Anthony C. “Tony” Cantu passed from this life on September 18, 2015. He fell to sleep in a meadow, working cattle on the Ranch of his “Sister”, Heather Tedford. He was born on January 14, 1950 at the family home in Manassa, Colorado.

There is no way to describe his zest and love of life, or his tenderness toward Dianne. His sons were his breath. A joke and a prank were even constants. He was extremely proud of his heritage. His family were some of the first settlers in the San Luis Valley. He was passionate about family lineage and knew lineage for many valley families. He had the most beautiful smile and warmest hug. Loved people and teasing children as Dr. Bamboo, quarters to all. He was a paps and dad to many and couldn’t do enough to help anyone. He attended valley schools and graduated from Adams State University. He retired from the Social Security Administration after almost 40 years.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dianne R. Cantu, son, Matthew C. Cantu (Shantel Otteson, Shylah Rose Cantu, Kai Ri Lee) and Clinton “Cal” Snider, his brother, Leonard, “Charlie”, “Doc” (Evelyn) Cantu and his niece, his pride, Angel, his brother-in-law and co-parent of Cal, Clint Snider, brother Donald Cantu (Jerrod and Dana). Dianne’s family was his own and include; Pat (Claude) Radford, children Shannon and Doug Robinson (Erin and Gunner), Robyn Radford (Joshua Radford, Kayla Gonzales, Coulton Phillips), Crystal and Jeff Calcote (Gianni), Amanda and Eron Martin (Jace and Kade), the Pueblo Bunch; Michelle and Fred Shisler, children Erik Shisler, Natalie Austin and Katie Shisler (Ashton and Sophia), Brianna Romero (Jessica Shisler), Lee Loo Snider (Chris Snider), as well as numerous Cantu cousins, nieces, nephews and Tia Lulu of Taos.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Olivama (Cisneros) Cantu, his brother Benny and his parents on Dianne’s side, Clinton and Josephine Snider.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 24, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa. A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 23, 2015 also at Sacred Heart. Burial will follow the services in the Los Cerritos Cemetery in Manassa. Contributions are suggested to the San Luis Valley Saving and Loan for the Cal Snider Educational Fund.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Candido Antonio "Tony" Cantu, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.