Martin “Chuco” Benavidez

Published on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:16 AM MST

Martin “Chuco” Benavidez

Martin “Chuco” Benavidez was born July 4, 1953, in Morenci and passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Clifton. His loving mother, Jesse Pedroza, and father, Martin “Friendo” Benavidez, preceded him in death.

Chuco was a person who could sense the good in you. He appreciated the earth — from the raw fire agate stone to the different colors of dirt. His love for beauty, freedom and nature was contagious, and he passed those passions on to so many. He was a son, brother, father, uncle, friend, mentor and adventurer. He danced to his own drum and made sure to always stop and smell the roses. Chuco never met a stranger and had friends all over the world due to his amazing generosity, amazing wisdom and free spirit.

Chuco leaves behind his big sister, Esther, and brother, Jim; his two daughters, Carrie and Angel; his three sons, Juan, Francisco and AJ; his granddaughters, Mariah, Madelline and Vaeda; his nephews, Marty and Gilbert; and numerous other family and friends who had the joy of sharing his life.

Rest, you amazing man who taught us all so many things. Until we meet again, vaya con Dios, Papa.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Safford Funeral Home, 501 W. Relation St. This will be followed by the burial of ashes at his loving mother’s feet at the Solomon Cemetery. We will then continue the celebration of Chuco’s life at the Safford American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to the http://www.maprc.com/home/default.aspx" \t "_blank" Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

“Christ is the population of the world, and every object as well. There is no room for hypocrisy. Why use bitter soup for healing when sweet water is everywhere?”

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8 comment(s)

Morales wrote on Oct 26, 2009 4:15 PM:

" My deepest condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace. "

dickie villescas family wrote on Oct 23, 2009 9:45 PM:

" Esther my prayers are with you and your family God Bless you all. "

Frank Rodriguez wrote on Oct 19, 2009 9:37 AM:

" My deepest condolences to you, Esther and to your family on your loss. You are all in my prayers. "

Douglas Reed wrote on Oct 18, 2009 6:06 AM:

" Esther, Please call me, I have lost your number. Doug "

Douglas Reed wrote on Oct 18, 2009 6:05 AM:

" Chuco helped me to love and respect the outdoors, and we spent very much time there together. Nature and happiness are one and the same for Chuco, they existed together for him. I am a better person for having known Chuco. I regret I am unable to physically share in the celebration of Chucos life but I am there in spirit. I do not mourn Chuco, I honor and praise him. He will always live with love in my heart.

Peace Brother
Family and friends of Douglas Reed "

Douglas Reed wrote on Oct 18, 2009 6:00 AM:

" For those of us that are fortunate to have Chuco involved in our lives you know what a wonderful person he is. A more loving and generous man I have never met. If Chuco is not your friend or he has not helped you it is only because he has not met you yet. I am so fortunate to be able to count him as friend and family for he is certainly responsible for much of the love and happiness in my life. (cont.) "

Paul Austin wrote on Oct 17, 2009 9:57 PM:

" Rest in peace, my brother. I will never forget that smile you always had on your face. Love you brother! "

Elizabeth Reynolds Weston wrote on Oct 14, 2009 5:52 PM:

" Chuco was a very nice man and close friend of my father Steve when he lived here. I am very sorry to hear he has passed. I am very sorry for his familys loss. In this world he was one of few truely good men to walk the earth.He is missed.
Sincerly,
The Reynolds Family of Louisiana "

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