Felix Fred Trujillo

We come together today to remember and celebrate the life of Felix Fred Trujillo—a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend—whose life was marked by love, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.

Felix was born on February 6, 1944, to Lucaria “Carrie” Trujillo and Felix Trujillo. He grew up in the tight-knit communities of Nucla, and Delta, Colorado. After attending schools in both towns, he earned his GED from Delta High School, demonstrating a quiet determination that would define much of his life.

In 1966, Felix answered a call greater than himself, serving in the United States Air Force until 1967. He carried the pride of his service with him always, quietly honoring the values of duty, discipline, and integrity.

On July 27, 1968, Felix married his lifelong partner, Matilda Espinoza. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love and mutual respect. While attending the University of Colorado Boulder, they welcomed their first daughter, Barbara Antoinette, on November 5, 1969. Their journey then took them to Golden, Colorado, where Caroline Jennifer was born on February 10, 1974.

In 1975, the Trujillo's returned to Delta, Colorado—a place that would become the foundation for their growing family and the setting for many cherished memories. There, they welcomed Cynthia Louise on July 19, 1982, and their only son, Jeremiah John, on May 9, 1984.

Felix was a man who took pride in a job well done. From 1975 to 1980, he drove semi-trucks, traveling long roads with steady hands and quiet focus. He then dedicated 14 years to road construction with PKS Kiewit/PCL, helping build the very roads that connected communities. In 1997, he began working at the Delta Correctional Facility, where he served with honor and commitment until his well-earned retirement in 2012.

Outside of work, Felix’s true joy was found in the simple, meaningful things—fishing, hunting, camping, cooking, and gardening. He loved the outdoors, the smell of a grill at a family cookout, and the sound of laughter shared around a table. He was never happier than when surrounded by his children and grandchildren, passing on wisdom, telling stories, or just enjoying each other’s company. And if the Raiders were playing, you knew exactly where he’d be: tuned in and cheering them on, win or lose.

Felix was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Senovia Lopez and Elsie Manzanares. He is survived by his beloved wife, Matilda; his children Barbara (Jeremy) Brown of Grand Junction, Carol Abeyta of Delta, Cynthia (Matthew) Jenness of Rifle, and Jeremiah Trujillo of Grand Junction; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Marge Olvera, Catherine Salazar, Pat Abeyta, Lucia and Susanna Trujillo. He leaves behind not just a family but a legacy of love, strength, and enduring presence.

Though cremation has taken place, Felix’s spirit remains with us in the lessons he taught, the values he lived by, and the memories we hold dear. He wasn’t a man of many words, but his actions spoke volumes. He showed up. He worked hard. He loved deeply. And he lived well.

Today, we honor a life lived with dignity, purpose, and heart. Thank you, Felix, for the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy. You will be missed more than words can say—but never forgotten. Rest peacefully, and may your memory continue to guide and inspire us all.

Felix’s family would also like to acknowledge the incredible hospice care and support they received from HopeWest during this difficult time. Contributions you wish to make in his name can be made to HopeWest at hopewestco.org.