Rafael R. Chavez, Jr.

Rafael Chavez Jr. passed peacefully at his home on December 8, 2023, at the age of 97.

He was born in Clayton, NM on February 24, 1926, to parents Raphael Chavez Sr. and Margarita Chavez (Maes). He graduated from Clayton High School in 1944. He was given an honorable discharge from the Army Air Corps on Nov. 7, 1945, as a Private First Class. After joining his family in Denver, CO he decided to pursue music with his GI Bill at the Denver Lamont School of Music studying Violin and Viola, earning his BA in 1949. In 1951 he met his future wife Dolores Vigil at a Sacred Heart Church choir practice. He fell madly in love, and they married on February 16, 1952, and eventually had 5 children, Patricia, David Sr., Carl, Mark and Marcia. Not being able to support a large family on a musician's salary he went back to school at the University of Colorado at Denver. He took engineering subjects including drafting, mathematics and tool design for 2 years. He then worked for Honeywell Test Instruments Division from March 1955 to June 1984. After retiring from Honeywell, he got called back to work for Bio sound for 3 years. In 1991 he retired for good.

During his musical days he played for the Denver Symphony, Jefferson Symphony, Metro State Symphony and other choirs but the most important of these was when he directed the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church. He was invited in 1986 with his choir, Canta Colorado to perform a high mass in Italy for Pope John Paul II. His choir got to sing in Florence and Rome. In Assisi his dear friend Fr. Prudencio celebrated mass with the choir at the very tomb of St. Francis in the lower level of the Cathedral. In Rome they sang at the Vatican Reception Hall where he was able to shake the Pope's hand. In 1988 his choir was asked to sing at Easter Sunrise Services at Red Rocks amphitheater. In 1993 Pope John Paul held the annual World Youth Day in Denver and he was invited to direct Canta Colorado for the Popes welcoming ceremony at McNichols Arena. It is there that he got to shake the Pope's hand a second time. He always said he only needed one more handshake to be guaranteed into heaven! He loved his faith and God to the end. He also passed down his musical talents to all his children and grandchildren.

He also received his private pilot's license during his lifetime. He traveled to many places with his friends and family. This included Egypt, England, Hawaii, Spain, South America and Germany with Elke.

Left to cherish his memory are children Patrica Chavez (Della Mitchell), David Chavez Sr. (Mary), Carl Chavez (Pam), Mark Chavez (Kathy Rose) and Marcia Hyatt (Glen); grandchildren Paul Chavez (Lyndsay), David Jr, Michelle, Nicole (Andrew), Janelle, Lauren (James), Alexis and Callan. Great grandchildren include Anthony, Luciana, Lilli, Mya, Elijah, Kayla and Eva. Sisters Erminia, Carmen, brother Patrick and special friend Elke. Many friends and family too. Proceeded in death are his parents Rafael and Margarita Chavez, wife Dolores Chavez, sisters Dolores, Rebecca, Viola, and brother Uvaldo (Sam).

There are so many wonderful stories to share. He had many friends and family that loved him dearly and he will be so missed. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the expressions of love and support that were shown to the family. It has been humbling and an immense blessing for all involved with his care in the end and we thank you. He has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior.