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Leo E. Montoya, June 4, 1931 - October 14, 2004. Leo celebrated his life experience with immeasurable energy and enthusiasm. As an eleven-year-old lad with Basque ancestry, he herded sheep, alone, for the summer season in the mountains around his family's ranch in Cuba, NM. After attending the Menaul School, Leo held a series of sales jobs until he joined the post-war military. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard as a Master Sergeant, and eventually managed Armory in Gallup. Leo organized public dances and hosted a Spanish language program on the radio. He promoted wrestling matches, was part owner of two taverns in Albuquerque, and found his eventual career niche in his own successful business in jewelry sales. To us, Leo was a modern day Huck Finn who tasted life and drank deeply of its joys. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Ninfa Montoya of Cuba, NM, four brothers, Paul, Richard, Archie, and Jimmy and two sisters, Dubie and Delores Duran. He is survived by his life partner, Marion Ryan, and one sister, Olivia Smith of Albuquerque, and numerous nephews and nieces. As Pastor McGregor assured Leo on his last day with us, "You are the lucky one Leo, it's a beautiful day, the sky is blue and the air has a crisp New Mexico feel, and on this day YOU'LL see the LORD." Leo Montoya, our source of joy, perseverance and strength, will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. Rest in peace Leo, we love you and will miss you. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Asbury United Methodist Church (Care Ministry), 10000 Candelaria Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
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