Gabriel "GG" Michael Atencio, known affectionately as Gabe, departed this earth on March 22, 2026, at his birthplace and lifelong home of Alamosa, Colorado. Born on May 15, 1943, to the late Richard Atencio and Helen Valdez Apodoca, Gabe's generous spirit and kind-hearted nature left an indelible mark on his community throughout his 82 years of life.

Gabe experienced the loss of his beloved first wife, Phyllis Romero, and later his second wife, Martha M. Sandoval, who passed before him in 2019. He endured with grace the sorrow of preceding in death his son-in-law, Robert Miller, his brother-in-law, Nick Martinez, and his cousin, Gabriel Valdez, whom he had taken under his wing and helped raise as his own.

Despite his personal losses, Gabe's love and legacy live on through his children, Michael R. (Patricia) Atencio of La Jara, CO, and Michelle Atencio-Miller of Buena Vista, CO. His memory will be cherished by his special friend Jeanette Bartonie; and his adoring grandchildren: Michael, David Atencio, Andrea (Jeremy) Puente, Shelli Pattison (Mario Rodas), Ashley (Ian) Witte, Devin Miller, great-grandchildren: Autumn Atencio, Aubrey, Samuel, Austin Puente, Sean, Marissa Pattison, and Malachi Guida; his cherished great-great-grandson, Nathaniel Atencio; and his siblings, Ailene (Fred) Arsaga, Baldina Martinez, Gary Atencio, and sister-in-law, Theresa Atencio. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends also survive him, each touched by the kindness and intelligence that defined Gabe's character.

For over three decades, Gabe diligently served as a Maintenance Supervisor at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center, where his skillful hands and creative problem-solving endeared him to his colleagues and those within the facility.

Gabe's Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life, actively involved in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, dedicating countless hours to its upkeep. He exemplified service through his role within the Knights of Columbus, where he notably served as Grand Knight. Gabe's zest for life was evident in his love for the outdoors—fishing, hunting, camping—and his enthusiastic support of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. When you visited, you made sure you had some $1 bills, as you never knew when a card game of 31 would break out. In his younger days, he coached the Knights of Columbus softball team and participated in a bowling league, fostering community and camaraderie.

His role as Santa Claus for the Cumbres and Toltec Railroads and the Rio Grande Scenic Railway brought joy to many, a testament to his generous spirit. Gabe's homemade jerky and summer barbecues were legendary among his loved ones, and his reputation as a Jack of all Trades was well-earned and widely revered.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, followed by a Funeral Mass of Catholic Burial 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa. Interment will follow services in the Alamosa Cemetery. Luncheon provided by Knights of Columbus at Knights of Columbus Hall, Alamosa following the servcies.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances of Gabe, or tributes for his family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com