Mel (Melvin) Jaramillo

Melvin Jaramillo passed away Tuesday September 21, 2021 at the age of 63.

He was preceded in death by his mother Sally and his brother Patrick.

He is survived by his wife Helen; three daughters: Mayline, Dominique, Kellyann; sons in-law John, David; daughter in-law Mellissa; grandchildren: Zipporah and Wyatt; and his father Jerry. 

He was born on October 1, 1957 in Barstow, California. When he was 3 years old he and his family moved to a ranch in Horse Springs, New Mexico. From there he found his love for the outdoors such as fishing, camping, horses, etc. From middle school all the way up to graduating high school he was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He graduated from Rio Grande High School and throughout his high school years he played basketball and collected cars, and as he got older the love of cars grew stronger.

At 21 years of age he met the love of his life, Helen and they had their first daughter Mayline. Following Mayline, they would have another daughter, Dominique. Mel and Helen and the two oldest children relocated to Los Lunas, New Mexico in 1989 and bought their house to plant their foundation. In 1991 their third daughter Kellyann was born. I know what you’re thinking--"three girls!" and his wife Helen--he was surrounded by nothing but women. Yes, we drove him crazy.

He was a truck driver for 20+ years and he loved being on the road. His profession took him all over the United States, from New York to California. Anyone who knew Mel knew he was a hard worker and he dedicated his life to the trucking business. He took on life just like he took on his job, one mile at a time. Mel supported all 3 of his daughters in anything they wanted to pursue and he was that dad who would be at every single game cheering those girls on.

The girls grew up and his oldest Mayline had two children of her own. His first grandchild surprise, surprise another girl, adding another girl to the family, Zipporah, but he loved her. Finally a couple years later he got the exciting news he would be having a grandson and Wyatt was born.

Mel always had a smile on his face and he loved himself some Crown Royal and Bud light. His favorite past times included fishing, working on cars, camping, etc. 

Anyone who knew Mel knew he loved his baby (1931 Ford 5 Window Coupe), this car was his life. He built it from the ground up and it was his pride and joy. He loved his wife and if there was music playing you would find them on the dance floor. A couple of his favorite phrases are “I’m here for a good time, not a long time”, “Life is good”, and his favorite color was blue. His favorite football team was the 49ers and he always said the greatest basketball player of all time was Kareem Abdul Jabar, with the hook shot. His favorite music was oldies, country, disco and R&B soul. If you wanted to see him jam you would just have to play “Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys and he knew every word. He also loved the band BAD CO and his favorite song by them was in fact Bad Company, in fact he actually had the word BAD CO on the back on his hotrod. His favorite lyrics to that song were “Bad company, until the day I die”.

Mel loved to hear his wife Helen sing “Ain’t no mountain high enough” when they would go on the road together. They both loved the movie Pure Country and when George Straight (Dusty) would sing the song “I Cross my heart” he would sing it to Helen every time. He loved his old country western shows and if there was a tremors marathon he would be glued to the TV.

We know that everyone has a special memory that includes Mel and we hope that you cherish those memories as much as we will and we hope that you will share those great memories with us. 

Unfortunately three weeks ago Mel was admitted into the hospital, which his family thought would be a quick recovery, but his health suddenly took a turn for the worst causing a sudden passing.

Mel's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St SW, 87102. A Life Celebration Service will begin at 4:30 pm.  All events will be live-streamed through Salazar Funeral Homes facebook page.  See the link below.  You do NOT need a Facebook account to view the services.

It is an honor to present you with following pallbearers John Gonzales, David Barnaby, Wyatt Gonzales, Mellissa Hall and Richard Jaramillo.

The honorary pallbearers will be Issac Ortiz, Primy Montoya, Randall Sisneros, Johnathan Quintana, Carlos Chavez, Eric Chavez, Billy Panas, Mike Vigil, Mark Tapia, Rod Johnston, Greg King, Johnny Gonzales, Tim Jaramillo and Jason Gonzales.

 If you would like to send flowers or donations contact Helen Jaramillo (505) 264-4048.

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