On October 13, 2021, David S. De La Torre of Arenas Valley, NM loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, passed away at the age of 52 at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Glendale, AZ. David was born on September 4, 1969 in Grant County, NM to Vicente and Sylvia De La Torre.
David graduated from Cobre High School in 1987. In 1987 David began working at Phelps Dodge (Tyrone) as a mechanical helper and moved on to crane operator. In 1990, he worked at Asarco Mission Unit as a Shovel and Drill. In 1995, he returned to Grant County and worked at Phelps Dodge (Chino) as a shovel mechanic and master crane operator. In 2001 after (lay off /shut down) David took a job with TIC running cranes in Austin, TX. In 2002, he again returned to Grant County and worked at Phelps Dodge (Chino) as a shovel mechanic and master crane operator.
In 2007, he switched positions in Phelps Dodge/Freeport McMoran and went into maintenance planning for the small and heavy truck shop, tire and lube shop, along with shovel and drill repair. He most recently was a planner for the SXEW. After being furloughed in 2020 due to COVID, David and his brother Joe, started working on landscaping, wood cutting, dirt work and had plans to start a business they could both be involved in after retirement.
David was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He played many, many golf tournaments all over and loved every minute of it, not only because of the golf, but because of the many friendships he formed at those tournaments. His favorite tournament was for the Ronald McDonald House Charity; he was a very passionate supporter of it after his granddaughter was born premature and they were so helpful. David loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and hated the Dallas Cowboys. He always watched his Steelers play and would yell at the TV as if they could hear him.
David was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, incredible work ethic and his generosity. He had the gift of never knowing a stranger; he would talk to anyone. He would give a complete stranger the shirt off his back.
In 2010, he met the love of his life and soul mate, Brandi. They were inseparable since their first “date.” They married on February 18, 2012. David and Brandi traveled constantly, to golf, to football games (U of A and AZ Cardinals), to basketball games (U of A) to PBR events, Nascar, Hockey, casinos, or just to get away for the day or week. They had a special bond that does not come around every day. David loved his grandbabies dearly and adored being their Tata. He was a loving father and step-father. He was a loyal friend to so many. He was a treasured son in-law, brother, brother in-law, uncle and husband. His loss will leave a great void in many peoples’ lives.
He is survived by his wife, Brandi De La Torre of the family home in Arenas Valley; his children, David (Bubba) De La Torre of Hurley; Haley Collard (Tyson) of Arenas Valley; Keeley Evatt of Arenas Valley; Domonique De La Torre of Bayard; Braden Evatt of Arenas Valley; three grandchildren, Tyley Collard of Arenas Valley, Andrew Grado of Bayard, Hayson Collard of Arenas Valley; his parents, Vicente and Sylvia De La Torre of Bayard; Roger and Barbara Barris (in-laws) of Arenas Valley; his siblings, Joe De La Torre of Arenas Valley; Christina De La Torre of Las Cruces; Sally De La Torre (sister in-law) of Apache Grove, AZ; Brynda Morales (sister in-law) of Las Cruces; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Vicente De La Torre (1994); Edward (Lalo) De La Torre (2015).
A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, October 22 at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Dr. Gilbert Arizaga officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Joe De La Torre, Braden Evatt, Tommy Polanco, Joey Gomez, Doug O’Dell, Ryan Wenzel, Gordon Wyatt and Wedo De La Torre.