Raymond M. Age - 65 - Chimayo Chavez

Raymond M. Chavez, 65 a lifelong resident of Chimayo born on March 15, 1947 and died on Friday, December 7, 2012 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Frances Chavez; brothers: Bennie and Levi Chavez and nephew Calvin Chavez. He is survived by his lifelong love and wife of 45 years, Patsy Chavez; daughter, Claudette (Paul), son Isidor (Yvette); and grandchildren Dante, Santos, Izabella, Ava and Gianna, whom he loved without end; brother, Frutoso (Grace); sister, Helen Barela; sister-in-laws: Carmen & Lindy; Mother-in-law that was like a mother to him, Gertude Baros; brother-in-laws: Bobby (Theresa), Eddie; sister-in-law, Cindy (Ronnie) Jimenez; along with many close nieces and nephews. Raymond was raised in El Potrero, NM by a strong catholic family who taught him values, respect and how to work hard. Raymond was well respected by all and a pillar in his community. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1965 and was remembered for his basketball skills as point guard for the Santa Cruz Crusaders. After high school Raymond attended Northern New Mexico Community College in El Rito where he received his degree in Drafting. Thereafter, Raymond worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 34 years in various positions, initially as a draftsman and worked his way up to Senior Mechanical Designer. Raymond also served as Santa Fe County Commissioner for District 1 from 1989-1994. Raymond currently served as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation as well as a member of the Presbyterian Española Hospital Community Board of Trustees since 1994 and was Chair of the Board, a position he has held for the past 7 years until his passing. The latest renovations, of the new hospital tower, was his most recent accomplishment. Raymond played a major role in the community and had a high level of leadership experience. Raymond served as Executive Director of Interfaith Leap, a nonprofit organization involved in helping the youth overcome drug dependency and giving the community food commodities. He also served on the Holy Family Parish Council for 10 years, with 7 years as chair. As if this weren’t enough, Raymond also served on the Santa Fe Soil & Water Conservation Board for 13 years, Santa Cruz Irrigation District Board of Directors for 15, and was member and past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He had a strong commitment to the residents and communities of northern New Mexico. Raymond prided himself with ranch work, tending to his cattle and “escardando la huerta” of Chimayo chili and passing on these tradition’s on to his children and grandchildren. He loved all sports, but especially loved basketball. In fact, Raymond still holds the state record for the most assists in a game. He could always be found listening, if not watching his UNM Lobos. Aside the sports and most importantly, Raymond always prided his family’s contribution in building and caretaking of El Santuario de Chimayo. Raymond had an impact on the lives and well being of many people and will be missed. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Burial will follow at the Potrero Cemetery in Chimayo with the Raymond’s close friends and family will serve as pallbearers: Joe Vasquez, Alfonso Trujillo, Freddy Roybal, Ross Villareal, Ronnie Jimenez, Paul Martinez, Elias Martinez, & Harold Martinez. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be: His Grandchildren, all Nieces and Nephews, God children, Espanola Hospital Board Members and Staff, LANL Foundation Board and Staff, Florence Jaramillo, Dennis Duran (Ranch Hand), Interfaith Leap Board and Employees, Many Coworkers and Dear Friends. The family of Raymond M. Chavez has entrusted the care of their beloved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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