David Gallegos

45, passed away peacefully on October 1st 2015 with his family by his side. David is survived by: his mother Geraldine Sotelo, his son Demetric (Soledad) Gallegos and their three children Jenasiz, Ellarose, and Benjamin; Sherry Smith and three children Gage, Blake, and Victoria; his two brothers Vernon Gallegos and Jesse and nieces Lysiana and Laila Sotelo; his two sisters Tanya and Lisa Gallegos; daughter Ashley and grandson Elijah Torres; and his father David Gallegos, SR; with various loving family and friends.

David is preceded in death by his beloved Dad, Cruz Sotelo.

The eulogy, as follows, given at the Mass by David's son, Demetric, is a beautiful tribute to his life.

First, I would like to thank everyone for coming today I would also like to thank everyone for your continued support and prayers for my family during this hard time. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Demetric and David is my Dad.

To sum up my Dad's life in a few short paragraphs is impossible. My Dad was a man of many names, some may simply know him as David, others Dave, or maybe even Davey, if you remember what a jokester he was you might even know him as Sancho Lopez. My Dad loved to tell jokes, he loved making people laugh. If you had the privilege to know him, personally, I'm sure your fondest memories with him are the moments you laughed together.

Over the last week or so people have come to our house to pay respects to my family, our visit usually starts with a few tears but as the time continues everyone usually leaves with a smile over the stories they have with my Dad. Just yesterday, I was speaking with one of my cousins. She was telling me about a time when my Dad was going to spend a few nights with her. When he was on his way to her house he happened to be riding the bus, as he was on the bus he called her to see where she was at and to let her know where he was. As he told her where he was, she went to get him, but he was not there. So she called and asked where he was. After a few minutes of them not being able to find eachother she asked the obvious question of, "Are you still on the bus?" He responded by saying. "Yes." She yelled at him to get off the bus saying, "How am I suppose to find you if you never get off the bus?" Well, he did end up staying with her. So, I'm happy to report he did get off the bus!

To me, my Dad was: always a rock, he never showed fear, if I needed him to help; he was always there day or night. Sure, we had our ups and downs what Dad and son don't, but he never grew tired of reminding me that he loved me. When I was a baby my Dad used to call me the Microwave or Tunderties. As a child, sure, that didn't bother me, but recently we finally had to have a talk that he can't be calling his 24year old son; who has his own children now, Tunderties anymore.

To his brothers, he was not only their big brother, but their wrestling partner, sidekick, and partner in crime. It's often said that your brother is your true best friend; I'm sure you were both just that to him. Vernon, to him you will always be Vern even though you hated when he called you that; that's what big brothers are for. Jesse, more times then not a big brother is someone you look up to. In this case that, couldn't be more opposite, my Dad looked up to you he loved you, and your children, Corn Corn and Pumpkin, he was a very proud uncle . Thank you for not giving up on him and riding with him to the end.

To my Nana, he was her first born and there will always be a special bond between you. To everyone who truly knew my Dad you would know, nobody but him could mess with mama. And nobody could ever do anything like her either, he used to brag to anyone he met about her green chili or her menudo, and it didn't taste right unless mama made it. He loved you so much especially when you did the bronco dance after every touch down.

To Sherry, and the kids, though you knew him but for a brief few years, just know he loved you. There wasn't a time or place when he wouldn't be proud to say he was part of a family.

To his grandkids he will always be, grandpa David, who lives on the stars and moon now. He was the grandpa who would walk in the house and tickle them even if it was one o'clock in the morning. He showed my kids an unconditional love and his memory will forever be a part of them.

And finally to our extended family and friends, to you he might have been a cousin, nephew, uncle or simply a friend but to everyone he was always the world's biggest bronco fan and I want to thank everyone for making my Dad's life special and his memories good ones.

As the time continues to move forward because time stops for no one; I ask that you keep my Dad's memory alive. Whenever you laugh, just know my dad is laughing with you, and when you cry, he cries to. If you happen look at the sky and see a blue and orange sunset; that's because it's bronco nation and he's finally the head coach.

My Dad, was the man who, if you knew him for a lifetime or even just a minute you wouldn't forget him; and that's a virtue not everyone possesses.

I'm going to miss my Dad: his laugh, his smile, his jokes, his extremely inappropriate sense of humor, but most of all his presence; being in a room with him and even if it was silent, one thing he had was presence.

I love you, and rest easy Dad.

A visitation will be held at the chapel of Olinger Highland Mortuary located at 10201 Grant Street in Thornton, Colorado 80229 starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015. There will be a Rosary service following the visitation to start at 7 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. located at the Holy Cross Catholic Church located at 9371 Wigham St, Denver, CO 80229. There will be a committal to follow at Olinger Highland Cemetery.