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Vivian Montoya Obituary

Vivian F. Montoya, 64, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 6, 2012. Vivian was born on April 18, 1948 in Del Norte, Colorado. He grew up in Manassa and graduated from Centauri H.S. in La Jara. He received his B.A. and M.A. from Adams State College in Alamosa. He served in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division and was stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington and in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge he became a teacher. He taught Mathematics in School District 11 in Colorado Springs where he retired after 35 years in 2005. "Mr. Montoya" was also an active coach for basketball, wrestling and table tennis for 17 years. He moved with his wife to Las Vegas, NV where he taught for another 6 years in the Clark County School District and retired again in 2011. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight 4th Degree at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Colorado Springs. Vivian was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos. But he loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor, told jokes and was the life of the party and family gatherings. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, teacher, coach, and Knight, will forever be remembered for his smile, positive energy, gentleness, and generosity. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Anselma; three sons, Daymn (Gary), Nicholas (Cheryl), Brandon (Julia); grandchildren, Brennen, Brittanie, Mychael, Damian, Salviano; brothers and sisters, Darlene (Gilbert), Alfonso (Michelle), Alex (Liz), Albert (Barbara), Amar (Vangie), Steve (Ruby), Mary (Tommy), Denise, Celeste (Bryan), Prax (Vonnie), and numerous relatives and friends. Funeral Services and burial took place in San Luis, Colorado.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 20, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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I met some of my best friends in your classroom...You made learning fun...I still remember when our teams would play and how you would get so excited...Keep on smiling up there Mr. Montoya

Christopher Mowers

November 29, 2012

I was in Mr. Montoya's 6th grade math class back in 1997-1998. I remember his Broncos van and the classroom being plastered with Broncos everything. He always greeted us with a smile, and he was one of my favorite teachers. My thoughts go out to his friends and family- he was a great teacher!

Gabe Alvarado

November 29, 2012

My heart, my prayers and my sincere sympathy goes out to you, Anselma, and your family for your deep sadness over the loss of a truly wonderful man. Vivian will always be remembered in my heart as a very genuine, kind, patient and good man. I was so happy to see my favorite couple hanging out in San Luis this summer, riding around in the Bronco truck and sitting around at the church festival as I dedicated songs to them. Floyd and I got locked out of the B&B and Vivian came to our rescue! I can still hear his infectious laugh and recall all the love in his eyes when he looked at Anselma and his little grandson. Vivian, you are a blessing to all who got to know you and see your kind smile! May God grant you eternal peace.

Michelle Abeyta

November 24, 2012

There are no words to express my broken heart & shock when you passed that Tuesday Morning! I can not even imagine how your family is feeling right now. I know that we were not blood related but you will always be my Uncle Viv!! Ever since My Tio Viv, Tia Anselma and my jito Sal moved here and became a part of my lil' familia, I have nothing but the best memories of us all spending special occasions together. Laughing, and joking around all the time!! We all had our moments of sadness but you Tio Vivian made things seem so calm and so peaceful all the time!! I thank you for always being there for me- especially after loosing my mind with the loss of my cousin Kathy!! YOU WERE BOTH THERE FOR ME~!!! When I went through my break-up........YOU BOTH WERE THERE FOR ME!! And even through the bad, the good out weighed it all!! I have so many special memories that I will personally Cherish for the rest of my life!! Especially going to the Red Rock playing BINGO with you guys before I had my daughter three years ago!! Having a great time always! I thank you Tio Viv & Tia Anselma for accepting me and loving me unconditionally for who I am and not for the person everyone wants me to be. My heart is BROKEN all over again! I was so HAPPY & EXCITED That we had our jita's Mia, Ava and Sal all playing Soccer this past Fall. Not only did it bring us closer as familia seeing each other twice a week! But the LAUGHS we had together watching our babies mess around while we (Anselma & I) HA HA Would be going nutts!! You always remained calm Tio! You always had that smile and you were always filled with so much comfort and joy!! I am in shock still- never in a million years would I even think about loosing you!! You touched so many hearts (mine mainly-by just listening to my craziness) and gave the best advise, you and Auntie Anselma BOTH! There are nothing but great memories of you that I have and I will always keep close to my heart! You rest now, no more pain- no more worries. I know you are still watching out for your familia and keeping them safe, making sure they have the strength to get through this- they know we are here always! God Bless you Tio, I love you and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers!!! I miss you so much- so please keep an eye out on me and give my Kathy a big squeeze for me. You two jokers are having a blast I know. :) ~Love you, April & Amelia~

April Abeyta

November 23, 2012

A great teacher from South Jr, great memories of passed times. Rest in pease Mr. Montoya

Esther Mondragon

November 23, 2012

Anselma and family, our heart goes out to all of you. We've know you and Viv, for a long time, our hi's and bye's at the dog track, the dance halls, special occasions, and being so special to my sister Celsa and the late John. It wasn't until you move to Las Vegas, and Viv, went to teach, at the school where I'm employed, is were are closeness begin. Viv, was such a inspiration, the kids loved him. We'll never forget all the fun we had, when we were all together. If it wasn't at bingo, it was celebrating some special occasion, it was always fun. Just a month ago Viv, was walking or running up and down the soccer field, watching Sal, your grandson, and our two granddaughters, with that big grin, cheering them along as they tried to make a goal, or least kick the ball, haha, oh we had such a great time. Words, can't describe how were feeling right now, our hearts go out to you Anselma and your family. God Bless You and May the strong Faith you have give you Peace. Rest in Peace Viv.

Judy and Paul Abeyta

November 23, 2012

Mr. Montoya was very influential in the lives of my sons both as a teacher and as a coach at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs. He was calm, humorous and positive. Rest in peace Mr. Montoya. Jerry, Terri, Adam & Matt Hulsey

Terri Hulsey

November 21, 2012

Anselma and family...
Viv left us much too soon, what a gentle man he was...
He has the greatest smile EVER... I am sure he is coaching or teaching again, maybe both... My Mom will keep him laughing, as she missed her calling in life, she should have been a comedian!
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always...
I know how hard this will be for you...
Remember all the good times you have shared, and I know you have many, and I hope they will bring some comfort to you...
My heart goes out to you Anselma...
Our Loss Heavens Gain
Love Always... Jill

Jill Jantzen

November 20, 2012

Mr. Montoya was my math teacher at South Jr. he was a real gem of a human being. He was also my parents insurance agent and they have remember him with fondness. We will keep his family in our prayers, he is now with his heavenly father. Rita Vigil Rios

November 20, 2012

Rest in Peace in the arms of our Lord, our Bronco fan.

Kris Terrell

November 20, 2012

God has called you home, but memories of you last forever. Rest in peace dear Uncle.

Monica Medina

November 20, 2012

HAVE KNOWN VIVIAN ALL MY LIFE. I WAS HIS STEP AUNT. WE HAD MANY GOOD TIMES TOGETHER, WILL NEVER FORGET THE FUN WE HAD WITH YOU IN VEGAS. REST IN PEACE. I'M SURE YOU WILL BE A GRAND KNIGHT FOR OUR LORD. MISS YOU. URBAN & BERNADETTE ATENCIO

November 20, 2012

Viv was such an amazing man! I will never forget all our fun times bowling and how silly we would get. He was also like a father figure to my son, Chris. Thank you Viv for allowing me to be a part of your life. You will never be forgotten. Ann, please, if you need anything, I am here for you!! Love, Ginny James

November 20, 2012

Our heartfelt condolences from our familia to yours. May our God of strength and comfort embrace you with His love. Blessing con Amor, Fred - Louise DeHerrera & Family

Fred DeHerrera

November 20, 2012

We are truly sorry for your loss of Vivian. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Vivian's family.
Emilio and Patricia Reyes

November 20, 2012

My dearest Viv, the day you died, a part of my heart died too. I am devastated, shocked, and completely heartbroken. There are no words that can even begin to help heal the pain, but I know that death is as real as life and you were such an amazing man. God must have blinded us from all your suffering..you carried your cross like a true and devoted knight...Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. We will carry on here on earth as best we can. Guide us, and pray for us. You will NEVER be forgotten. Eternal rest for you my love, and may perpetual light shine upon you. Thank you for making us a part of your life...I miss you more than words can say..I love you then, now, and FOREVER.

ANSELMA Montoya

November 20, 2012

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