Damien Blanco

Victor Damien Anthony Blanco of Council Bluffs, IA, formerly of Scottsbluff, NE, began his spiritual journey on April 15, 2022.   A celebration of Damien’s life is being planned by his siblings and will be announced at a later date.  Condolences or special memories may be expressed by visiting www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Damien’s life journey began January 12, 1980.  He attended and graduated Scottsbluff Public Schools.  He began wrestling with the Scottsbluff Federation Wrestling program while in elementary school.  The techniques he learned through the program he carried with him throughout his middle school and early high school years.

It was during his high school years that he also found his passion for cross country running; a sport that he participated in and was a team member of the state championship in 1996 and 1997.  Damien was an adult when he experienced the world of MMA fighting and developed a love for the sport that he and his brothers shared.

Damien learned the concrete trade at a young age, but throughout the years during his working career he became skilled in other trades as well.  He always took pride in the work he performed.

Fishing, hunting, playing pool, doing crossword puzzles, checkers, chess, crocheting, playing the crane machines and Sudoku were some of Damien’s past time favorites.  He also enjoyed drawing/designing his tattoo and a tattoo for his brother, Adric.  Participating in local and surrounding area running events were a favorite, including the competitive races to the 5th Ave water tower with his “Meathead” brother, Dominic (which Dom could never come close to winning).  Watching Wheel of Fortune along with his sister, Briana, left Briana wondering how he could so many times come up with the answer by just hearing the clue and seeing one consonant.  He enjoyed trying new recipes and attempting to cook or bake foods that he had grown up on, often calling “The Ma” on how to make his favorites, such as enchiladas and rice.  He was excited about the success on his first attempted try, stating that he needed to learn to make homemade tortillas to perfect his enchiladas.  Damien had so many hidden talents and skills which were revealed as he journeyed through life.

As a son and brother, Damien was a unique and amazing individual who offered words of encouragement, wisdom or would just flat out tell you like it was.  As a grandson, he spent much of his time with his Grandpa and Grandma Vallejo, helping them out in anyway that he could.  As a friend, and as a good friend, you knew his loyalty, but you also needed to understand his sarcastic sense of humor to truly know him. He was caring, supportive and giving to those he loved and to many who crossed his path.

Damien faced some very difficult challenges in life where he was not able to receive the necessary help he needed to overcome his battles.  We hope that if you know someone who is experiencing a difficult time due to addiction and/or mental illness, surround them with as much love and positive support that you can, and encourage them to get the professional help they need. Also, if you are experiencing a difficult time, please value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, avoid self-criticism, surround yourself with good people, get the professional help you need and remember that you are loved.

Those left to cherish Damien’s memories are his parents, Victor Blanco and Laura Vallejo; siblings, Dominic, Adric, and Briana Blanco; maternal grandmother, Guadalupe Vallejo; his special angel, Emersyn Blanco; including several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members along with his loyal fur buddy, Oscar.

Those that precede Damien in their spiritual journey include his paternal grandparents, Antonio and Felisitas “Lily” Blanco; maternal grandfather, Pete Vallejo; and many family members of the Blanco and Vallejo family, including his big fur buddy, Kahlua.

Thank you to family, friends, and all who have reached out with their kind and supportive words as we move forward during this very difficult and emotional time.

To My Son:  As my first-born child, you helped define me to be the best mom that I could be to you and your siblings. You gave me the understanding of a parent’s true unconditional love.  I will miss so much about you: the big smile on your face, the big, warm bear hugs, having breakfast with you, your sense of humor, and most of all, the conversations we would have.

I have and always will hold you tightly in my heart every day.  I have loved you your whole life and now I am left to miss you immensely for the rest of mine. Rest Peacefully, Son.

Psalms 34: 17-18 The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.