Steven Toby Velasquez

Steve Velasquez, beloved husband, father, papa, son, brother, and uncle, born November 21, 1970, departed this world on November 8, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A true cancer warrior, he fought valiantly to the end and was surrounded by his family, friends, and the love of his life, his wife, Mary. Steve was devoted to his family and spent every moment for them in some way. He is survived by his parents, Kay and Richard Chavez, and Steve and Patsy Velasquez; his wife, Mary; sons, Bryse, Tyler, and Tynan; sister, Renea Velasquez; brother, Richard Chavez; grandchildren, Jayse, Conner, Liam, and Grayson Velasquez; and countless family members, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Steve and Mary were high school sweethearts and most of their lives' memories were shared. His unending devotion to Mary is an example for all. His life's passion for more than fifteen years was coaching basketball. He coached all his sons and countless other youths. He helped to mold boys into men and, for several, was a role model of commitment, sacrifice, and tough love. If you have not experienced it personally, surely you've heard tale of the hard-nosed, stubborn, fiery Steve. He was the embodiment of passion for the game and made clear his high expectations. He was intense, purposeful, knowledgeable and saw things on the court that other coaches didn't. He experienced many successes, a few heartbreaks, and tons of laughter as a coach. As much as Steve loved the game of basketball and celebrated many victories, his sons were his greatest accomplishment. As a father, he shared in the joy of their successes, but also felt their struggles deeply. Parents sometimes doubt their decisions regarding their children. "Was I too hard? Did I expect too much?" It's a weight Steve carried while he worked to show them about commitment and sacrifice. The deep love and pride he had for his boys superseded all. He is an example of what a man, father, and husband should be and all his accomplishments in those roles are being realized in the ways his sons parent, love, work, and play. He lives in them, and they are his legacy.Steve was a very hard worker and, in the most recent years, was self-employed as a painter. He worked almost until the very end. However, his appreciation grew for the simplicity of living life with those he loved, and he recognized the importance of quality time, play, and fun. Nothing brought him closer to these moments than his grandchildren. Steve basked in the joy they brought to his life! He was surprised and thrilled with his new life role of "papa". He proudly showed off pictures, and shared funny and silly things they said and did. He was consumed with the love for these small people who infused a joyfulness into his life that parents sometimes miss with their own children. He spent the past several years traveling to see his sons play basketball, to visit new places, making memories tied to experiences, concert-going, and slowing down to enjoy the down time he had earned. He savored good food and a very cold beer with friends while listening to good music and openly shedding tears for all the joy and pain. He found a deeper connection to God and his faith, at the same time strengthening his bond with Mary. He lived a warrior's life, however short, overflowing with love and happiness. He is seated at the table with the Father and departed family, feasting and relishing in the joy of watching over the ones he loves until they meet again in their heavenly home.Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Visitation, 5:00PM-8:00PM, Rosary, 6:00PM, Tuesday, November 12, 2019, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00AM, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Saint Mary's Cathedral, 22 West Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Events Visitation Tuesday, November 12, 2019 5:00PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Rosary Tuesday, November 12, 2019 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, November 13, 2019 10:00AM Saint Mary's Cathedral Columbarium 22 W Kiowa Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: (719)473-4633 Final Resting Place Evergreen Cemetery 1005 Hancock Expressway Colorado Springs, CO 80903