David Chavez Obituary

David Chavez

David Vega Chavez was born in Deming, NM August 16, 1947. He is survived by his sister Lydia Soccoro Bickford and husband Dale, niece Ruth Collier, and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Hilaria Chavez. When David was eight years old the family moved to Albuquerque. He graduated from Manzano High School and the University of New Mexico. During his college years he became involved in community theater, which lead him to become a professional choreographer, director, and dancer. His extensive career included numerous television, musical theater, motion picture, and dance credits. Upon his return to New Mexico as Artistic Director with the New Mexico Ballet Company, he began painting seriously. His paintings capture the magic of New Mexico. Please visit our online guestbook for David at FrenchFunerals.com.

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Chavez

12 Entries

Martin Kravitz

February 27, 2025

Thanks to David, who choreographed a 1969 production of West Side Story for the Albuquerque Light Opera, I began a life of dance, dancing and teaching for over 50 years. I was a rank beginner at that time, going on stage directed by David with seriousness but such warmth and support. I have David to thank, along with my other wonderful first teachers in Albuquerque (The Haydens and Joanne Emmons) to have given me the passion of dance and a unique inspired artistic life that has taken me around the world. David, I'm so sorry that I could never thank you in person for this gift. Bless your memory.

Jeff Burrows

January 31, 2024

Just thinkin' about David. The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band (Me Member) did an original show with him, he was the consummate director, all knowing, all seeing, all over everything...loved him. He was the kind of guy that you would say..."greatest guy in the world."

Jeff Burrows

January 31, 2023

Great guy, talented, gracious, visionary, special, really.

Jeff and Raja and Robin Burrows

Patricia Campana

April 25, 2022

So very heartbroken to hear of David's passing. When I lived in Albuquerque I took jazz dance classes with him A brilliant dancer and artist. He surely is missed

Pumpkin Cary

March 29, 2021

Dave was a great friend and we started dancing professionally together. He was a brilliant dancer and I loved being on stage with him. My Mother Suzanne Johnston adored him and loved his choreography for the N.M. Ballet company and all the dancers loved his amazing stage direction.
Great talent and he will be missed remember Dave 5 ...6 ...7 ...8 love ya dear.

Thomas Stotts

March 18, 2021

I showed artwork with David at Weems Gallery in Albuquerque and also in numerous art festivals. I feel myself very fortunate to have gotten to know David, and remember one especially pleasant experience when we had a show together in Old Town Albuquerque. The show did not produce many sales that night, but we entertained ourselves with David's mom trying to teach me Spanish, and my poor, but funny attempts to pronounce the words properly. David was a great artist and even better person. God receive his soul to his final reward.
Amen.

Patti Heuer Sanchez

March 5, 2021

David, you were always my special brother and friend as we were growing up. You remain the same today and you always will be. Thank you for the laughter.

Guy Valverde

February 23, 2021

So Sad to hear this my Mom had told me about his Illness. David was actually my Inspiration of wanting to become a Dancer. I would alway's think of him and will NEVER forget his Last Dance Performance at Popejoy it was Phenomenal & Breathtaking. RIP David hope to see you on the Other Side.

Jan and Eric Glover

February 7, 2021

We miss you David. But you will be with us whenever we hear a theme or see a scene from ‘Lawrence’ or Westside Story, or see a painting of anything representing the history and culture of our state.

Jeff Burrows

February 7, 2021

David's talent, influence and nature was enormous, an Albuquerque treasure...thank you David.

Marie Dagucon

February 6, 2021

My heart is heavy from the news of David's passing. He created masterpieces in dance and paintings, but my mind's eye still sees him as Lydia's younger brother. The growth of his creativity and varied talents as he matured was well matched with his gentleness. My deepest condolences and prayers to Lydia, Dale and Ruth and the rest of David's family and friends. He will truly be missed.

Jude Rudder

February 6, 2021

Dear Lydia, Dale, and Ruth,
I am saddened by the news of David's passing. He was a good friend, teacher, and mentor. Most of all, he was a gentle soul. I will miss him.

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