 GONZALES, LUIS 1926-2012 age 85, was born in Clayton, New Mexico, on Sept. 11, 1926, and passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. He was a life member of the BPOE Santa Fe Elks #460. He was involved in most of the committees and was elected Elk of the Year in 1973-1974, and was elected Exalted Ruler in 1978-1979. He was also a member of the PER Association. Luis was also a life member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council for many years. He was very active in all committees and chairman of various committees. He was elected Member of the Year in 1982-1983. He held all offices on the Council and was elected President in 1989-1990. He was an avid sports fan. His Notre Dame football was his life. Luis graduated from Clayton High School in 1946. He worked for three years in banks in Springer and Las Vegas, NM. He obtained his BA from St. Michaels College, (now College of Santa Fe) in 1953. He went on to obtain his Graduate Degree from the University of New Mexico. While he attended St. Michaels College, he was president of his class all four years and Student Council President his senior year. Upon his graduation, he was elected President of the Alumni Association. He was actively involved in the sports program and never missed a home game during the following 25 years. He served as the official score keeper for the basketball program and traveled with the coach and team during that time. He was an elementary school teacher and principal of Santa Fe public schools for 20 years. He moved from that position to the State Health and Environment Department for ten years. He retired from the State of New Mexico in 1987. He and his parents were founding and active parishioners of St. Johns Catholic Church. He later transferred to St. Francis Cathedral, where he was also an active member and volunteer. Luis was involved in political activities and civic affairs. He was active in successful campaigns for City Council, Mayoral candidates, legislators and governors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florencio and Virginia Gonzales, who resided in Clayton, NM until moving to Santa Fe, NM in 1950. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Adelina "Lena" Sanchez, and Helen and her husband John A. Grace; and brother-in-law, Arthur Montoya. Luis is survived by his sister Marie Montoya of Las Vegas, NM; his beloved niece, Margie and husband John E. Zollan, who were his caregivers since 2003, when he moved from Santa Fe to California to reside with them. In 2006, they moved to Belen, NM. Luis is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, on Wednesday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Rosario Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448, where an online guest register is available at: www.noblinfuneralservice.com
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