d. June 21, 2025
Bryan Santiago Jose Apodaca was born July 19, 2000 to parents Eloy Apodaca and Kendrea Gallegos. He was the youngest of three siblings: Samantha, Ashley, and Bryan. He was raised in Questa, NM. Growing up, Bryan was closest to his sister Ashley, due to primarily living with her and their mother. Bryan’s mother passed away shortly before he turned 16.
He worked through high school at The Wild Cats Den and Yesterday’s Diner until he graduated from Questa High School in 2018. After graduation, he moved to Rifle, CO to join Ashley with their father, stepmother Aileen Apodaca, and their other three siblings: Skyonna, Tyrell and Elias. He began working at Rifle Fireside Lanes where he met the love of his life, Zhonesay, thanks to her cousin who worked with him. Once they met, they were “attached at the hip,” sharing many common interests.
Bryan had an amazing work ethic, crediting it to his grandfather, Kenneth. Bryan took great pride in his work and the things he earned. He started working at Colorado Mountain Honey with his father and Uncle Ben, maintaining two jobs.
Bryan loved his family and spending time with them enjoying family game nights and cookouts, participating in the Memorial Day Ride, playing video games, motorcycle riding, off-roading and camping. They all shared a love for music, having many “jam sessions.” He treasured the time that he got to spend with his nephew Xavier. Bryan looked up to and often bragged about his dad, attributing him as a role model to begin a career so he could have and take care of his own family.
Most recently, Bryan moved to the Denver area to start a new chapter with Zhonesay. They were both thrilled that it meant an end to their long-distance relationship. He started his career by being accepted and attending The Masters Apprenticeship Program. He excelled academically and was named Student of the Week while there. After graduating, Bryan began working for MTech Mechanical as an apprentice sheet-metal worker. In addition to field work, there are also four years of schooling. Bryan completed his first year of the program and ranked fourth in his class. He was happy to find a career he enjoyed and grateful his supervisor, Tavo, took an interest in him and patiently taught him the trade.
Bryan and Zhonesay were heartbroken to lose their first baby, Zachari Regan Apodaca; but a year later were thrilled to welcome Amias Quothe Cree Apodaca on February 21, 2025. Bryan loved Zhonesay and Amias with all of his being, often expressing such in videos, singing, words and actions. As much as he loved them, Zhonesay loved him with every cell in her body. They were obsessed with each other and did everything together. Amias loved having daddy walk the floor and take naps with him. Zhonesay would teasingly complain because Amias always wanted his daddy more.
As a couple, they had so many adventures planned. Next summer they were planning an actual ceremony to have all family attend, after officially joining their union on March 4, 2025. This summer they were planning to take their son on his first camping trip and to New Mexico to introduce him to everyone “back home.” They both wanted to have more babies! Bryan had dreams of teaching and sharing his joys with Amias of playing guitar and jamming out with Papa Eloy and learning to ride. He was excited to fix his grandfather Kenneth’s classic truck so he could take his family “for a cruise.”
Bryan had such a big heart and was notorious for trying to befriend the friendless. He displayed this quality at work, school, and even at home. He rescued a homeless, moody chihuahua off the streets of Aurora and made him feel wanted and loved. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He was an eccentric, flamboyant goofball who was comfortable being true to himself. He had a curious mind, was creative, and harbored many talents like: storytelling, calligraphy, woodworking, building RC cars, bowling, singing, baking, cooking, designing video games, crocheting, and knitting. Zhonesay, Amias, and Bryan’s little cousin Logan all have handmade Afghans from Bryan. He loved to learn, share his knowledge and quirky ideas no matter how random or off the wall the fact or story was which often sparked debate or humor.
He is survived by his wife Zhonesay Apodaca, infant son Amias Apodaca; father Eloy Apodaca, stepmother Aileen Apodaca; mother-in-law Sheri Moya; siblings Samantha Gallegos, Skyonna (KC) McKibben-Crawford, Tyrell Davis, Ashley (Angel) Apodaca, Elias Apodaca; nephew Xavier Apodaca; grandparents Patrick Apodaca, Nina Apodaca, Kenneth Gallegos, Kathleen Olson; uncle Ben (Jaclyn) Apodaca; cousins Logan and Leo Apodaca; close friends Tomas Chavez and Isaiah Tannahill, and many more uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Bryan was preceded in death by his baby Zachari Regan Apodaca, his mother Kendrea Gallegos, grandmother Ida Gallegos, and great-grandmother “Meré” Gomez.
Services were held July 12 at New Life Fellowship Church, 2090 Whiteriver Ave. Rifle, CO 81650.
