GERALD T. E. GONZALEZ

GERALD T. E. GONZÃ�LEZ A unique and extraordinary New Mexican, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the age of 68. He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, grew up in Santa Rosa, New Mexico and he cherished the childhood memories of the ranch at Pintada, New Mexico, living out of doors, herding sheep, and cooking beans and meat in the traditional way, in a pit. Gerald started an extraordinary adult life when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Highlands University at age 19. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force and eventually flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam and 26 missions over South Vietnam, piloting the F-4C Phantom II. He received the Air Medal and 13 Oak Clusters for his Vietnam service. Back in the states he became a respected flight instructor and mentor to hundreds of budding pilots. After leaving the Air Force, Gerald was admitted to Harvard Law School and graduated with a J. D. in 1976. He returned to New Mexico and began a remarkable and distinguished career in law and government, including positions as Director of the Civil Division of the New Mexico Attorney General's Office, Chief Staff Counsel for the Public Service Commission, General Counsel of the Department of Finance and Administration, General Counsel of the Public Employee Retirement Association, and Santa Fe City Attorney, among others. Although many might consider the foregoing to be a satisfying and complete life's work, Gerald did not. He went on to become Chief of Staff for (then) Representative Tom Udall in Washington, DC, Santa Fe County Manager, Director of the State Bureau of Elections, and a media representative and majority legal analyst for the New Mexico Senate. Many will recall that Gerald's office overlooking the Senate Chamber at the Roundhouse was a magnet at any time of the day or night for dozens of close friends to gather and share thoughts, stories, memories and Gerald's warmth. Gerald was a lifelong historian, focusing on Southwest history and culture (and specifically of New Mexico's unique crypto-Judaic heritage) and the rich history of his own family and ancestors. His contributions to the collective knowledge are some of Gerald's most enduring legacies, which he generously contributed to the City of Santa Fe's recent 400th celebration. Gerald delighted in his loving wife Carey, family, friends, gardening, music, books, historical research, and living life to the fullest. This remarkable life was unfortunately cut short by illness. His family and friends will cherish memories of a warm, open, positive, and spiritual person whose ties to his family, culture, language and history made him a part of all of us and a reflection of New Mexico. Gerald will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Carey; son, Christopher Earnest González of Dallas, TX; son, Miguel Howe; daughter, Amber Darling of Lubbock, TX; granddaughter, Timber Darling; stepsons: Robert Deacon of Washington State, James Baker and John Baker, both of Texas; stepmother, Bibiana González of Taos; sister, Joyce Martinez of Taos; uncles, Joe Martinez of Santa Rosa and Rudy Martinez of Albuquerque; aunts, Delia Sanchez and Amelia Wallace of Albuquerque; and numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews ;and cousins. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 1601 S St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe. Inurnment with military honors will be conducted at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later time. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be offered in Gerald's name to: Amber Care Hospice, 660-D St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 E. Rodeo Rd Santa Fe, NM (505)989-7032