Peter Joaquin Valdez

Peter Joaquin "PJ" Valdez, 14, of Las Colonias (Taos) passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend whose warm smile with ever present dimples and bubbly personality could brighten up any room. PJ was a multi talented young man who had goals and aspirations for the future. He was entering his ninth grade year at Taos High School, where he was set to play three sports, football, basketball and baseball. Along with him being an athlete he was academically focused above all else with a grade point average of 4.0 and above. After graduation from High School his goal was to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Juan Bautista & Carolina Martinez, uncles, Ben Martinez & Ronald Valdez, cousins, Cindy Martinez and Jerome Quintana. He is survived by his parents, Peter and Tillie Valdez, brother, Juan Amado Valdez, grandparents, Amado & Dora Valdez of Espanola, uncles and aunts, Oclides Gonzales (Frank), Bernice Martinez, Clorinda Gonzales (Fred), Mario Martinez (Mabel), Florence Quintana (Deacon Jerry), Rose Martinez (Elias), Loretta Suazo (Joe) and Yolanda Martinez all of Taos, David Valdez (Ana Marie) of Espanola, Steve Valdez (Viola) of Albuquerque, Leo Valdez (Paula) of Oklahoma, Franklin Valdez of San Luis, CO, Bernadette Valdez of Tesuque, Annette Baker (Patrick) of Velarde, Gloria Valdez of Glorietta and many other relatives. Rosary was recited on July 01, 2007. Funeral mass was held on July 02, 2007. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Arroyo Seco Cemetery. Contributions to PJ Valdez scholarship fund may be mailed to P.O. Box 1286, Taos, NM 87571.