JOHNNY R. Big Dad as his family knew him, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 and is in the arms of our Lord, at the age of 91. He had a great life and leaves behind his wonderful wife, Beth, whom he spent 66 years of marriage. John had a sister, Donna Welch of Washington State; 11 children, Cathy Strom, Ronny, Gary, Robby, Kenny, Happy, Steve, Chris, Mary Beth Weiland, Jeff and Scott; 21 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Big Dad was a proud man who served his country as a highly decorated pilot in the Air Force, earning the Distinguished Service Cross during WWII. After the war, he entered civilian life as a general contractor, commercial fisherman, fire chief of Jemez Springs, owner and CEO of NM Chemical Corporation, Rancher in Santa Rosa and land developer at Conchas Lake. Among his passions he was a life member of the American Legion in Jemez Springs, member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, member of the P-38 Pilots Association and a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. When he wasn't raising kids and working, he loved to fish, hunt and play with his boats and other toys. The Rosary will be recited Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at French - Lomas Chapel, with Budd and Jane Hoff reciting. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 31, 2012, 8:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Annunciation, 2621 Vermont NE, with Monsignor Bennett J. Voorhies as celebrant. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. We would like to thank the great staff and volunteers at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, and his coffee buddies, who always provided that first good laugh in the morning. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the El Ranchitos De Los Ninos at elranchitonm.org. Please visit our online guest book for Big Dad at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
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