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HORNE -- LEONARD DOUGLAS "DOUG" Age 62, of Los Lunas, NM, passed away November 10, 2011, at the University of New Mexico Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit from complications following a stroke. Doug was born on May 6, 1949 in Albuquerque, NM, the son of the late Courtney Horne and Lola Skotchdopole, being lovingly raised by his stepfather, the late Henry Skotchdopole. Following graduation from Highland High School in 1967, where he was a "headhunter" playing defensive tackle on the hornet's football team, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radio operator on the USS ERNEST G. SMALL during the Vietnam War. Doug was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on December 5, 1973, after earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Following the Vietnam War, Doug returned to Albuquerque, where he was blessed with a daughter from his first marriage, Emily Horne. In 1989, Doug married Linda Blakely and became the loving father of Rob Starkey. In 1976 he became a real estate salesman, eventually working with his mother at Los Lunas Realty. He took over Los Lunas Realty in 2006, and continued working there alongside Mike Little until his death. Doug was known to others as the "gentle giant," never met a stranger, and always had a smile and a hug for those whom he loved. Family get-togethers were never complete until Doug arrived with his bear-hugs and overwhelming warmth. While an avid downhill skier, Doug's life-long passion was fishing. He was particularly fond of fishing on Heron Lake in Chama, NM, and spent as much time as he could, fishing in Chama. All of his siblings, credit Doug with teaching them how to fish. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Henry Skotchdopole, who passed away on August 5, 2009; his mother, Lola Skotchdopole, who passed away on January 16, 2005; and his first cousin Bruce Balfour, who passed away on August 29, 2001. Doug is survived by his wife, Linda, of Los Lunas, NM; one daughter, Emily, and partner, Rey Ortiz, of Los Lunas, NM; a son, Rob Starkey and his wife, Kara, of San Jose, CA; five siblings, including Arlene Horne, and her partner, Carlton Cann, of Douglasville, GA; Gayla Thomason, of Los Lunas, NM; Tom Horne and his wife, Linda, of Austin, TX; Mark Skotchdopole and his wife Dilenda, of Los Lunas, NM; and Paul Skotchdopole and his wife Yolanda, of Las Vegas, NM; three grandchildren, including Margaret Horne, of Los Lunas, NM; Jack Stone Ortiz, of Los Lunas, NM; and Anna Starkey, of San Jose, CA; his beloved Aunt Lillian Balfour; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and four special miniature dachshunds. A Memorial Service was held at the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez in Los Chavez, NM, on November 13, 2011, officiated by the Reverend Boyd Morerod, and included Doug's favorite songs performed by his brother, Tom, and his friend, Fred Mollerud. A memorial donation fund in Doug's honor has been established by the family for treatment costs incurred by Doug's brother, Mark, for ALS and can be accessed through www.marksmarch.com, or by direct donation to Dilenda Scott, 6 Peach Blossom, Los Lunas, NM, 87031. Sign Doug's online register book at: www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM
        Published on: Wed November 30, 2011