Esteban Carlos Estrada : February 2020

Esteban Carlos Estrada Obituary

Colorado Springs, CO – Esteban Carlos Estrada, 66, of Monte Vista, Colorado in the San Luis Valley, passed away February 23, 2020 at the Denver Hospice. Esteban was born on August 18, 1953 in Platteville, Colorado to Senida Estrada and Juan Camilo Samora. He was married May 17, 1975 to the late Cleopatra Marie Jaramillo of Center, CO.

Esteban was one of CU Boulder’s Educational Opportunity Program students of the 1970s, having arrived onto the Boulder campus during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He was an active member of UMAS (United Mexican American Students), served as a Brown Beret security member, and was an actor with Teatro de Ustedes, a theatre group that focused its content on Aztec, Chicano/a, and Mexican American history. Esteban studied Education at CU Boulder. He also served as a custodian, security, and construction laborer for several years with Boulder Valley Schools and the University of Colorado Boulder.

His two daughters, Leticia and Teresa, blessed him with four grandchildren. Esteban’s grandchildren regard their grandpo as one who was a playful, fun, attentive, and energetic soul.

Survivors include his two daughters, Leticia Roady Estrada of Westminster, CO, Teresa (Victor) Hernandez of Westminster, CO, four grandchildren Jalen (17), Nevaeh (15), Jonathan (13), and Anthony (9).

Esteban’s siblings include: Arthur Garcia - Pueblo, CO; Elise Gutierrez (Cilfredo) Gutierrez - Thornton, CO; Richard Garcia (Teresa) Garcia – Erie, CO, John William (Mary) Samora - Riverside, CA; Richard Christopher (Marcella) Samora – Monte Vista, CO, Joyce (Mark) Renshaw- Monte Vista, CO; Marlene Patty (Richard) Tafoya - Del Norte, CO; Annalee Samora - Monte Vista, CO; Deborah Valentine - Front Royal, VA; Danny (Paula) Samora - Alamosa, CO; Olga Samora - Monte Vista, CO; Lorena (Joe) Coronado - Monte Vista, CO; Duanese (Gilbert) Atencio - Taos, New Mexico; Alice Sanchez - Alamosa, CO; his brother-in-law and best friend Larry Jaramillo; aunts, uncles, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Esteban was preceded in death by his late wife, Cleopatra Marie (65), mother Senida Estrada (39), father Juan Camilo Samora (37), Viola Estrella Samora (72), grandmother Ester Maestas (96), grandparents Carmelita (82) and Elias Samora (79), brother David Thomas Garcia (26), aunt Helen Esperanza Gutierrez (32), brother Duane Joseph Samora (18), and Mario Carlo Samora (46).

A memorial service will likely be held at one of Esteban’s favorite places, Eben G. Fine Park, in Boulder, Colorado. The memorial service for family and friends will be held in the next coming weeks. Please continue to check back on this site for pending details.

In Loving Memory of Esteban Carlos Estrada

In Loving Memory

Esteban Carlos Estrada
Sunrise: August 18, 1953

Sunset: February 23, 2020

The Footprints Prayer

One night I had a dream…

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life

This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

You would walk with me all the way;

But I have noticed that during the

most troublesome times in my life,

There is only one set of footprints.

I don’t understand why in times when I

needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,

never leave you during your times of

trial and suffering.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you.

- Author unknown

Recounting the Battle of the Little Bighorn, described the warriors under Crazy Horse ... you could hear eagle bone whistles screaming:
"Hokahey, today is a good day to die.”

This phrase means one is ready for whatever comes. It was meant to show the warriors were not afraid of the battle or dying in it.

“Sueño con los angelitos.

Te amo con todo mi corazón,

Por todo los días de mi vida.”

“Dream with the little angels,

I love you with all of my heart,

For the rest of the days of my life”

– Esteban aka Stranded Starr as often told to his daughters and grandkids

Acknowledgements

Thank you for those who genuinely loved, embraced, and shared their lives with Esteban. He loved being around people, especially his family. He was consistently rich with love, laughter, energy, and selflessness. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your kind and loving words and support.

Memorial Service

Eben G. Fine Park

101 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302