Alejandro "Alex" Antonio Solis Acosta

Alex was born on August 28, 1978, in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Bernabe Antonio Solis Martinez and Dora Isela Acosta Venzor. He spent his childhood with his parents in Nuevo Casas Grandes until the age of 12 and also lived in Palomas before moving to Palisade, Colorado in 1993. He graduated from Central High School and was a resident of Mesa County for the past 33 years.

Alex met his wife, Estrella Ruiz, in September of 1999 and proposed to her on December 24, 1999. She later proposed to him on December 24, 2011, and they were finally married on October 18, 2017, in Grand Junction, Colorado. When they first met, Estrella called him “Babe.” He later made the connection to the movie at the time and did not appreciate the comparison. Out of playful frustration, she called him “Frijol,” a nickname he quickly embraced and carried proudly. Later, he even shortened it to “BNR,” marking his tools so his father-in-law wouldn’t mistake them for his. He became widely known and loved as “El Frijol.”

In 2006, Alex was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor wrapped around the aorta of his heart. Despite the severity of his condition, he fought courageously and beat the cancer. Doctors told him he would never have more children, but five years later he was blessed with his miracle son, and later, his rainbow daughter. Through it all, Alex faced his battle with laughter, constantly cracking jokes—his way of healing and lifting the spirits of those around him.

Alex took great pride in his work as a construction subcontractor and had a hand in the construction of many buildings throughout the Grand Valley. In his final weeks, he was excited to begin a new chapter working a county “government” job, looking forward to stepping away from construction and allowing himself time to rest.

He loved music and enjoyed DJing, as well as working with electronics and car audio systems. Alex lived a hard life but always found a way to thank God for his blessings. He often said, “Leave it to God,” and carried that faith with him through every challenge.

In 2002, Alex lost contact with his father, but after 23 years, they were reunited. He never stopped searching for him. During those years, he was blessed with a loving stepfather who cared for him deeply, and later, a father-in-law he loved to bug and bother. It brings comfort to know he is now reunited with his father, fishing together in the lakes of Chihuahua.

Alex had many friends and extended family who meant the world to him. He shared a special bond with the cousins he grew up with, whom he considered his brothers and sisters, including his “older” sister Lupita and his carnal, Omar. He was an advocate and activist at heart, always standing up for people’s rights and for justice. His influence will forever live on in our community through the many lives he shaped, supported, and counseled.

He is survived by his wife, M. Estrella Ruiz, of Clifton; parents, Dora and Ignacio Alvarado of Fruita, Colorado; son, Phoenix Solis-Ruiz of Clifton; daughters, Maya Solis-Ruiz and Nube Solis-Ruiz, both of Grand Junction, and Iris Marisela Solis of Clifton; brothers, Eduardo Montes of Fruita, and Daniel Solis Caballero of Mexico; and sisters, Cinthya Garcia of Limon, Colorado, Araceli, Karina, Claudia, and Miriam Solis Caballero, all of Mexico. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernabe Antonio Solis Martinez.