Longtime Alamosa resident Eugene “Gene” Quintana, beloved father, grandfather and friend passed away in his home Monday, May 1st, 2017.

Gene was born on September 18, 1941 in Antonito, Colorado. He was an amazing man with incredible talents and a passion for life. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force and soon after became a fireman in Las Vegas, NV where he met and married Linda Furniss.

In 1974, Gene’s heart led him to return home to the San Luis Valley where he and Linda raised their children and he lived out his days. He was a mountain man. A charismatic leader with quick wit, when in his presence, it was hard not to feel special. He loved packing up his horses and mules to go hunting and fishing with his family and friends. If anyone wanted to learn anything about horses, he was the one who would saddle ‘um up and teach you the ropes. Gene spent many years providing guided hunting and fishing tours in the Conejos and Alamosa canyons. He will be forever remembered for his love of his family, horses, mules, cribbage, searching for gold, the Denver Broncos and of course, the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  We will all miss him dearly.

He is survived by his children Eugene (Barbara) Quintana of Midland, TX, Regina Quintana of Fruita, CO, and Daniel (Star) Quintana of Alamosa, CO. His 8 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Jesus, Olivia, Sophia, Seth, Ethan and Jonathan. His younger brothers Gerald (Ruby) Quintana of Rio Rancho, NM, Mike (Lori) Quintana of Bernalillo, NM, Rafael (Nanci) Quintana of Grand Junction, CO and William Quintana of Antonito, CO and many many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Gene is preceded in his death by his mother, Mannie Quintana and grandparents, Rafael and Regina (Lopez) Martinez.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos, CO.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.