Vernon Valdez IIJune 2, 1981 – March 12, 2025

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Vernon Valdez II came into this world cracking jokes and probably correcting someone’s grammar. He left it much too soon on March 12, 2025, in the same city that shaped him, annoyed him, and cheered with him through countless Nuggets games (but never the Broncos…never the Broncos).

Vernon is survived by his loving mother, Judy Valdez; his sister and built-in best friend, Vanessa Valdez; and his beloved daughter, Analicia Valdez, who inherited his wit, charm, and probably some stubbornness. He joins his father, Vernon L. Valdez, in whatever comes next. 

From a young age, Vernon was a natural musician, with his hands on the piano, saxophone, or drums, he had a gift for bringing any room to life and usually did, right before telling a wildly inappropriate joke. He was smart, often too smart for his own good, and always had a clever remark ready (whether you wanted it or not). He made it his mission to make people laugh, even in their darkest moments and he succeeded, time and time again.

Vern wasn’t just the life of the party; he was the party. He loved hard, laughed loud, and lived fully. He had the kind of personality that pulled people in and kept them close, like gravity with a sarcastic grin. He was a devoted son, a fiercely loyal brother, an unforgettable cousin, a ridiculous but deeply loving friend, and proud father.

Even now, we’re pretty sure he’s somewhere organizing a jam session, heckling the universe, and reminding us to lighten up. Vernon’s gone far too soon, but he left behind a legacy of laughter, music, love, and unforgettable memories.

He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.