Paul J. Estrada

Paul Joseph Estrada, 81, of Aurora, joined our Lord and Savior on September 1, 2013. Longtime Companion to Phyllis Crews; Father to five: Valerie Estrada, Stephanie (Kevin) Long, Robert Estrada, Mark Estrada, and Matthew Estrada; Grandfather to: Monica, Renee, Pamela, Monique, Michelle, Taja, Lauren and Kyle; Great-grandfather to: Jaymie, Marcus, Miranda, Alexis, Twila, Naiche, Rosie, and Elina; Brother to: Mary (Andy), Josie (Joe), Jess (Vicky), and Tommy (Tinker). Paul is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends. Preceeded in death by parents: Jess and Maria Estrada; brothers, Robert and Ernie Estrada; grandchildren, Nicole and Antonio Vega, Baby Montoya twins.
Dad deeply loved his family and those that were fortunate enough to call him friend became like family to him. Whatever he had was yours you only needed to say so. And when he made a promise; he kept it.
Dad's parents moved from Colorado to California when he was young so his formative years took place in sunny California. He talked with so much love and pride for each of his family members when he shared the stories of their youth. He had two sisters, Mary and Josie and four brothers Robert, who became the namesake for Dad's first born son, Ernie, Jesse and Tommy. When he enlisted in the army he sent money home to help them out with whatever they needed. While stationed at Camp Carson, Dad fell in love and moved to Colorado yet he journeyed "back home" as often as possible to share in the lives of his family.
Dad once told with me that in his younger years when most children are dreaming of what they want to be when they grow up he dreamed of being a father and how much love he would show to his children. He was very proud to have been blessed with his five children Valerie, Stephanie, Robert, Mark and Matthew. He never knew what to expect of being a grandfather but when that time came he was gratified beyond what words could ever express.
Dad measured his success in life not in how many things he had acquired but rather in how many moments he had shared with his family. He taught us through word and most importantly through his actions that family is given to you, you do not chose them; that choice was God's to make; but you love and cherish them. He said to me "loving your family when they are lovable is the easiest thing to do but loving them when they are unlovable, me included, is one of the greatest measures of love you can give to each other. That is how we make it through the most difficult times in life – we carry each other through."
Dad believed in the power of prayer and the love of God. He sacrificed to pay tuition so that we received the value of a Catholic education. And when each of us came to a crossroads in our faith he made that journey too, sometimes it had to be privately in the depths of his heart. He offered loving advice and prayed constantly that we would find our way, whatever it took, to trust in God's love. Dad said on many occasions "I will not always have the answers for you, your journey is different from mine, but you can always count on God to guide you and protect you. Always turn to God"
Dad gave everything in Life his very best; he was a model student; he received good grades and many awards for good conduct. In his middle school and high school years he was drawn to the arts such as choir and drama. He once shared with me that he joined the glee club because he admired the way they looked in there sweaters; I'm not sure if he was referring to both the guys and girls though. He enlisted in the Army at age 17. He was proud to have served his country but he loathed the atrocities he witnessed there. He received badges of honor while enlisted which was indicative of his passion for doing things to the best of his abilities. He was a veteran of the Korean War; I found the most beautiful letter of appreciation from the President of the Republic of Korean thanking him for his noble contribution to the efforts to safeguard the Republic of Korea and uphold liberal democracy around the world. What a golden moment that must have been for him.
Dad believed that each of us had special talents which would add to the quality of our life and to the lives of those we would touch. He encouraged us to do our best; he said no one could ask more of us than that. He led by his example.
Dad was a Knight of Columbus. His contributions earned the recognition among his fraternity for its growth and community involvement. He was instrumental in adding the Fiesta Days to the Colorado State Fair. When it was started under his leadership it was three days beginning with a kick off parade and bringing many great Mexican artists and talents to entertain fair goers. Dads also lead the political campaign that resulted in the first Hispanic Commissioner in Pueblo, Co.
He managed a 26 year career with Sears Roebuck & Co where he started as a tire buster in the automotive and because of his zeal to perfect his knowledge and provide excellent customer service he advanced in varying positions and finally became Marketing Manager. He was then recruited to the Denver metropolitan area where he was responsible for the opening of several stores throughout the area.
Dad volunteered to coach high school students interested in becoming business majors in college. I discovered numerous awards he had received from the School District Superintendents commending him for his contributions to these students, to our communities, and our nation.
A professor at the Community College of Aurora sought dad out to bring his talents to the institution. Dad spearheaded the division of Marketing, Communications and Business Administration at the community college. Thus began his second and most fulfilling career as a teacher. He spent the next 18 years as teacher, mentor and guide. Dad had found his greater calling; or perhaps it found him. He received many awards throughout those years, too numerous to mention all here, but among which was recognition by his colleagues as an exemplary teacher and colleague. Another was given by his students who elected him "Master Teacher of the Year". So to our father, teacher and friend we bid you peaceful rest. The greatest legacy you have given to us is to know that education is more than the imparting of knowledge; in a deeper sense it is the giving of oneself to another in the hope that they will grow and search for the real meaning of life in all of its beauty.
You have given of yourself in so many ways; in the classroom you have taught your subject well; you have seen each student as your own child; you have criticized when criticism was needed and praised when the best was given; you have stretched and molded our minds, not to force us into your mold, but rather to help us see ourselves and lead us in reaching our full potential.
Dad, we rejoice, that the Master Teacher was your teacher and that Christ's ways were your ways. Thank you for the riches you have given us; not in silver or gold but through sharing your life with us.
We are proud to say that our father was a man of success. He lived with passion, he laughed often and he loved much. In his lifetime he gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children. He found his greater calling as a teacher and he filled that niche well; he accomplished his task. He left the world better than he found it and never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty; and he never failed to express it. Dad looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
Forever in our Hearts
Valerie, Stephanie, Robert, Mark and Matthew