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Gasper M. "Gappy" Mestas, 89, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, January 2, 2010. He was born in Fort Collins, CO and settled in Albuquerque with his family 64 years ago. In addition to a successful career in the engineering department of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Gappy served three years in the U.S. Air Force as a professional musician. His work as a musician continued throughout his life. He was a respected trumpet player and arranger who had the privilege of playing in support of such legends as Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Nat King Cole and Mel Torme, as well as others during WWII and after. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Sue Atencio and Anna Marie Pacheco; children, Liane Mestas, Ken Mestas, Janie Reyes and husband, Nicholas Reyes, Rick Mestas and wife, Maria Valencia Mestas, Randy Mestas and wife, Ruth Mestas, and Chuck Mestas; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Many of these survivors were there to celebrate with him on his most recent birthday in November, as well as the Christmas and New Year holidays. The rosary will be recited Tuesday, January 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 300 Mildred Ave. NW. Mass will be Wednesday, January 6, 2009, 11:30 a.m., also at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church with interment following at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Gappy at www.RememberTheirStory.com. French 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
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