Paul Valdez

Paul James Valdez
December 3, 1950 – September 18, 2026

Paul James Valdez, known formally as Paul, affectionately as Pablito by his family, and simply as Daddy to his daughter Nichole, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, and love.

Born on December 3, 1950, in Taos, New Mexico, Paul spent his childhood in New Mexico before eventually making Denver, Colorado, his home. He was a man of integrity, hard work, love, and family. A provider and protector, Paul worked hard for the people he loved and believed in taking care of your own.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He entered active duty on July 2, 1970, and served until July 1, 1974, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving as a machine gunner. His service included Vietnam, and he was honorably discharged. Among his military recognitions were the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He believed in the saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Semper Fi. Oorah!

Following his military service, Paul continued his life of hard work and dedication to providing for his family. On September 3, 1986, he began his first long-term career with Montgomery Ward. Coincidentally, September 3rd was also the day his daughter, Nichole, was born. Paul remained with Montgomery Ward until the company closed in April 2001.

On May 31, 2001, Paul began a new chapter with the Regional Transportation District (RTD). He became a qualified and decorated bus driver and spent the next 20 years serving the Denver community. Paul remained with RTD until May 31, 2021, when he retired after two decades of service.

Whether serving his country, working to provide for his family, or serving his community, Paul took pride in his work and believed in doing things the right way. Paul was proud of his service to his country and his accomplishments throughout his career, his greatest pride was his family.

Paul had a gift for making connections. He seemed to know someone everywhere he went family, friends, coworkers, old acquaintances, and people he had met somewhere along the way. You couldn't take him anywhere without discovering that Paul knew somebody. Family, to him, wasn't limited to blood. If he loved you, you were family.

Paul was witty, funny, and always ready with a comeback. He could also be stubborn sometimes very stubborn, which his loved ones will undoubtedly remember with a smile. But his stubbornness came wrapped in a heart that loved deeply and fiercely.

As the father of his only child, Nichole L. Valdez, Paul was determined to make sure his daughter could take care of herself. He taught her to work hard, accomplish her goals, and never be afraid to learn something new. He taught her practical things, too; like changing a tire and working under the hood of a car.
There were plenty of times when Nichole found herself holding a flashlight under the hood while Paul proceeded to tell her she was shining it in the wrong place. Those moments, frustrating at the time, became memories she will treasure forever.
Paul and Nichole shared a special bond. They were thick as thieves, sharing the same sense of humor and a closeness that carried them through every season of life. He was protective of his little girl, and even in his final months, he reminded her of something that had become their promise to one another: "We stick together.”

Paul was preceded in death by his siblings Eloy Valdez, Gilberto Valdez, Cleofas Lopez, Jennie Valdez, and Viola Valdez.

He is survived by his sisters Mary Ruth Valdez and Rafelita Valdez, his daughter Nichole L. Valdez, and the many family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched throughout his 75 years.

Paul leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the people he loved, the people he helped, the laughter he created, and a family who will carry him with them for the rest of their lives.

He was a Marine.
He was a provider.
He was a protector.
He was stubborn.
He was funny.
He was loved.

Paul will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Linda Ann Valdez, who preceded him in death on March 26, 2025. Linda was born November 23, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, and was Paul's wife of 38 years. Her cremated remains will be buried with Paul so that they may rest together.