Obituary of Celestino Tafoya

Celestino “Tino” Porfirio Tafoya passed away on August 31, 2018, peacefully at his home in Boise, Idaho surrounded by his loved ones. Tino was born on August 22, 1952, in Monte Vista, Colorado to Lillian and Porfirio Tafoya.  Tino and his family would eventually settle in Montrose, Colorado where he’d grow up, develop many of the friendships he has today and graduate from High School. 

Tino enlisted in the Army after High School where he received a National Defense Service Medal for sharpshooting.  After his military service, Tino began his work with the Bureau of Reclamation, retiring after 40 years of service.  Tino worked all over the United States and would eventually find his way back to Boise to be closer to his children. 

Tino met his wife, Janie in 2007 and they married in 2010. In their eleven years together, Tino and Janie made a lifetime of memories: full of love, adventure and fun.  Tino enjoyed sports, music, traveling, philanthropy and hanging with friends; but nothing was more important to Tino than his family.  Tino was present for each of his six grandchildren’s births, amongst every other important family event.  Tino is survived by his wife Janie, children Jordan Tafoya, Megan Engebritson (Jeff), Kelli Wiggins (James), Nicholas Espindola (Nicole) and Billy Espindola (Alison), and his six grandchildren (Cannon, Risa, Ava, Drake, Everly and Travis). Tino is also survived by his father Porfy, mother in law Betty Duerock, brothers David (Kathy) and Richard (Carla), Sister Cindy Jensen (Jerry), and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Tino is preceded in death by his mother Lillian, Brother Vincent and Sister Mary Margaret. 

Tino will be laid to rest in a private service at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, ID on September 24th.  There will be a celebration of life at the Barber Park Event Center on September 23rd from 1 pm – 5 pm in his honor and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the C.A.S.T Organization and Camp Rainbow Gold or the charity of your choice in Tino’s memory.