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Robert W. Botts Sr., died Wednesday, January 20, 1999 after a brief illness. He was born August 12, 1909 in Hope, New Mexico, when New Mexico was still a territory. His parents were Lessie and C.M. Botts, formerly of Carthage, Illinois. The family later moved to Albuquerque where Bob went through APS, graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1926. He continued his education at UNM and then Harvard Law School where he graduated cum laude in 1933. He was admitted to the New Mexico State Bar Association in 1933, clerked for Justice Samuel Bratton, then joined his father in private law practice. He practiced law until December 31, 1996. During this time, he was counsel for APS, president of the NM State Bar, on the Supreme Court Rules Committee, received the Dean's Award from UNM Law School in 1971, 1979 named for the NM State Bar's Outstanding Service Award, and in 1988, was recognized for exemplifying high standards in the legal field by receiving the first NM State Bar's Professionalism Award. In 1934, he married Margaret Shortle. They were married until her death in 1993. The New Mexico Republican Party nominated him as a candidate for Lt. Governor and he remained active with the party for many years, some of which he was presiding officer over the Republican State Conventions. Bob was a corporal in the U.S. Field Artillery division of the U.S. Army during World War II. Post war, he served 30 years as a member of the U.S. Military Selective Service System. Besides his wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, C.M. Botts Jr.; and his great-grandson, Peter Blueher. He is survived by his sister, Mildred Botts Alexander; his children, Mary B. Matteucci and husband, Robert P. Matteucci Sr., Robert W. Botts Jr. and wife, Karen, all of Albuquerque, and James S. Botts M.D. and wife, Julie of Hobbs; grandchildren, Francesca M. Blueher, Robert P. Matteucci Jr., Marisa M. Mott, Lucia M. Baldoni, Sarina Matteucci, Torben Botts, Gregory Botts, James Matteucci, Carsten Botts, and Katherine Botts; honorary grandson, David Gibson; and five great-grandchildren. There will be a private family graveside service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Pete's Playground, Children's Hospital of New Mexico, 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE 87106 or to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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