Damien Meliton Lopez was born on Dec. 2, 1981, in Tucson, Ariz. Born to Denise Lopez-Esquibel (née Lopez), Damien spent the first years of his childhood surrounded by a village of love and dedication, spending much of his time with his godparents, Frances and Ray Moreno, as well as his Nana and Pampoo, Theresa and Meliton Lopez, while Denise accomplished the incredible feat of graduating from nursing school as a new mother.
From an early age, it was clear that Damien had a loving heart, free spirit, and kindness of an immense depth. Whether swimming buck naked as a toddler, mountain biking in any weather with his mom, Pampoo, and other dear friends, or exploring with his parents, Damien’s life was steeped in adventure. During his adolescence, Damien was driven by having fun with his friends, his strong connection to music, and his love of sports. Soccer became a particular focus for Damien, turning him into a talented central midfielder.
As he grew into a teen, Damien developed a close relationship with his parent, John “Skiball” Esquibel, and embarked on the wild adventure of becoming an older brother to his sister, Natalie. John shared many wonderful memories with Damien through Damien’s rambunctious youth, watching him rollerblade, camping together, and sharing time in Denver while John was coaching. Through it all, he kept an eye out for him and kept him safe. Not long ago, on what proved to be their last run together, Damien flipped the script, instead keeping an eye out for John as they traversed the icy terrain. Damien’s impact on Natalie was profound, introducing her to the music that shaped her and instilling in her a love of the outdoors. Damien’s role as a big brother was carried forth into his role as an uncle for Natalie’s 2-year-old daughter, whom he adored.
Damien was the type of person that others were naturally drawn to; he was a bright light that lit up any room he walked into. Even more, his heart was open and so welcoming to those who were lucky enough to cross his path. Damien made lifelong friends in his youth, carrying those relationships into adulthood. He was a source of calm and comfort, a confidant who could be relied upon by others during their times of need, even amid his own hardship.
There was so much we all loved behind Damien’s sly, mischievous smile, namely his sharp wit and relentless sarcasm. He left us with significant and lasting memories - “running like the wind” during his senior track meet, joining his closest friends on camping trips, always finding an occasion to play “Eye of the Tiger”, or bringing the heat as he added spice and more spice to whatever he was cooking at home.
What brought Damien joy in his more recent life was playing in adult soccer leagues, attending concerts with friends, sharing meals from favorite haunts, watching comedy specials, gardening, and, of course, watching Broncos football - he even spent a few seasons working on the hotel security staff during the Broncos training camp.
Damien’s deep passion and love were the foundations upon which his relationships with his family, friends, and all those dearest to him were built. Children were magnetically drawn to him, likely because he was a kid-at-heart, and his playfulness knew no age limit. He also enjoyed the quiet solitude of a nature trail, often joined by a canine companion, capturing countless photos of incredible vistas through all the seasons, now timeless keepsakes.
We are so fortunate to have had Damien as a son, brother, partner, father, friend, and uncle during his all too fleeting and deeply cherished earthly time. He will be greatly missed by his parents (Denise and John), grandmother (Theresa), sister (Natalie), brother-in-law (Andy), niece, and children, as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Damien was preceded in death by his Pampoo and dear friends, who were also gone too soon.
A rosary for Damien will be held at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa on Friday, Oct. 25, with visitation from 6-7 p.m. and the rosary held from 7-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place on the next morning, Oct. 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with visitation from 9:30-9:45 a.m., a eulogy at 9:45 a.m., and mass at 10 a.m. Damien will be interred at Alamosa Cemetery following his memorial mass. Finally, a reception will be held at the Barn at La Manzanilla following interment.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences for Damien’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
