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Cecil Sonnier, 73, a long time resident of Albuquerque passed away Saturday, June 19, 2004. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Sonnier; sons, Mike, Frank, and Steve; daughter, Patti; and Grandchildren, Seth, Sophie, Don, Sam, Robert, and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara. Born on October 14, 1930 in Lafayette, LA, he went on to graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in engineering. After a tour in the US Army he continued to serve his country as an employee at Sandia National Laboratories for 42 years. He served as Chairman of Safeguards of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management for 20 years, handing it over to his friend and colleague Jim Larimore in 2002. He received a Distinguished Service Award for sustained performance in containment and surveillance, development, testing and implementation, and unselfish dedication to the advancement of the fundamental knowledge and professionalism of international safeguards. During this time he spent three years in Vienna, Austria, first with the US Mission and then with the International Atomic Energy Agency. He had a lifelong love of traveling and experiencing new places and cultures, traveling throughout Europe, Russia, Australia, and over 50 times to Japan. Cecil had dear friends in all corners of the world. No matter where Cecil traveled, he always returned to Albuquerque, his favorite place in the world. He is remembered as a wise and loving father and a devoted husband. He was a wonderful family man who had unbelievable love for his children. He will be sorely missed. As a devout Catholic, we bid a tearful farewell to Cecil on his final journey home. A mass of resurrection was held Monday, June 21, 2004 at Risen Savior Catholic Community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Bank of America for a memorial in his honor at the Atomic Museum. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400
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