John Benito Velasquez

John Benito Velasquez, Sr. (Bennie), passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2017 after a stoic battle with lung cancer. He was born May 22, 1944 to Fidel and Benita (Lovato) Velasquez. Bennie married Helen Patricia Leeks February 20, 1965 and later divorced. He had a silly sense of humor and was quite the prankster, he loved his children, grandchildren and music. He had a strong hand and a kind heart. He had a strong work ethic, working for his father, Fidel, and later joined the union working for Enoch Smith and Sons from 1967 to 2005. Bennie was an extraordinary equipment operator, it was amazing to watch him operate. During his career he broke footage records and he won several competitions at Case Equipment.
In his retirement he spent his time around his home gardening and playing with his grandchildren. Often paying the kids a dollar to fetch him a beer. Throughout his lifetime he was an avid outdoorsman; fishing, hunting and camping were his passions. He passed this love onto his family.  We have many fond memories of our grand adventures. Later in his life, Jennifer and two of her children lived with Bennie, keeping him company and aiding him while he was ill.

Bennie is survived by three children, Bo Velasquez (Raegan Owen), Rebecca Velasquez (Tina Singleton), Jennifer Velasquez (Ken Schultz). His grandchildren, Elizabeth Velasquez Fergus, (Curtis Fergus), Nathan Velasquez, Patrick Velasquez, Gabriella Velasquez, Ashton Velasquez, Morgan Velasquez, Richard Velasquez and one great grandson, Cash Fergus.
Dad, you will be sorely missed, we love you and will always have a place at the head of the table.

Friends and family are invited to visit Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 6:00-7:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, followed by a music program at 7:00pm and a Rosary service at 7:30pm.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, March 8 at 1:00pm at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, followed by the interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Guestbook to post messages and tributes for the family is available at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com