Randal Louis Trujillo

With profound sorrow we announce the passing of Randal Louis Trujillo, affectionately known as Randy. He left this world surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength and unwavering devotion to his family, friends and community. Randy represented and believed in the power of love.
Born in Cheyenne Wyoming on Sept.2, 1952 the values of family, resilience, and hard work took root early in his life. He attended Fort Collins High, where he was a gifted athlete. Under the coaching and mentorship of Arnold Torgeson, he took the State Wrestling Championship, on February 22, 1970, which showcased his determination and discipline. After his graduation the FCHS established the "Randy Trujillo Award" an enduring honor presented each season to one outstanding wrestler, who demonstrates the same determination and discipline Randy showed in winning the State title. He remained close to his (Coach) Arnold Torgerson for the rest of his life. He was actively involved in the wrestling matches, serving as a dedicated volunteer worker at wrestling tournaments at FCHS.
Shortly after graduation Randy was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served his country honorably and was a proud Veteran, carrying with him the gratitude of a nation. Randy studied at the University of Colorado and after was a dedicated employee at Public Service/ Excel Energy for 32 years, where he was respected for his commitment and strong work ethic. After his retirement he attended Christ for the Nations, in Dallas Texas. There he earned a degree in Theology and completed a third year Missions program, reflecting his deep faith and heart for service. At the Bible college (CFNI) he played guitar on the praise and worship team alongside Kevin Jonas Sr, the father of the Jonas Brothers.
After graduating from CFNI bible college his adventurous spirit led him to Mexico City, where he was one of twenty-five pastors serving a congregation of more than 10,000 people at Amistad Cristiana. During his time there, he was mentored by Dr. Idillio Pardillo, learning the language and embracing the culture. At Amistad Cristiana Randy also served on the worship team and ministered in various prisons, as well as sharing his music and love of Jesus to children living on the streets. He faithfully led youth groups on mission trips to Romania, Costa Rica, and throughout surrounding areas of Mexico. He poured his joy and spirit into the lives of young people and encouraged them in their faith.
Randy also dedicated his time to coaching a girls softball team, supporting his daughter Dominique, who played on the team. Under his leadership, the team achieved an incredible victory at the Mexico Junior Olympics, earning the Gold medal.
After leaving Mexico City, Randy and family returned to Dallas, where he was employed at Christ for the Nations, serving on the Advisory Board for the Bible College, and continuing his lifelong commitment to ministry and mentorship.
During Covid pandemic, Randy and his family moved back home to Fort Collins to help care for his father, mother-in-law, and be close to his family and friends. He opened a pizza shop, (Espy's Pizza Palace) in Wellington Colorado, lovingly naming it after his granddaughter Esperanza. He enjoyed working alongside all his hard-working teenage employees, mentoring and speaking into their lives.
Randy's love for music was a common bond with his brother Gary and his brother-in-law Brian. Whenever Gary came into town from Albuquerque, their jam sessions would draw family and friends together. Randy co-wrote several songs with Gary and helped to produce the CD- TruWheelz; "I'm Just A Cowboy".

Randy met regularly with alumni of FCHS class of '70 for a monthly breakfast. He enjoyed Friday afternoon rounds of golf with his wife, cousins, and siblings, and meeting longtime friends for a bowl of menudo on the weekends. He loved to tease his sisters and sisters-in-law. He was always joking and full of stories, spreading joy wherever he went. His mischievous behavior at family gatherings always brought smiles and laughter.
More than anything, Randy loved being with his grandchildren and watching his granddaughter Esperanza grow in her passion for swimming. Faithfully attending all of her competitions with unwavering support, encouraging her to work hard to achieve her dreams.
Randy is survived by his wife, Diana with whom he shared 42 years of marriage; his children Dominique and husband Joseph, Marcelo, Tanisha, Vanessa, Daniel and wife Alison; seven grandchildren- Valerie, Isaac, Isaiah, Diana, Esperanza, Emiliano, and Cariana; and seven great-grandchildren- Anayah, Nevaeh, Chrystian, Israel, Ivory, Calvin, and baby Isaiah.
He is survived by his siblings: Gary and Debbie Wheeler, Connie Blanco, Sam and Karen Blanco, Bob Blanco (Deanna Kerscher) JoAnn and Brian Brooks, Emily Clark Mary Lee and Steve Kaltenberger, Carol Blanco, and Janice Blanco, Gennie and Don Matthews, along with a VERY large and loving family of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Randy was preceded in death by Luis and Betty Trujillo; his mother, Janie Thomas, his sister, Louise Archebeque; his brothers, Dave Blanco, Steve Trujillo, and Jimmy Trujillo, nephew Ben Wheeler; his cousins, Michael and Manuel Cordova; and his in-laws, Roy and Dolores Duran, Ruby Duran (Chavez), Daniel Duran, Antoinette Duran, and Roy Jr. Duran.

May Randy's memory bring comfort to his family and friends and inspire others to live lives of service and love. He will be remembered for his laughter, humor, and above all, his deep love for the Lord, his family, and community.
Thank you for being such an important part of his life!

"Love Conquers all things, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:7

-In memory of Randy, and in honor of his passion for wrestling and for investing in young people, donations may be made to the Fort Collins Wrestling Program in lieu of flowers.