Jake Alvine Lopez

Jake Alvine Lopez, 74, was born on December 18, 1939 in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Epifania Mary Quintana and Jose A Lopez. He was born last out of five children. Jake served 3 years in the Army National Guard, 4 years in the Air Force, and over 35 years in civil service. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in May 21, 1956. While in the Army National Guard, Jake was trained to be a wireman. He earned the Marksman badge on May 7, 1957, and then the Expert Marksman badge on October 5, 1958. He served 2 years and 9 months before cross-training into the Air Force on March 1, 1959. While serving in the Air Force, he was an Military Police and a cook. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He received an Honorable discharge from the Air Force on March 1, 1963. After his discharge, he joined the Civil Service with the Defense Logistics Administration in Ogden at the Defense Depot of Ogden. While serving there he earned awards for his tenure at 15, 20, 25, and 35 years. He was a warehouseman. He was married to Maria Gonzalez for over 37 years, but they divorced on December the 9th of 2013. During the marriage, Jake also took care of his step daughters Lisa Martinez and Stacey Martinez. In his retirement, Jake got up early every day to work with Ogden Athletic Club. He was a strong, dedicated man. He enjoyed the simple things in life: a good steak, whiskey, a fine smoke, coffee, and hard work. Jake was always willing to help anyone, and we've heard many stories from people telling us about how Jake helped them at one point or another. He had a big heart, and was open-minded. Jake always tried to make sure that those he was taking care of had a better life than he had. He liked to make people laugh and smile. He enjoyed the trips to Antelope Island, Yellowstone, and the Lava Hot Springs, and going to SLC Comic-Con. His favorite restaurants were Chopsticks, the Sandtrap, and Taco Taco. Jake loved going out to the movies, and he was a TV enthusiast: enjoying the History Channel and the Military Channel, also enjoying westerns, war movies, and Dr. Who. Growing up on a farm, he loved all types of animals and he will miss his beloved cats, Miss Jade and Lil Scrapper and they miss him. Some of the pastimes that Jake enjoyed were fishing, going to the drive-in, going to the ballpark with his daughter Kim, and enjoying nature. Baseball was a sport he liked to watch, and he got to see the Red Sox win before he died. In the end, he went peacefully, having lived a good life. His final wish was to see his brother Jonny in South Dakota, and to make sure that his family was taken care of. He passed away on May 3, 2014 in Riverdale. Jake is survived by his daughter Kimberley Lopez, his step daughter Lisa Martinez, his brother Johnny Lopez, and his ex-wife. He was preceded by his parents, his step daughter Stacey, and his other three siblings Jess, Josie, and Donnie. He is reunited with his loved ones and special animals, his dog Gordo and his cat Romeo. A daily mass will be offered to him at St. Joseph's in Ogden at 8:30am on May 23rd. A lunch will be held in his honor at 3769 Quincy Ave from 11am to 3pm. His graveside service will be held at Ogden City Cemetery from 3:30pm to 5pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo in the name of his daughter, Kimberley Lopez. "Dad, whenever I hear the bells ring, or when the wind blows and the chimes are calling, I know you are with me. I remember watching It's a Wonderful Life, and you quoting that 'whenever a bell rings, an angel gets his wings'. You received your wings before your time." a€" Kimberley Lopez