Kevin Vigil

Kevin Gary Vigil, former resident of Pueblo and currently of Durango, passed away early Wednesday, June 29, 2011, from health complications.

Kevin was born in Pueblo, Colo., Dec. 18, 1962, son of Pamphilo "Pancho" and Victoria Vigil. He went to East High School in Pueblo, Colo., and graduated in 1980. He entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary College House of Formation and graduated while attending the College of Santa Fe. He then went to the American College at the University of Louvain in Belgium. While studying to be a priest he met his wife, Wivina Van de Velde, and the two were later married in October of 1987. After six years they moved to El Paso, Texas, where he worked as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico.

Kevin moved with his family to Durango in 2006 and served the surrounding community as the former Youth Director of St. Columba Catholic Church, and later, the parish of Sacred Heart Church as RCIA and Confirmation teacher.

He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, especially the mountains of Huerfano County. He enjoyed spending time with his family, quoting Seinfeld, and being around his loved ones. He was a great cook and loved spending hours in the kitchen, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was a man of great faith, and had a deep love for the Catholic Church, especially justice and peace issues, and was inspired by Cardinal Bernadin. He was a huge Denver Broncos fan. He was a very humble man who showed no judgment, and accepted everyone with an open heart.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Hilaire Van de Velde, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Wivina, his sons, Jan (23) and Luke (20), and his daughters, Hannah (12) and Emma (8). He also leaves behind sister Marion (John), of Seattle, Wash.; brothers Dennis (Joyce) of Colorado Springs; Matthew(Teresa) and Anthony(Ramona) of Pueblo; and numerous, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A prayer vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at St. Leander's Parish in Pueblo, Colo. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, also at St. Leander's Parish. A graveside service will follow the Mass in Gardner, Colo., at the Gardner Cemetery. Family will receive visitors immediately following the graveside service at the Gardner Community Center.

A memorial service will be held in Durango at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the McPherson Chapel at Fort Lewis College. A reception will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family requests your presence and support in their time of need.