Valentine D. Melendrez

Valentine D. Melendrez died peacefully and surrounded by his family July 29, 2016, in his Fort Collins home. He was 100 years old.

He was born Dec. 11, 1915, in Fort Collins, Colo., the third of Jesus and Dominga (Molina) Melendrez's seven children. He called Fort Collins home his entire life, never living elsewhere except temporarily, when his family traveled to find work in the fields. He grew up from very humble beginnings on small farms and in the Buckingham barrio across the tracks. Valentine eventually met a beautiful Rachel Rivera at a local dance and they were married on March 29, 1944. They were married for a wonderful 71 years, had five children and lived most of their lives together in the Buckingham Neighborhood.

Valentine was the epitome of a family man and an American. He believed in giving and earning respect, demonstrating a strong work ethic, determination and never making excuses. A man of few words, he accomplished much in his life and was hailed as the family patriarch as well as a respected member of the Hispanic and Fort Collins communities.

A hard worker in construction, Valentine established a reputation of loyalty to those who earned his trust and respect, and they knew he would go to the ends of the earth for and with them. People admired Valentine's humility and selflessness, and his legacy will live on through those who he touched with words of wisdom and his example.

Valentine was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and all of his siblings: brothers Sam and Lee Melendrez, and sisters Julia Ribera, Nelly Melendrez, Jenny Balderrama and Florence Garza.
He is survived by his children, Margaret Fuentes (Daniel), of Windsor; Jean Ann Serrano (Richard), Fort Collins; Valentine Melendrez, Jr. (Pat), Severance; Linda Melendrez, Greeley; Daniel Melendrez (Ella), West Liberty, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug 5, at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Rosary will be 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 326 N. Whitcomb St. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8426 S. College Ave., followed by lunch at Resthaven reception hall.