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Rudolph Octavio Velasco went to be with the Lord on November 2, 2007. He was born in Tucson, Arizona on October 24, 1921. Rudy was preceded in death by his infant son William; his mother and father Julia and Jose'; brother Carlos; and, in 2004, his beloved wife of 56 years Callie Louise Maass. He is survived by seven children; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Gloria from Albuquerque and daughter Melodie and husband Rob Stenger and son Oliver from Portland OR, and daughter Leah from Boston, MA; Melanie and husband Skip Alexander from Red Wing MN, and children Emily from San Diego CA, Callie from St. Thomas Island and Ian from Madison, WI; Jim and wife Katherine and son Daniel of, CO; Diane and husband Mark Harty and daughter Julia of Albuquerque; John and wife Barbara and children Sean Higgins and wife Autumn, Jessie and Sarah of Rio Rancho; Lisa and husband Bill Spurgeon and Robert of Rio Rancho; and Robert Velasco of Angel Fire, NM. He is also survived by his dear sister Rogee Byers and family of Mission Viejo, CA. Our beloved father, "Nino" and brother passed serenely at home attended by his loving family. He was also attended by his devoted caregivers Shonnell Smith and Gloria Mata. Rudy attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He transferred to the University of California at Berkeley where his expertise in vacuum tubes aided the research in isotope separation. He was later drafted into the US Army and was assigned to the Y12 Calutron Development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory based on his research at UC Berkeley. While at Oak Ridge he was assigned to the elite Special Engineering Detachment and soon thereafter was relocated to Los Alamos, NM. It was in Los Alamos where he met his future wife, Callie, a chemist with the laboratory. Rudy worked with leading scientists and directors of the day and often reminisced of many unique and wonderful experiences. He enjoyed hunting, horseback riding, and socializing with his wife and many friends in those early days of Los Alamos. Rudy and Callie made their home in this mountain community, becoming involved in the activities of their children, church and community. He and his growing family enjoyed wonderful times together skiing, camping and fishing in the mountains and rivers of the area. Rudy returned to school while raising five children and with the loving support of Callie earned a graduate degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Rudy had a career-long commitment to the Zia Company, where he retired as Utilities Chief, and was later a staff member with Los Alamos National Laboratories. Excerpts of his life are included in the book "They Changed the World", by A.J. Melnick. A rosary will be held on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel. A funeral mass in celebration of Rudy's life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 3700 Canyon Rd., Los Alamos, NM with Father John Carney officiating. A private interment at Guaje Pines Cemetery, and a fellowship meal at the Parish Hall will follow the ceremony. Pallbearers are: Jim Velasco, John Velasco, Robert Velasco, Skip Alexander, Mark Harty, and William Spurgeon. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Spurgeon, and Sean Higgins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery NE, Ste 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Attn: Lorraine West, or 1-800-227-2345, or through the website www.cancer.org French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd NW (505) 897-0300 www.frenchmortuary.com
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