Santiago Gonzales

The world lost a loving, gregarious, good-humored individual on September 8th when Santiago Gonzales passed away from a heart attack at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. His passing will leave a tremendous void in many lives. Santiago was a spirited, caring, independent son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His fun-loving nature and “jokester” behavior brightened many lives on a daily basis. Santiago Gonzales, son of Ernest and Ernestine Gonzales, was born in New Mexico on January 1, 1944. He grew up in a large family with nine siblings. His father was a sheep herder and Santiago assisted his dad diligently on the ranch from a young age. He attended Manti High School and graduated in 1963. Upon graduation, Santiago decided to join the United States Army. Santiago met his lovely wife, Elena (Martinez), at a military nightclub. He wooed her and proposed marriage to her six months after they started dating. Upon proposal, Elena told Santiago she “had to think about it” and placed the ring in her purse. Her mom discovered the ring in Elena’s handbag and reassured her that Santiago was the right man for her to marry! They got engaged and were then married on February 19, 1966. Elena and Santiago had three sons, Santiago Gonzales Jr, Richard Gonzales, and Juan Gonzales. He was deeply devoted to his children and enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. They camped frequently and bonded while hunting and fishing together. Santiago continued to hunt throughout his life every fall season and took pride in his skills as an avid outdoorsman. Santiago started as a Cook in the military and took pleasure in serving others. After working as a Cook, he used his superb organizational and social skills to develop his career as an Administrative Assistant in U.S. Army. He advanced to the rank of Sergeant-Major. Santiago worked for the U.S Army in Texas, Germany, Utah, Colorado, Korea, and Hawaii. He lived with his wife and sons in most of these locations and retired from the military at Fitzsimmons Military Base in Aurora, Colorado. Once he retired, he continued to enjoy hunting, as well as gardening, going to the casino, and hosting family gatherings for his loved ones. Surviving Santiago Gonzales is his wife, Elena Gonzales; Son and daughter-in-law, Santiago and Melanie Gonzales, and their children, Nathan and Liam Gonzales; Son, Richard Gonzales, and his children, Cameron and Kalie Gonzales. Grandchildren Monica, Ryan and Brandon Gonzales, children of Cathy Gonzales and late son Juan Gonzales. Great-grandchildren of Monica Gonzales & Raymond Kaufmann, Kennedy and Henry Kaufmann. Great-grandchild of Kalie Gonzales, Asher Gonzales. Also surviving Santiago Gonzales are his brothers, sisters, and their spouses: Jerry Gonzales, Libby, Montana; Pete A. Gonzales, Albuquerque, NM; Toby and Beverly Gonzales, Roy, Utah; Tom and Gayleen Gonzales, Mt. Pleasant, Utah; Dixie and Ken Allred, Mt. Pleasant, Utah; Susan and Doug Squire, Manti, Utah; Joy Nielson, Wales, Utah; Pat and Ron Davis, South Jordan, Utah. Santiago was preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Ernestine Gonzales and brother, Rick Gonzales. Santiago was unfortunately preceded in death by his youngest son, Juan Gonzales, but it’s certain now they are now reunited in heaven (and likely causing lots of trouble together!).