It is with deep sorrow and profound faith that we announce the peaceful passing of John D. Vigil of Aguilar, Colorado. Surrounded by his loving family and friends, John was called home to the Lord in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 17, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born on March 28, 1938 to Isabel (Garcia) and Delfino Vigil in Delagua, Colorado. John was a lifelong Catholic and was an active parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Aguilar, Colorado and St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Bullhead City, Arizona.
John was an exceptionally talented self-taught musician, spreading joy, laughter and entertainment while playing the guitar, banjo, harmonica or violin. He enjoyed a long career playing Spanish, county, and popular music. In his early career, John played with Freddy Baca & The Serenaders at numerous celebrations for weddings, family reunions and at various rodeos and dance hall events, including as the house band at the El Rancho Club in Trinidad. He later joined the award-winning bands Madrid I and Madrid II, winning 1st prize at the Colorado State Fair for 5 years and was so very proud when his sister Helen joined the band. Driven by necessity, John also worked for Las Animas County, in the road construction field, or, as a security guard.
John was a loving father and friend who looked forward to all the special interactions with everyone he met. He was a snowbird who cherished the warm winters in Bullhead City and cooler summers in his beloved historic home town of Aguilar.
John is reunited in eternal life with his parents Isabel and Delfino, brothers Eloy, Pat, Louie; sisters Catherine, Jenny, Rose, Helen, Arminda and grandson Jay.
John leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and friendship and will be deeply missed by his children Debbie (Sebu), Gloria, John (Jen), Lawrence (Dina), Jay, Krystel (Josh), brothers Delfino, Elias, Robert and brother/best friend Vince, sisters Sister Mary Jane, Madeline, Gloria and Isabel, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many extended family members and dear friends.
Friends and family are invited to honor John on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (105 Church St, Aguilar, CO). A Viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a Rosary at 9:30 AM.
A Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Jagan, will begin at 10:00 AM. Following the Mass, John will be laid to rest at Trujillo Creek Cemetery. Per John’s wishes, please join his loved ones afterwards for a celebration of his life featuring food and music at St. Anthony’s Hall.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor John’s spirit of generosity, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Benet Ln, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80921.
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