Bennie Joe Valdez

Bennie Joe Valdez, 64, received his wings on October 3rd, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Jose Benito Valdez and Mary Oralia Mascareñas in Taos, New Mexico on July 31,1962 and made his home in Portland, Oregon.
He joined the Job Corps when he was young, and worked in the concrete construction industry. He also worked for the Greyhound Bus Station, a Plaid Pantry Convenience Store and Gas Station, and Graziano Foodservice in Portland, Oregon until he became disabled in 1997.
Throughout his life, despite his disability, he was very skilled at making and repairing things with whatever he had available to him. He was also very skilled with his social skills. He had endearing qualities, whether interacting with people at work, at home, or with acquaintances he met. He was charismatic, kind, and helpful. He enjoyed meeting new people, and loved to make people laugh. He had beautiful, kind, brown eyes and a soul that could carry you through tough times when you needed it. Whenever you needed him, he was there ready for adventures big and small. He knew how to be strong, positive, and keep fighting in this world, something we all learned how to be because of him. He was a simple and unspoiled man whose greatest gift to humankind was companionship and love.
Bennie loved his family, his animals, and nature. He will be forever loved, forever missed, and his soul and loving nature will stay alive everyday in our hearts. His family and friends will continue to be strong for him, to keep fighting for him, and keep that flame lit.
Bennie was preceded in death by: his parents, Jose Benito Valdez, Mary Oralia Mascareñas; his grandchild, Benito Loneman Jr. He is survived by: his wife, Cindy Johnson; his children, Benito Valdez, Jacob (Hannah) Ohonich, Gerald (Amanda) Valdez, Tristin (Kevin Lam) Johnson, Brandie (Severo) Mendez; his 14 cherished grandchildren, Ashanti, Lacrea, Auriyez, Haylie, Mystie, Damia, Anaiyah, Hezakiah, Ezekiel, Enoch, Jodeci, Lilly, Logan, Olivia; his great grandchild, Zamari; his siblings, Rosemary Mascareñas, Priscilla Romo, Thomas Valdez, Nancy Huerta,, James Valdez; and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members.
A celebration of life will be held in Taos, New Mexico in 2027. Until we meet again, we love you so dearly.