Gilbert Montez

Gilbert “Gil” Montez, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 12/13/2023 in Colorado Springs, CO. Gil was the husband of Marilyn Montez. Gil was born in Pueblo, CO to Jesus G. Montez and Trinidad Garza Montez. He attended Centennial High School.

Gil began working at a very young age on the farms in Pueblo County and worked daily in his final restaurant, Arriba’s until the day he was hospitalized with COVID-19 on August 28th, 2020.

Gil leaves a legacy of entrepreneurial endeavors, encompassing night clubs and restaurants in both Pueblo and Colorado Springs, to include Mariachi’s, Rovelli’s, Perfillio’s,Stifino’s, The Cellar, Vito’s Winery, An-da-les and Arribas. He also owned establishments in Arizona to include Stifino’s and The Salt Cellar. He was an impeccable salesman, and his diverse sales vita included everything from furniture, to automobiles, to real estate. In addition, he served as a welding apprentice at the CF&I and was a vocational teacher at PCC in food service and hospitality. One of his most famous meals was when Gil was chosen to cook for President Bill Clinton on his 2nd-term campaign visit to Pueblo. .

He was a staunch member of the human race and always cheered for the underdog. He supported the striking union steel workers by taking them breakfast burritos each morning during the strike and acted as a benefactor of St. John Neumann School, by providing a hot meals every 4th Thursday, to students for years. He even purchased a monkey to donate to the Pueblo Zoo. Gil was generous, hospitable, and never met a stranger.

Gil never shied away from the crosshairs of life and ran for City Council, Pueblo 60 School Board and Pueblo County Commissioner. One of his life’s goals was to make Pueblo a better place for future generations. In his early life, he was a Golden Glove Boxer and this sparked his love and commitment to fitness in particular running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, jumping rope, racquetball and hitting the speed bag with the rhythm of a pro. He was a participant in several triathlons and loved the adventures of the outdoors. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, laughter, ambition, advice, love of his family, and his fierce protectiveness of those he loved and what was his. He was never satisfied with just being enough; he always strived for more, and instilled this attention to detail and excellence in those close to him.

His favorite place in the world was not the many places he traveled, but his beloved Salt Creek. He referred to it as Disneyland and referred to himself as a “Creeker” to add more color, he was “Butch,” in the neighborhood. His close 2nd favorite place to be was at the Craps tables in Las Vegas. Still one of the most unique talents of Gil was his ability to individualize his relationships. He met you where you were at and let the unique multi-dimensional facets of his character and personality individualize toward each new or old relationship. If he liked you, you knew it. One of his many tributes to his Mexican heritage was his famous Mexican shout, La Grita. This expression of love always elicited laughter and imitation from family and friends.

Poolside at his home was his favorite place to reflect and unwind. He enjoyed the night water and the light that shone from beneath creating reflection of surface light from above. This is where he did his best thinking. Gil’s first language was Spanish and he continued to dream in the romance language. Although ridiculed in his youth for his accent, and Spanish speaking, he was always proud of his bilingual ability. To those who knew him he was a force and he always had his own internal compass that compelled him to “Do it His Way.”

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Marilyn, sister-in-law Sue Ortiz (Bernie) daughter, Judy Woods (Ron), son, Gilbert Jr. (Christine) daughter, Geraldine Kennedy (Robert) daughter, Dr. Callie Montez (spouse-Mike VanBuskirk)

Grandchildren:

Andrea, Blake, Jordan, Daniel, (Mattie), Alliana, Anthony, Danielle, Stephen and Hope.

Kaci Cambo (Ryan), Dario Garcia

Ray Woods (spouse Leah Esquibel), Abbey Woods

Great Grandchildren:

Maverik, Major, Mack Woods

Kaine and Quinn Cambo

Jordan and Bradie VanBuskirk

Loala and Carter Montez

Gil also leaves behind his loyal, loving canine companion Vic Montez.

Gil was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elpidia Salas, who raised him from the age of two after the untimely death of his mother. Parents ,Jesus G. Montez and Trinidad Garza Montez, Brothers, Rudolph “Rudy” Montez, Robert, “Bob” Trinidad Montez, Sister-in-Law, Margaret, “Margie” Montez, Special Cousin Raul (Sophie) Lopez and numerous other family and friends.

The family would like to thank his loyal and loving friends and caregivers (aka The Babysitters as he jokingly called them) Vicki Gaertner and Augustine Madrid, JoAnn Munoz for treating him like one of their own and making his golden years so full of joy.

The Celebration of life will be held on :

January 13th @ 11;13 a.m.

Location: Fellowship of the Rockies …please save the date we look forward to seeing ALL who wish to celebrate Gils’ life…in lieu of flowers please consider donations to a no kill animal sanctuary or charity of your choice.…by all means, “Do It Your Way!”

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