[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       JOE ``VAL'' VALENTIN VIGIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe ``Val'' 
Valentin Vigil of Thornton, Colorado who passed away on February 5, 
2021.
  Val, as he was known, was born on July 9, 1947 in Taos, New Mexico to 
Manuel Vigil and Felicia Vallejos. He earned a bachelor's degree in 
business administration and secondary education from Adams State 
University in 1971. Val went on to start his own financial consulting 
business, Vigil & Company, which he continued operating until his 
passing.
  Val served in local and state government in Colorado for many years. 
I had the pleasure of working with him when he was a State 
Representative for House District 32 and during his tenure as a 
Thornton City Councilmember for eight years--two of which he was Mayor 
Pro Tem. Beginning in the 1970's, Val became active in the Democratic 
party for many years where he advocated for the Latino community and 
issues such as education. During his term in the Colorado State 
Legislature from 1999 to 2006, he became known for his legacy of 
promoting higher educational opportunities for students across 
Colorado. One of Val's lasting impacts on Colorado was his work to pass 
the ASSET Bill (Senate Bill 13-033), which grants in-state tuition to 
undocumented students.
  In addition to his service in state and local government, Val served 
on the Board of Trustees for Adams State University from 2011 through 
2019. He was an active member of the Adams State Denver Alumni Chapter, 
and volunteered many hours at local schools as a guest speaker. He was 
in high demand to speak on immigration issues and was considered an 
expert on the topic, as he was the first legislator in Colorado to 
introduce the in-state tuition legislation in 2000.
  Val was known and admired for his passion for community service and 
his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and advocating 
for issues important to Colorado's Latino community. Val was a devoted 
husband and a loving father and grandfather. He loved camping, fishing, 
gardening, and spending time with his family. He will be missed by all 
who knew and loved him.
  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Celina Annabelle Vigil, 
children Nadine (Sammy) Cordova and Valerie Vigil, and grandchildren 
Brandon, Jared (Brianne), and Amanda (Jorge) and one great grandchild, 
Hazel. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our 
community.

                          ____________________