Our beloved father, grandfather, brother and longtime friend, Richard Ezequiel Cordova, 83, passed away March 14, 2019 after enduring a short illness with his daughter never leaving his side.

Richard was born November 30, 1935 in Durango, Colorado to Ezequiel and Maria Montoya Cordova and he always shared a deep love for Colorado and New Mexico. Dad married our mother, Clorinda Garcia and they had seven children prior to their divorce.

Richard was a very strong and independent man. He loved everything outdoors, fishing, camping, hunting and just enjoying God’s beauty. The desert was a special place for him and he looked forward to traveling south every November so he could enjoy being a snow bird. Dad took great pride in the fact that he was a coal miner, worked for the union and fought tirelessly for the union members. As a staunch member of the U.M.W.A. District # 22, Richard was elected as an International Executive Board Member.

Dad fought for Social Injustice and was very proud of his heritage. He was instrumental in founding S.O.C.I.O- Spanish Speaking Organization Culture Integrity and Opportunity. He also helped organize the first food bank for coal miners in the area. Richard was political active and a staunch Democrat. Family was his pride and joy and he loved spending time with any and all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard had peace with the Lord and his faith was a big part of who he was.

Richard is survived by his sister, Ruby Cordova, children, Richard A. Cordova, Phillip (Valerie) Cordova, Debra (Larry) Madrigal, David (Becky) Cordova, James (Anna) Cordova; brother-in-law, Baltazar Madrid; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and a nephew.

Preceded in death by parents, sister, Eleanor Cordova Madrid; infant daughter, Debra Cordova; son, Raynel “Ned” Cordova; grandson, Christopher “Chris” Cordova; and granddaughter, Natalie Cordova.

Funeral service, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price. Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Monday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to service. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net