ZANE Zane departed this life on July 24th, at 63 years of age, surrounded with love. Born on October 28, 1948, in Manchester, Tennessee, Zane was the only child of the late Herman and Leatha Wells. He took pride in bragging about growing up in the country on a small farm and attending a two room country school, where he received five years of elementary education. He went on to later receive graduate degrees in Institutional Administration and Allied Health. Zane joined the U.S. Navy in January 1969, becoming a Combat Navy Corpsman. He married Aileen Alvarez in June 1971, while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1972 he was 'loaned' to the U.S. Marine Corps, and assigned to the U.S.S. Tripoli, a helicopter carrier at Vietnam. The military afforded him extensive world travels and middle management assignments in both the Navy and Marine Corps. He thoroughly enjoyed all of these experiences. After proudly serving for 24 years, Zane retired from the military in March of 1993, while stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in southern California, where he worked for the Inspector General Medical Team. In June 1996, Zane began his dream job working as a Patient Advocate at the Albuquerque VA medical center. His priority and passion was ensuring veterans were receiving all resources available to them, and steadfastly advocated for their care. With an impeccable work ethic he was sure to attain results for those he was helping, never stopping just because it was quitting time. The patients and staff felt supported by Zane's desire to get the veterans the healthcare that they needed, without needless delays and obstacles. Zane also firmly believed in the VA facility itself, what it represents, knowing all it can do for veterans and their families. He retired due to health issues in April 2012, having thoroughly loved every minute of his job. As a disabled veteran himself, Zane chose the VA as his primary medical care facility, reaffirming his confidence in the abilities of the VA doctors and staff. Zane was a member of several military organizations. He held official positions in the Marine Corps League, twice a Senior Vice Commandant of Detachment 381 in Albuquerque, and Junior Vice President for the Disable American Veterans, Chapter 33. The Wells family have been active parishioners of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, where Zane served for 14 years as President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which provides assistance in the form of food, rent, utilities, clothing, etc., to many in need from the community. From 1998-2001, Zane served as Archdiocesan President of St. Vincent de Paul Society of New Mexico. Because of his dedication to St. Vincent de Paul, and his strong foundation in volunteering and true altruism, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Zane's name. Alternatively, if monetary donations cannot be made, please consider helping others in some other capacity. Zane is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Aileen; a son, Leslie, who works as a high school principal in Santa Monica, CA; a daughter, Fatima, who lives in Albuquerque, NM and works at Lovelace as a Registered Nurse; a daughter, Carmen, who works as an Office Manager in Santa Monica, CA; and Consuelo, his only grandchild, who will start her junior year of high school this fall. The Wells family wishes to thank the many VA Staff and veteran friends for their expressions of sympathy and support during this difficult time. We know that you are all an extension of his family and we greatly appreciate your presence in his life. We hope knowing Zane was as much of a privilege for you as it has been for us. Saying we'll miss this truly incredible man is a gross understatement. Eternal rest grant unto Zane, O' Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. A short viewing is scheduled at Direct Funeral Services on Friday, July 27th, from 11:00 - 11:30am. Services will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 811 Guaymas Place NE, Alb, NM 87108, (505-256-9818), on Monday, July 30th, at 10:00 am. Burial will be private and set for a later date.
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