Reuben Espinoza

REUBEN ESPINOZA OBITUARY

Reuben was born in Valdez, CO on April 15, 1941 to Cleotilde (Vialpando) and
Jose Francisco Espinoza. He is survived by his wife, Mardelle Espinoza, one daughter, Nadine Perez (Jon Vigil) of Denver, his sister Aurora "Dorie" Espinoza, and his brother Joseph Espinoza (Carol) all of Denver. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Frank Espinoza. He has 3 granddaughters, Ariana, Selena, and Olivia, & great-granddaughter on the way, along with many nieces and nephews.

He has 3 stepsons, Jeff Pocock (Janell) of Ovid, CO, Sean Pocock (Ana) of Denver, and Darin Pocock (Seidy) of Star Valley Ranch, WY. Step grandkids include: Bryan (Kallie) Pocock, Keith (Elise) Pocock, Kyle Pocock, Alexis Pocock, Brooke Pocock, Victoria Picado, & Christopher Picado (Shellie).

His family moved to Denver in the early 1960's when the coal mine shut down in Valdez, where his father worked.

Reuben played saxophone & guitar for over 20 years in bands with his brother Joe, and other members. They played Rock & Roll music at numerous nightclubs and events throughout Denver, Trinidad, Raton, NM and other locations.

He served as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division of the Army in Viet Nam.

He completed 3 years of upholstery workshops at Emily Griffith Opportunity School.

Reuben also completed 3 years at Red Rocks Community College, studying drafting and engineering.

Since retirement from Rocky Flats he worked in upholstery for a few years. His hobbies were gold panning, stone & wood carving, painting, & jewelry making. Fishing was the favored pastime of all. He enjoyed a peaceful and quiet setting of the mountains and lakes.

Reuben excelled in being a Silver Smith; making cast silver rings, pendants, and designing his own specialties out of lapis, turquoise, and other stones, integrated with bear claws. He was a showing member of CHAC gallery & others around the Denver area.