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He often expressed gratitude to those he encountered, and his famous phrase, “Every day is a gift,” reflected his outlook on life.

Our beloved Vance Trujillo passed away on September 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 24, 1969, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Vance was the son of Louis R. Trujillo and Gloria Laverne Martinez. He grew up in Arvada, Colorado, and graduated from Arvada Senior High School in 1988 and attended Metropolitan State College of Denver.

From an early age, Vance was a gift to everyone he met. He was a remarkable person, always thinking of others, radiating positivity, and possessing a caring, loving, and extremely generous spirit. Vance loved going to the library every day. He was active in two clubs that his friend Tim helped coordinate. The first was a writing club called Lighthouse Writing: Hard Times Club, which meets every Thursday at the Belmar Library. There, Vance wrote poetry and rhymes about his mom and his family. The second club was called Shooting the Breeze. It met on the last Sunday of each month at the Barnes & Noble Starbucks Café in Colorado Mills. Also, Vance had a deep love for sports, especially the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. He also enjoyed music, concerts, and singing karaoke at Armida’s.

Though Vance faced some challenges early in life, he overcame them with incredible willpower, quitting smoking and drinking cold turkey and never looking back. Vance devoted his career to the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, where he spent his life helping others in need. He assisted individuals living with mental illness, generously gave money to the homeless, volunteered weekly at the church’s food bank, and was always available to support family, friends, and even strangers. Vance was truly blessed and deeply loved by many. He often expressed gratitude to those he encountered, and his famous phrase, “Every day is a gift,” reflected his outlook on life. Vance lived his life to the fullest, filled with happiness and love. For him, family and friends were his world. He was an extraordinary person, and it was an honor beyond words to be his brother, sister, niece, nephew, family member, friend, or acquaintance. Vance, we all love you very much and miss you more than words can express.

Vance was preceded in death by his father, Louis R. Trujillo, and his mother, Gloria L. Martinez. He is survived by his brothers: Mark of New York, NY, Louis (Nina) of Wheat Ridge, Luke (Diana) of Denver, Phillip of Lakewood, Mike (Christine) of Wheat Ridge; his sisters: Val (Ray) of Golden, Lisa Puente of Lakewood, and Ray of Arvada; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by his “adopted” brothers: Greg Orr, Eric Amorena, Miguel Lovato, and John Holtzinger.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Our City Church, at 10555 W. 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. No reception at this time. Celebration of Life will be at a later date and time. Flowers can be sent to Lou Trujillo, 7215 W. 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge,

CO 80033. For those who are unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed, and people can join via the zoom link.

https://livenation.zoom.us/j/92711944405?from=addon