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Steven Jon Walley, 62, rode his Harley through the gates of heaven on August 4, 2009. Steve was born May 19, 1947 in Fairmont, MN. Steve was raised in Albuquerque, NM by his parents, John and Mary Walley. Steve was a graduate of Eastern New Mexico College, where he received his bachelor's degree in Marketing. Steve served in the Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Joint Services Campaign Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. He returned to Albuquerque, where he began a 30 plus year career with the Air Traffic Control Agency. He married Nancy Klein and had two sons, Eric and Ryan. Steve was a dedicated husband and father, making sure his boys were well educated and loved. He supported them through school, college, and little league. He would take his family on camping trips every chance he would get, and used to ride motorcycles with Eric and Ryan. He and Nancy loved horses, and raised four of them at their home in North Albuquerque Acres. They spent their free-time camping, dancing, and horseback riding. His family was challenged time and time again with cancer. His youngest son was diagnosed with cancer at age 17 and Nancy at age 60. Steve stood strong and was the caregiver during their stints with the awful disease. He lost Nancy in 2004 and Ryan in 2007. Steve picked up the pieces of his life and met Susan Ann Mercer in Florida when he was visiting Eric. They were married August 9, 2008 in Palm Harbor Florida. Sue showed "Cowboy" how to love again, and gave him many reasons to go on living life. Unfortunately, Steve was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer less than a month after they were married. Steve was determined to "live life like there was no tomorrow" and spent his last year traveling with Sue. They collected many memories over the year, living in Florida, New Mexico, and his motor homing community in Colorado. Steve lasted long enough to be Eric's best man in his wedding, which was held just days before Steve passed away. Friends and family will always remember "Cowboy" for his caring heart, his friendly smile, and his ability to touch anyone in the room. He is survived by his wife, Sue Walley; his son, Eric Walley; his daughter-in-law, Faith; his brother, Robert Walley; and his mother, Mary Walley. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2009, at 4:00 p.m., at Daniels Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the American Cancer Society at 10501 Montgomery Blvd NE Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111 (505)260-2105, www.cancer.org. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com Steve's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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