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BENJIE Born October 16, 1936 in Monticello, NM, passed away on June 14, 2008 due to a tragic accident. Benjie was a longtime Law Enforcement officer, having served as Under Sheriff to the late Bill Sullivan in Sierra County. His career path took him to Cuba, NM, where he served as Chief of Police and later Chief of Police in Corrales, NM. Benjie served in the capacity of various Law Enforcement agencies. His Law Enforcement Career spanned from 1956 to 1986 and from 1994-1995. He ended his career with Allsup's as a Recruiter and Loss Prevention Officer. Benjie had a lot of visitors at his office because he made the best coffee you will ever have. Benjie and his wife, Lydia, opened the Cuchillo Creek Cafe in 2007 where Benjie had spent his teen years helping his parents, Felix and Aggie Sanchez, with the original cafe in Cuchillo. Benjie and Lydia enjoyed traveling and just spending time together. He loved watching the Los Angeles Lakers, Big Joe's Polka and Sabado Gigante on Saturday nights. Benjie's "life" was all of his grandkids and especially "His Boy" Julian. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lydia Armijo-Torres; son Tony Candelaria, wife Melissa, their children, Christina, Angela, Josh, their soon to be son, Josh Jr., Jenicka, Michael their daughter Emily, Jasmine, Luke, Anna, Bella, Joseph, Jade, Julianna, Adrianna, and Fabian. Daughter, Donna Torres Samora, husband Randy, their son Julian, and step-son Sean Simmons. Son Darwin Cole, wife Mary, daughter Amber, her children Daden and Shaylin, daughter Cindy Torres Harris, husband Jeff, their daughter, Savannah. He is also survived by in-laws, M. Olga Armijo, Gene Armijo, Eloy Armijo, Viola Lockhart and their families. Step-sisters, Hermilla Romero and Mary Alexanderson, godchildren, Daniel Gomez, Paul Clendenin, and Danielle Carbajal, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His love of animals went beyond, especially his feline "kids" Dzach, Girlie Girl (AJ), Sammy, Azreal and grand dog, Mack. He will meet with all his other "kids" in heaven and will be missed by all.
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