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Esquipula "JR" Archibeque September 11, 1933 - August 28, 2009 Died peacefully with his loving family by his side on August 28,2009 at his home in Santa Fe, NM. He was 75 years old. He was also affectionately known as "JR", "Pula" or "Pampa". He was born in Palma NM, graduated from Estancia High School, and in 1952 moved to Santa Fe after marrying his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Molly (Gonzales) Archibeque. A go-getter, jack-of-all-trades and self-made man, he had a long career in New Mexico state government, starting as a maintenance worker with the Health Department and rising through the system to eventually finish his career as a purchasing officer for the Health & Human Services Department. After 30 years of state government service he retired in 1982 to open a restaurant with his wife. Together, he and Molly successfully owned and managed Molly's Kitchen & Lounge, a favorite among Santa Fe locals and tourists alike, until 1998 when they sold the business. JR had many other interests. His whole life he loved playing sports and games of all kinds, a passion he shared with local youth during the 1960s to 1980s when he coached many Little League and Babe Ruth League teams. In the mid-1950s he served his state and country as a New Mexico Army National Guardsman. A self-taught and highly skilled handyman, he became a master carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and plumber who could build or repair anything -- if there was a project that needed to be done, JR would get it done with his characteristic s se puede outlook on life. He also enjoyed camping, RVing, bicycling, landscaping, and caring for animals. He had a lifelong love of music, and was a drummer and singer in his teens. He loved to go dancing with his wife. A favorite hobby of his was folk art seeing the beauty in everyday objects from around the home and backyard, he created small works of art (usually crucifixes, Nativity scenes, decorative wall ornaments) which he often gave to family members and friends. Through conversations, his generous and outgoing personality enabled him to never meet a stranger. Above all, he was faithfully devoted to his wife and family; and he was a very compassionate and generous man who helped and supported many family members, friends, co-workers, and employees in their time of need. Devoted to Nuestra Senora la Virgen de Guadalupe, he was a good-natured, gentle and kind soul with an infectious smile, playful spirit, and wonderful sense of humor who left us much too soon. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his mother Pablita Archibeque; and father G. Ines Archibeque. He is survived by his wife, Molly of 56 years; three children and their spouses; and two grandchildren; son, Orlando Archibeque and his wife Janet Archibeque, and their son Jake in Boulder CO; daughter, Paula Radtke and her husband Rick Radtke in Magnolia TX, and their daughter Nikki Radtke in Albuquerque; and youngest daughter, Trish Archibeque-Ross and her husband Brian R. Ross in Santa Fe. Serving as Pallbearers will be: Ray Mendez, Juan Gonzales, Richard Gallegos, Brian Ross, Nikki Radtke, Sam Roybal, Jake Archibeque and Nick Bleckley. A Visitation will be held at Berardinelli Family Chapel on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 1-3 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at St. Francis Cathedral on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Rosario Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Presbyterian Medical Services, The Hospice Center, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe NM 87505, (505) 988-2211, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
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