Johnny!!! You are missed primo! You're carried in all of us!!

Mr Orrantia was my 6th grade teacher at Vista Hills Elementary School. He was a very young, 25 year, old teacher with a classroom full of loud and energetic students. He was a huge impact during my years in El Paso.  I have moved all over the country, during my youth, and sometimes all that I had were my memories carry me. Mr. Orrantia was a positive influence and taught me about life on top of the required lessons. I was nicknamed “Cheeseball” during that time (as in most cases, not a great nickname),  but he always used it as a term of endearment. I have nothing but praise for him because I could never see myself, at such a young age, teaching rowdy 6th graders! I send all of my love to his family and the message that he was a great influence for me. I owe a piece of my success to him.

Bob Trevino
Owner: Bits and Pieces FX


Johnny!!! My brotha and my favorite cousin. I learned so much from Johnny. His personality and demeanor showed me so much about how to be a good man. Taught me how to make the best bacon! I'm so glad I got to speak to him recently. Johnny, you will always be in my thoughts 
and  I know you'll be there waiting for me when it's my turn. Can't wait to see you again. I love you carnale!!

Remember Juan from the Fort Lewis days.  Hired him to work as a student resident assistant and he was one of the best.  Great personality and like by all.  RIP my friend.  You left us WAY too early.

Juan and I played football together at Fort Lewis. He was a guard, I was a center. So we were pretty close.  Maybe not as close as me and the quarterback, but close. Juan was not a huge guy, but he played huge. He had an uncanny ability to push much bigger defensive linemen out of the hole and was a great pass blocker. When it was third and short, you could always count on Juan to get the job done.

We had many great times together. Especially when his mom would send a "care package" up to Durango. Red chile, tortillas (both corn & wheat), beans, salsa, tortilla chips, queso blanco, and some great spices. We'd pool our money, buy some hamburger and Juan cooked up the best enchiladas ever. We'd listen to Santana, Stevie Wonder, and Isaac Hayes albums. When the Theme from Shaft would come on, Ronnie Hernandez would put his name in the song replacing Shaft's name:

"Who's the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about?
(Ronnie)... 
Right on. 
He's a complicated man
But no one understands him but his woman
(Ronnie Hernandez). 

We'd laugh and laugh and have some more enchiladas along with liquid refreshments of one kind or another.

It broke my heart to hear that Juan is gone, but I know he's in a much better place.  And someday I will see him again. Rest in peace, my brother. 



Juan , Charles Pool Brother RIP: The Fort

I met Juan at Fort Lewis College and we became friends.  I will always remember his laugh and broad smile. We shared quite a few wild and crazy adventures.  Juan was a caring friend . He was genuinely interested and polite to everyone he met. He had an unique way to describe and explain things. I can only imagine how lucky his students must have been to have him.  I don’t remember how it started but we used to greet each other on campus in the following manner.  When I saw him I would yell, “Juan of the San Juan’s,” and he would respond , “Grizz of the North Rockies” .  We always would get a few laughs from those near. We continued to do this over the years  even when we called each other on the telephone.  We played a lot of sports together and worked out occasionally.  One time after running and swimming I passed out and Juan knew right away to get the blood to my head by raising my feet and legs up.  He was like that, always taking care of a friend. After college we use to get together occasionally. Juan loved his family.  I still remember Juan and I would get together with his brother Ruben an tease him about what ever T-shirt message he was wearing.  Juan and Ruben were mischievous also.  Once Ruben and Juan played a trick on me by filling my champagne glass with warm tequila while making a toast at Juan’s wedding.  I downed the glass as was the tradition an watched them laugh as I tried to recover.   We had fun camping in the mountains near Silver City with Ruben and Suze’s family.  It was always fun to go with Juan into Juarez to fill his Isuzu with diesel and do some shopping.  I enjoyed all the restaurants he took us to.  Juan was very proud of his children. I could hear the love in his voice when he spoke of them. He was excited at the birth of each. I feel very blessed to have had such a great friend and thankful for the moments we shared. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. He will be always in our hearts.  Vaya con Dios, dear friend!


I have sweet memories of growing up with my cousin Johnny. He loved his family so so much and always proud of his wife Grisel along with his son and daughter. He will be greatly missed. We are here for you. Love always. 

I enjoyed Juan.  We prayed together for another Irishman, who survived his Covid.  Our class has continued praying for fellow classmates.   Juan and I shared surviving cancer but his cancer returned.  Juan was praying with several Classmates in his room and this was quite a relief to have all of us in prayer.  I would have liked to have been at the Game in 2017 with Juan.  

My condolence to the Orrantia family.    
There has been quite a number of La Cate Class of 1972 who have the greatest of memories of Juan Orrantia. 

My cousin, primo, and I were true buddies as young teens. After getting our drivers licenses, we KNEW we were THE coolest cruisers around A & W on Montana, by Bassett.  Granted, Johnny always wanted to meet my friends, so we went to a couple of concerts all together, Neil Diamond being one. We’d sing, “Sweet Caroline!” together when we’d meet up through the years. You’ll Always be a “Great-Buddy” to me Primo, even in the Heavens above. Dang I’ve missed you and will until we meet up again. I love you Juan. ❤️ Your cousin, Marta Chavarria Francis 

Too many memories growing up! My cousin was always very kind and loving.  Johnny’s smile was infectious!  I’m so happy I got to seem him not too long ago…he was still funny making jokes! Rest in Peace my cousin!! You’ll be missed.  Love you!🙏🏼❤️

Many of us in Durango Colorado met for the first time fresh out of High School. Like many of us at a small college you get to know almost everyone. Juan played football for the college and we became friends along with many that have contacted me with the sad news of one of our warrior friends passing. Juan made it a point to single me out and visit me in Pagosa Springs on his most recent Colorado journey. Met his  wife and young daughter. We had a  blast cruising the country side and enjoying stories and fellowship. We continued to call each other for many years. God Bless Juan and his family. Many prayers being sent by his FLC Raider family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Juan Francisco Orrantia

29 mars 1954 – 7 juin 2022

Crestview Funeral Home

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