela and Manual Barela, Percilla Romeo, Jessie Feltz, and Mercella Barela and one granddaughter: Crystal Barela.
Mutt is survived by his sons: James (Linda) Barela and Amadeo "Little Mutt" (Jennifer) Barela along with six grandchildren: James Jr. (Breanna) Barela, Natalie (Markus) Barela-McIntosh, Zephaniah Barela, Rachel Barela, Elijah Barela, and Chasney Quigley. He is also survived by his five great-grandchildren: Alejandro Barela, Bailee Barela, Calypso Barela, Nakye Barela-McIntosh, and NaiLah Barela-McIntosh and siblings: Barbara (Tom) Gavaldon, Judy (Carmel) Solano, Savino (Carmen) Barela, Bert (Terry) Barela.

Please join friends and family in remembering Mutt Barela. The recitation of the Rosary will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church on Sunday, March 26th, at 7:00pm: 300 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins. The service of celebration will be held on Monday, March 27th, at 2:00pm at Saint Joseph's. The graveside service will commence on Friday, March 31st, at 2:30pm at Resthaven Memory Gardens: 8426 US-287, Fort Collins.

We find comfort in knowing Mutt has returned home to be with his wife Marijean who passed away only ten days prior. They belong together in life as well as death. Mutt was a selfless gentleman who devoted his life to his family and friends, and he was always determined to bring a smile to your face. He was a true blessing, and the memory of him will continue to bless those who love him.