Delbert Cuthair SR.

Delbert W. Cuthair, Sr., passed on to the spirit world October 24, 2011. He passed on from natural causes, surrounded by his family at his home in Ignacio, Colo.

Delbert was born April 15, 1951, in Ignacio. In 1970 he graduated from Ignacio High School, where he played basketball, football, and baseball. His friends used to call him “the rabbit,” because he was so fast. After high school, he worked with the tribe performing numerous jobs, including grounds maintenance, animal control, and managing Lake Capote. His most favorite job was taking care of the buffalo.

Delbert enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Most of all, he loved to visit with his children and grandchildren -- his grandchildren were his world. He also enjoyed his Sunday morning breakfasts at the casino with his family.

He is preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Gemini L. Chavez Cloud; his mother, Belle Cuthair; father, Curtis Cuthair; brothers Lavern Cuthair, Carl Williams, Sr., and Richard Cuthair; and sisters Darlene Garcia, Christine Gomez, and Vera Sage.

He is survived by his children Delbert (Renae) Cuthair, Jr., Bernadine (Braulio) Cuthair, and Maria (Anthony) Archuleta; best friend, Veronica Silva; brother Danny (Sally) Bean; sister Garnet Olguin; goddaughter Joyce Vigil; and stepchildren Diedra Contreras, Jeremiah (Cass) Montoya and Sammy Montoya; all of Ignacio. Delbert leaves behind 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his birth mother, Arabella Williams, of Durango.

A viewing will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2011, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2011, at the Southern Ute Chapel in Ignacio, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Davita Dialysis in memory of Delbert W. Cuthair, Sr.