Billy Valencia

Vidal Julian “Billy” Valencia passed away peacefully in his Ignacio home in his wife’s arms on December 7, 2015 after a valiant 16 month long battle against Multiple Myeloma.
Billy was born on July 4, 1940 to Louis Valencia and Frances Manzanares. He was the youngest of 5 children. He attended Ignacio schools from 1st grade through High School, graduating in 1959.
Billy was a gifted athlete, lettering in basketball and baseball all four years of High School. He was a member of the chess club, and was undefeated in all matches. He served as president of the Student Council his senior year. He attended Fort Lewis College from 1959 to 1963, majoring in education.
On May 25, 1963, Billy married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Swanemyr. They had two children: Lorrie Ann, born in 1967 and Garrett William, born in 1972.
In 1966 Billy attended the Colorado State Patrol Academy to become a dispatcher and in 1967 he began a life-long career with the State of Colorado, serving 11 years as a state patrol dispatcher and 15 years with the department of transportation. He retired in 1994.
Billy established himself as an expert gunsmith. He was an avid hunter, and taught many youngsters in Hunters’ Safety classes. He was a skilled marksman, competing in New Mexico and Colorado State Championships, winning trophies, pins, and other prizes. He was a passionate New York Yankees fan.
In 2002 Billy lost his high school sweetheart and bride of 40 years.
In 2005 Billy married the second love of his life, Kathryn Bowers. They made their home together in Ignacio.
Billy is survived by his wife, Kathryn Valencia; daughter, Lorrie Ann (Cindy) Valencia-Miller; son, Garrett William (Helenna) Valencia; grandchildren, Wesley and Tasha Jo Valencia; step-daughter, Tavvy (Terry) Bowers; step-grandson, Clancy Collins-Bowers; brothers, Harry Valencia, Bennie (Cordy) Valencia, Manuel (Aurora) Valencia; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and life-long friends.
Billy is predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Concie (C.D.) Cruz and his first wife, Nancy Valencia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Ignacio at 10:30am, Saturday, December 12th. The Mass will be preceded by a Recitation of the Rosary at 10:00am.
The Billy Valencia Memorial Fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations will help defray medical costs and other expenses related to Billy’s illness.