Manuel Diaz

Manuel Antonio Diaz, age 75, died Thursday, March 17, 2022, following a brief battle with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Born on October 28, 1946, in Barrio San Joaquin, Esquipulas, Guatemala, he was the son of Gregoria Diaz. He was a veteran of the Guatemala Army having served as First Sergeant during his time. Manuel had been employed as a Painter in the Painting Industry for many years. He enjoyed soccer and boxing. He was an avid fan of Rocky Balboa. He enjoyed walking the Colorado trails, visiting the mountains, rivers and lakes; fishing and riding his bicycle. He enjoyed impromptu trips to Utah and the surrounding areas, sightseeing and visiting friends and family. He had a lifelong dream of returning to his beloved Guatemala to visit his family and children, but he never got the chance to do that. Manuel was very friendly, outgoing, and made friends everywhere he went. He was great at cracking jokes and starting conversations with anyone that was willing to listen. He enjoyed visiting the public library often, studying English, enjoyed writing and practicing his penmanship. He was always willing to help anyone that needed any type of assistance whether it meant a ride, changing a tire, cleaning up someone’s yard, etc. Manuel was preceded in death by his mother Gregoria Diaz, his siblings; Rafael Diaz, Maximino Diaz and Teresa Diaz. Manuel is survived by his children; Byron Diaz (Teresa Juarez), Juan Carlos (Guadalupe Luna), Brenda Diaz, Ingrid Viera all of Guatemala, Kimberly Diaz (Daniel Meksin), stepchildren; Olga Hernandez (Gerald Balerio), Jessica Marquez (Gerardo Marquez), and Janet Rodriguez (Fidel Ortiz), 8 grandchildren and 12 step grandchildren, all of Colorado.

Memorial Services will be Friday, March 25, 2022, at 1:00pm at Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Services. A Celebration of life will be held after the Memorial Service at the VFW Post 1247 Hall located at 1404 Ute Ave Grand Junction, CO. 81501