Gilbert Jose Vigil

Gilbert Jose Vigil August 18, 1932 – November 11, 2024

Gilbert Jose Vigil passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born in the village of Tesuque, New Mexico, to Max Sr. and Georgia Vigil. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Max Vigil Jr.; nephews Walter Catanach, Phillip Vigil, and Claude Vigil; brother-in-law Gilbert Catanach and sister-in-law Frances Vigil.

He is survived by his children, Francisco Vigil (Sandy), Angela Lewis (Randy), and Anna Maria Vigil (Guillermo); and his grandchildren, Alicia Vigil, Alana Vigil, Jacob Lewis, and Nicholas Lewis. He is also survived by his siblings, Clyde Vigil (Clara), Manuel Vigil (Thuy), Martha Catanach, Pita Otero (Danny), Fred Vigil, and Rosina Lettre (Marcel); along with numerous loving nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Gilbert attended school in the Española Valley and continued his studies at New Mexico State University. He had a diverse career, including service in the U.S. Army, working with the Peace Corps, fighting wildfires across multiple states, supporting Northern New Mexico and the Four Corners region as a mental health counselor, and eventually retiring as a security inspector at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

An avid lover of the outdoors and New Mexico’s history, Gilbert enjoyed spending time working on his ranch and sharing his extensive knowledge of local history. After retirement, he served as a docent at the Los Luceros Historic Site and the Espanola Bond House Museum. A lifelong photographer, he cherished capturing family, friends, and the beautiful landscapes and people of Northern New Mexico. He remained committed to serving his country all through his life and was an active member of the American Legion Post 17 in Espanola.

We would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the staff at The Legacy of Santa Fe for the love and care provided to our dad in his final months.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM (noon) at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola, NM.  A reception will follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall. Interment will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Gilbert Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477