John David Grigg II

In His Own Words

Sunday, February 2, 1947 ~ Tuesday, September 21, 2021

" My brother Bronco worked at Yellowstone National Park. He had promised Mary that he would find her some bears.  The next morning, we got about 10 miles or more from Old Faithfull and there they were, we said that was easy and the black bear walk down the hill cross the road off doing its own business we saw 11 to 14 bears that day."

"Estella was excited to see the wolves for the first time in the Lamar Valley, the first one was a black wolf.  I wanted to say I didn't realize how big a wolf was 'til I saw one of them next to a coyote."

Talking with John David Grigg II, was easy, there was no doubt where his happy place was. Anywhere with his family, especially if that was in one of the western United States National Parks.

John was a man born to enjoy all nature has to offer.

Born in the winter month of February in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, John, or as the family called him David was the oldest son born to Doris and John Grigg Sr. (Jack).  Named after his father, David was ready for a life full of adventure.  His father, as a sergeant in the US Army, was assigned to the photographic core for many years and had numerous other assignments in his 20 years of service.  His assignments meant frequent postings to New places while David was growing up.

"I attended 12 schools in 12 years" David sited. "We lived in Germany, Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to name a few."

His favorite memories of growing up were as a child living and going to school in Hawaii, living as a teenager in Orogrande New Mexico, were  owned horses he frequently rode.

Yet, it was in El Paso, Texas, that life had the biggest imprint on David for it was there he met the love of his life and future wife.  David met Ms. Consuelo Nieto Agüero.  David and Consuelo fell in love immediately. There was a language obstacle that they had to overcome. Consuelo didn't speak English, and John didn't speak Spanish. Yet when GOD has a plan, he will make a way.

Shortly thereafter, John was drafted into the Army and shipped to Germany while Consuelo, Antonio, and Nora were in Texas. "We had an off and on relationship for two years," David and Consuelo wrote letters to one another, having friends translate for each.  Finally, John, in a letter, asked Consuelo to marry him. Consuelo answered back, " Are you crazy? I have two children? " John replied, " When you LOVE the Tree, you LOVE the Leaves. " That sealed it. Consuelo said yes! On Thursday, December 28, 1972, they were married. Upon being married, Consuelo changed her name to Estella Consuelo. John lovingly called her Chelo.

For the next 48 years, David and Estella made a life together.  Estella gave birth to their third child, a baby girl they named Mary Theresa.  After David finished his military service with the Army, they settled in Aurora, Colorado.  This is where they raised their three children.

Eventually David ended up working 20 years in the Public School Systems, which included working for Aurora, Cherry Creek, and retiring from Douglas County Public Schools.

Through the years the family enjoyed visiting many sites and mainly the Natural Parks. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Redwood, Olympic, Mt. Rushmore, and the Badlands were a few of their favorite parks.

David loved fishing in streams and lakes, exploring new places, watching geysers, fantasy gaming, and gardening.  He was also a train buff, who enjoyed model trains and visiting railroad museums.  David and Estella were avid readers, who frequented libraries and bookstores to spend quality time with one another.

If you wanted to see David smile just watch him spending time with family or telling one of his favorite stories.

It was an unseasonably warm day in the Denver, metro area with a high temperature of 94° on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, as John David Grigg II took his last breath. As he waded in the waters of the afterlife. There to meet him was beloved wife Estella Consuelo "Chelo," his parents Jack and Doris, son Tony, and brother Robert.

John will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, and kindness.

He is survived by his brothers Paul Grigg and Bronco Grigg.  Daughters Nora Alicia Martinez and Mary Theresa Grigg. Grandchildren: Kristina Marie Martinez, Michelle Nora Martinez, and Elijah JuJuan Grigg. Great-grandchildren: Taiden Martinez Jones and Peyton Martinez Jones. Plus, a of Host family and friends.

We will miss you deeply until we see each other again in Heaven…

Be the things you Loved most about the people who are gone.

Haiku written by John David Grigg II ~

It was John David Grigg II wish that any

Memorial tributes be made in the form

of charitable donations to either of the

following:

Gateway Shelter
https://gatewayshelter.org/i-want-to-help/donate /
'Honor Someone'
Or
The Denver Hospice
https://thedenverhospice.org/donation /
Christopher's Angels Family Grants Program or the Uninsured Care/Charity Care Program

Thank you for your consideration

I am the wind in trees

and the song of a bird.

I am moonbeams in a midnight sky

and a glorious rainbow after the storm.

I am morning dew

and freshly-fallen snow.

I am a butterfly flying overhead

and a puppy happily at play.

I am a gentle touch

a  warm embrace.

Open your heart to know...I am not gone.

Reach deep into your soul...You will find me.

I am here.

Have no fear, I am with you,

Always