Christopher Leo Chavez

Christopher Leo Chavez, a lifelong resident of Pagosa Junction, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was 88 years old. Chris, as he was known by many, was born in Durango, Colorado to Jose Amador Chavez and Juanita Rodriguez Chavez on October 19,1937. Chris was the 9th of ten children raised along the family farm on the San Juan River in the Caracas area of Archuleta County. At the time of his passing, he was a resident at the Veterans Home in Homelake, Colorado.

After graduating from Ignacio High School, Chris worked for a long-distance moving company driving trucks. He loved this job as he enjoyed being on the road traveling and seeing new places. In 1961 the US Army came calling and he was drafted into service for two years. He enjoyed his time in the Army but when his time was up he returned home to take a variety of jobs in the area in order to assist his parents. In the 1980s, Chris learned construction work while working with his brother Joe in his concrete business. Eventually he started his own business, C&F Construction in Pagosa Springs. You can still find some of his projects around town. He was very proud of the quality of his work and would point out concrete jobs of his that looked as good as when the job was first completed. In addition to running his concrete business, he and his brother Frank took on the responsibility for the care and support of their father and then their mother at the family homestead in Caracas. Chris also assumed financial responsibility for the operation of the family farm.

In the 1980s, Chris ran for and was elected County Commissioner in Archuleta County. He loved serving the county so much that he ran and was re-elected a second time. During this time he developed his interest in raising Black Angus cattle. Chris and Frank also kept herds of goats, sheep, and raised pigs as well. Over many years the ranch also had chickens, geese, some horses, and eventually became home to a few abandoned llamas. Chris had a soft spot for animals and would look out for abandoned or distressed animals on his drives to and from the ranch and town. He would try to find help for them and sometimes they would end up at the ranch. He ranched until his declining health forced him to sell off the last of his Black

Angus herd. That was a sad day. He didn’t totally quit though. For a few years after that with the aid of his great-nephew Russell Frame, he would maintain a small herd of cattle through the summers.

Chris never married and did not have children. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. Chris will be long remembered by his seventeen nieces and nephews, and their children. They cherish the many happy memories that they have of spending their summers working and playing at his ranch with aunts, uncles, and many cousins. In addition to family, Chris valued the many friends that he made over the years and stayed in touch with them whenever he could.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to Visiting Angels of Pagosa Springs for Chris’ wonderful caregiver of many years, Sheila Soares. It was her faithful and consistent attention that allowed him to remain at his beloved ranch for as long as he could. We also want to thank Andy Betzer who helped care for the remaining animals at the ranch when Chris was no longer able to do that. A special thanks goes out to the Los Pinos Fire Protection District in Arboles for visits made to the ranch to assist our Uncle. Lastly, a special recognition for the tremendous friendship and support given by the Veterans for Veterans in Pagosa Springs to Chris for which he was very grateful.

A Rosary will be held at St. Peter and St. Rosa Catholic Church in Arboles on Hwy 151 at 9am on Saturday, February 28. Visitation immediately following and Funeral Mass at 10am. Interment to follow at the Pagosa Junction Cemetery on Cat Creek Road (CR 700, 1 mile east of Pagosa Junction).