Eugene S. Vigil

Eugene S. Vigil, 77, of Englewood, Colorado joined the Lord in Service on July 12, 2024.

 He is survived by his wife, Elaine A. Vigil, 74, of Antonito, Colorado, his children, Mitch Perea, 57, of Denver, Colorado; Nadine Boyd, 49 of Castle Rock and Eugene Matthew Vigil of Englewood, Colorado, 44. His grandchildren include: Alex Perea, 28; Thomas Perea, 23; Zach Boyd; 23, Erin Boyd, 20; and Ethan Boyd, 15. His dog, Paco, is 7. 

His surviving birth family includes brother, Victor Vigil, of Walnut Creek, California; sister, Susan Blanchard of Denver, Colorado, sister, Ida Mossman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Frank Romero, of Denver, Colorado. He will join his mother Madaline Lopez and Father, Andres Lopez. 

A man of many trades and talents, “Gene,” had a servant’s heart and love for his family and friends. He grew up in Trinidad, Colorado and was originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico. His mother, Madeline and father, Andreas Lopez raised Gene in south Denver. He answered the call at the age of 17 when drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He completed Basic Training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. His first time in an aircraft was in 1967, flying high above the ocean on his way to the jungles of Vietnam, he dropped down in a parachute on September 21, 1967. His leadership and stern respect for processes and procedures was honored when he was awarded the title of Sergeant over his platoon. His humor and silly antics kept both him and his men entertained in the downtime of the war--making the best of any situation, even at 18, he inspired them to build shapes of classic cars out of the full sandbags, engage with the jungle crocks and befriend the local stray dogs as they wandered into the platoon’s area.

 During a “meet and greet,” with the General, on a dry, clear day, which was few and far between in the jungle, everyone gathered in the area. The arrival of the prolific personnel paid full attention, yet, looking on the horizon, Gene spotted a shiny glaring object, a rifle glare from a Viet cong. His aim was to be the General. Drastic gunfire ensued; the men shot at the dirt mounds that surrounded them. For his bravery and protection for his platoon and the Officers present on that day, Gene was awarded the Bronze Star Metal of Valor, honoring his heroism.

Gene’s assignment was heavy machinery. He served on an M42 “Duster,” an exterior tank known for its pump-and-shoot missile launch. During conflict he was blown off and suffered serious back injuries. He carried these injuries and pain with him his entire life. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries during the battle. Gene would return home in the Spring of 1969 after this injury.

 Upon his return, as he said, “the world was a lonely place for the Vietnam Veteran,” he fought to find employment since many employers had bias against the veterans who came home. He found odd jobs and eventually employment at Furr's Cafeteria where he worked alongside his mother in the kitchen. He married Elaine (Perea) Vigil on February 21, 1970. He always described her as her as his rock. They married and moved to Leadville, Colorado when he accepted a job at Climax Molybdenum Mine. He continued his education at Colorado Community College earning his associates degree in Welding. He, Elaine and Mitch were the start of a family living in Leadville during its “boom time,” adding Nadine and Matt to it in 1974 and 1979 respectively. Climax would eventually shut down in 1982, leading him to move to Denver and leave the family behind to find employment in the Denver area. He found employment at Fort Logan National Cemetery as a Mechanic and Groundskeeper from 1986-2001. 

Gene never stopped serving his country. He was elected and appointed the commander of the VFW Post 501 from 1992-1996; the Purple Heart Organization State Commander from 1994-1996. His benevolence and influence were seen when he lobbied and advocated for the dedication and placement of the Colorado Veterans Monument across from the State Capital. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Veterans Day Parade the year it was dedicated on November 10, 1990. 

Of his many accomplishments, contributions, and acknowledgements, being a husband, father and grandfather were the honors he held the most dear and important in his life. He enjoyed watching his daughter, Nadine, play sports. He could be seen on the sidelines cheering and doing backflips at each goal, or his voice would be heard yelling “boom” with each three-point shot she took. He was a teacher and mentor to his son, Mitch, who learned from his father how to lower cars and cut the springs by welding. He supported his son, Matt, in activities, clubs and sports. As they grew older Gene welcomed each of his grandkids with a special love that made each one feel unique and special to him. Gene was a man who loved unconditionally and accepted everyone. 

As a husband he and Elaine were always united. Their marriage is one that sustained 56 years of love, triumph, laughter, pain and care for each other. Gene was a dog lover; Over the last part of his life his journey was accompanied by his dog Paco who was his caretaker and best friend.

 As a brother, uncle, father and grandfather, he shared his love of the Rocky Mountains and Leadville with his family. He enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing and hunting. He received pulmonary heart disease diagnosis in 2008 and cancer diagnosis in 2012. Gene never gave up and continued his fight with cancer on his terms, in his way. A very strong believer in God, he would pray throughout his life and credited “the man upstairs,” as he called Him, with every moment in his life from his return home from the war in Vietnam, to the battle after with PTSD, his marriage to Elaine, and the fight with Cancer, COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. Gene never quit. It was God and his choice leave the Earth on July 12, 2024. He will be remembered for his courage, vigor, strength, humor, and peacemaking, now his war is over. 

Services will be held at St. Louis Church, on Wednesday, July 31st with a Rosary at 11:00, Mass at 11;30am, and Military Honor Services at 1:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery 4400 W. Kenyon, Staging station B. A reception to follow back at St. Louis Church Cafeteria 3301 s. Sherman, Englewood at 3pm.