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Albert Perez. And the Lord said, "Good job, my shepherd-now come on home." Friday, November 13, 2009. It is a sad day for the Albert Perez family-but what a great day in Heaven. There it's just breaking daylight. The sky's magenta, pickup engines are being revved, helicopter blades are starting their roll, cowboys are saddled up on fresh horses. Laughter and raucous conversation fill the chilly air. This could be the best coyote hunt ever. And life will continue on here, as it should, but not without dear memories held closely and safely to our hearts. Albert Perez had many loves-family, friends, sheep, ranching, rain (damn, it's dry), sheep, hunting, fishing, sports (let's go Aggies!), sheep, a good day's work, bologna on white bread (again, Albert?), Corinne's roast leg of lamb, sheep; and one deep, abiding hate most worthy of mention-any live coyote. Albert was born in Flagstaff, AZ on May 28, 1922 to parents Ramon and Ysaura Perez. The family moved to New Mexico in 1927, where they began assembling ranches near Yeso, Pastura, and Pintada. Here Albert's siblings, Anna, Carmen, Ramon, and Alice were born. At the age of seven, Albert was already camping with sheep bands. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Buchanan and in Vaughn, where he graduated from high school in 1941, then joined uncles Narciso and Manuel and a couple other hired hands in fencing the entire ranch. He left the ranch to attend New Mexico A&M (now NMSU) for a short time, but returned when WWII began. Albert met Corinne Ribera, the light of his life, when his sister brought her out to the ranch from Albuquerque to ride horses. They married on August 30, 1947 and continued with a partnership, friendship, and love that lasted 62 years. After living in Flagstaff for a short time, the couple moved to the ranch at Pintada, NM and proceeded to raise their family. Eventually they moved to Vaughn, where Albert was a longtime member of the Vaughn School Board. In addition, Albert was chairman of the Guadalupe County Soil and Water Conservation District for thirty years, and was honored with the New Mexico Wool Growers' 2000 Sheepman of the Year. Albert was the consummate rancher and steward of the land. As with any good shepherd, the care of his livestock and family came first, his pasture and water shortly behind. He led by example-his life, his hearty laugh (AhhOOOF!), his honor and love are all the lessons we need carry on. Adios y a Dios, Alberto. Albert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Corinne; son Albert (Tibo) Perez and wife Robin of Taos; son Narciso Perez of Albuquerque; daughter Cambria Masci and husband Greg of Gallup; daughter Pier and husband Lane of San Diego, CA; grandchildren Cassidy Nunn and husband James of Montrose, CO, Kendall Perez of Greeley, CO, Sean Perez of Las Cruces, and Giuliano Masci of Gallup; sisters Anna Osle of Albuquerque and Alice Perez of Vaughn; along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, out-laws, and other beautiful friends he thought of as family. In addition to his parents, Ramon and Ysaura, Albert was preceded in death by his brother, Ramon, and a sister, Carmen. Pallbearers will be Vincent Perez, Dominic Perez, Bruce Dereta, Frank Perez, John Spensieri, and Carlos Armendariz. Honorary pallbearers are Mannie Aguilar, Alfredo Flores, Charlie Serrano, Butch Del Curto, Gino Lujan, Jack Achen, Jim Sachse, Earl Sena, Sec Rivera, Brahaim Hindi, Sr., Alex Gazolas, Norbert Archibeque, Andy Cordova, Charles Schoolcraft, Johnny Madril, and Ernest Perez. Rosary will be Thursday, November 19, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM. Please visit our online guestbook for Albert at www.RememberTheirStory.com. French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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