DAVID ROBERT December 14, 1946 - October 7, 2011 David Robert Trujillo, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, passed away early Friday morning at his home in Arroyo Seco after a sudden and harrowing battle with cancer. His wife and children surrounded him with prayers, stories, and songs at the time of his passing. He was 64 years old. David will be remembered in his many roles as a consistent and dedicated family man, a true and dear friend to many, a lifelong educator and learner, an avid outdoorsman, and a talented craftsman. In his last days as throughout his life, David will be remembered for an extraordinary strength of spirit and unwavering courage as he faced the sudden onset of an aggressive cancer. Throughout his own treatment, his concern always lay with the wellbeing of his family. Born on December 14, 1946 in Upper Ranchitos de Taos, New Mexico, David grew up a true "Norteno" - going for lena, fishing, hunting, cleaning the acequia, and working with his hands along side his father, tios, hermanos and primos. He was a true "Jack of all trades" who had a reverence for the outdoors that greatly influenced his spirituality. He shared this passion with his own children who have fond memories of planting, fishing, camping, building, and going for the yearly Christmas tree with their father. His strengths abounded both inside and out; an enduring athlete and a true intellectual, David approached his career as an educator always making sure to address his students from a holistic perspective. Knowing that children learn best when they understand the practical applications of their learning, Mr. T -as he was affectionately known by his students - often had his students up and out of their seats immersed in experience based learning. His dossier is filled with letters from thankful former students attesting to the care and dignity that his teaching style afforded them. Students recall the woodworking projects where Mr. T emphasized applied mathematics or the PE lessons where they experienced world history through learning the history of various ball games. David's career is a reflection of the educational values and goals he set for himself at a young age as a first generation, bilingual college student. After graduating from Taos High School, he earned an athletic scholarship to Adams State College in Alamosa, CO where he graduated with a B.A. in Education. He went on to earn an M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Special Education at UNM. Mr. Trujillo taught for the Santa Fe Public Schools for 30 years, spending most of his career at Gonzales Elementary School. In the 1980s-90s, he was one of the first Technology Coordinators for Santa Fe Public Schools, ushering in a new era of learning tools for New Mexico's students. Additionally, he was actively involved with Special Olympics and the advisor the Gonzales Elementary student newspaper for years. After retirement from SFPS, he returned to the classroom and taught an additional seven years at Ohkay Owingeh Day School. When his teaching years ended, he shared the responsibility of caring for his 95-year-old mother with true respect and admiration. He and his wife, Elaine, took his mother for countless drives, to numerous family events, mass and for her favorite ice cream cones in an effort to keep her vital and immersed in her community. This level of commitment to family rippled throughout his relationships. He and his wife of forty-two years raised three children while both were maintaining successful careers in education. His wife, children and grandchildren will miss the holidays that always digressed into board game tournaments, the shared annual rituals, and the laughter that always filled those moments. The youngest of eight siblings, David always did his best to show his affections and maintain his relationships with his hermanos y hermanas. Both his immediate family and family of origin were sources of great pride for him. David's zest for living and learning permeated all aspects of his life; family and friends were often the recipients of his gifts. Many have fond memories of working on a construction project with him. He was generous with his talents, and his craftsmanship can be celebrated through the portales, cuartitos, and woodwork left in many homes. David enjoyed playing golf with his longtime friends, Anthony, Rich and "Beecham"; these four are known at golf courses throughout the state. Even through the last months of his life, David continued to help his daughter renovate her home, play golf, plan an elk hunt with his friend, Ray Sandoval, and primo, Ernest "Largo" Trujillo, and work on his continual crafts and projects. He spent some of his last quality time traveling with his wife, visiting with friends including Frank Maes, and excitedly pondering about the future growth of his family. We'll miss his wry sense of humor, his profound knowledge, and his unwavering support for the Washington Redskins. Truly, in knowing David, we can celebrate the strength, courage, intelligence and creativity of men. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will remain strong for all those who had the privilege of knowing him. One of the greatest tributes to his memory for his family and extended community would be a commitment to having a focus on healthy living and an annual physical exam. Mr. Trujillo was preceded in death by his father, Bernardo Trujillo; his brother, Fred Trujillo; his son, Bernardo Trujillo, II; his primo-hermano, Rudy Cordova; his nephews Tommy Archuleta, Larry Trujillo and Lawrence Velasquez; and his niece, Ana Trujillo. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine Trujillo; his three children: Bernadette Ellis and husband, Abraham Ellis of Albuquerque, NM, David Trujillo and wife, Gloriana Trujillo of San Diego, CA, and Patricia Trujillo and her friend, David Garcia of El Guache, NM; his grandchildren Abraham Antonio and Analiese Ellis. As well, he is survived by his mother, Ruperta Trujillo of Taos, NM; his six siblings: Ofelia Trujillo, Manuel Trujillo, Pearl Winters, Pat Trujillo, Oclides Velasquez, and Bernice Trujillo Wells. The family of David Trujillo would also like to acknowledge the loving care he received by his hospice worker, Yasmine, from Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, all of the doctors and nurses at Cristus Santa Rosa/St. Vincent's Cancer Treatment Center and Rehabilitation Center. A Rosary and Mass will be prayed for Mr. Trujillo at Sacred Heart Parish in Espanola, NM on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will take place at a later date. The family of David Robert Trujillo has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com
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