Ben Ochoa

Ben lived a very active and inspiring life. He was a true hero to his family. He joined the US Army (1946-1947). While in the army he was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He loved to jump out of gliders and airplanes, and continued this activity after the army, competing in many jump competitions. While in the army he also spent weekends boxing, where he could earn extra leave days and pay. Ben returned home from the army to court his sweetheart, Patsy Aguilera.

Ben had a long, successful career with the Rio Grande Railroad, where he worked his way up to General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE). His career took him all over the United States; he represented the Union and the rights of the Railroad workers.

Ben attempted to retire several times, but being so good at his job, they kept calling him back. During retirement he went to work for the law firm of Morrisard and Rossi. After retirement he wanted to live in the cabin he built on Blue Mesa Reservoir. This is our treasured family hideaway still today.

Ben enjoyed many outdoor activities, such as golfing, which he did on his 90th birthday with son, Robert, hunting at Soap Creek, and fishing at Blue Mesa.

Ben loved his family the most. He created an amazing legacy of kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. His greatest wish was to see that his family all had an opportunity to extend their learning through higher education. He was proud of each of our accomplishments and supported us by attending school award ceremonies, athletic events, and graduations!

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his wit, and his kind and caring demeanor to all his family.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy of Arvada; sons, Robert (Teresa) of Aurora, CO, and Ben (Margaret) Ochoa of Littleton, CO; daughter, Susann (Bob) Comer of Littleton, CO; brothers, Modesto (Theresa) Ochoa and Joe Ochoa of Grand Junction, CO; sister, Mary Ann Chavez of Grand Junction, CO; sister-in-law, Ruth Ochoa of Grand Junction, CO; eight grandchildren, Mark Ochoa, Patrice Ochoa Clark, Mario Garcia, Christine Comer, Nicole Comer, John Ochoa, Patrick Ochoa, and Monica Ochoa; and six great-grandchildren, Megan Ochoa, Katie Ochoa, William Clark, Keeley Clark, Sage Garcia, and Kaia Garcia.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Virgil Ochoa, and Jim Ochoa; and sister, Ruth Prieto.

Visitation will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary Friday, February 23, from 5:00 – 7:00PM, with Rosary at 7:00PM. Mass will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 24, at 10:00AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Valley Honor Guard, c/o Veterans Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 4438, Grand Junction, CO 81502-4438.