Ernesto Iglesias

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, our beloved father, Ernesto Iglesias, ended his life's journey at La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 26, 1922, in Avellaneda, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Rogelio and Felipa Banderas Iglesias.
Our father's journey began in Argentina where he was raised and proudly served in the Argentine Air Force from 1940 through 1960. After retiring, he and our dear mother, Josefina Stove, immigratedto the El Paso/Mesilla Valley to begin a new venture for themselves and at the time, with two of their three children. He was fortunate to have obtained an employment opportunity in his specialty at Stahmann Farms, where he maintained the family and farm's airplanes for ten years. Having perceived his outgoing nature, strong work ethic and determination, Mr. Stahmann offered our father yet another wonderful opportunity to manage the restructuring of the farm's planning and quality control operations. With no agricultural background, his perseverance taught him to read English and led him and the farm to form a strong partnership with NMSU and other pecan growers in the Mesilla Valley until his retirement in 1989. One of his proudest and most noteworthy accomplishments washis famous "asados" for Stahmann Farms. He took pride in perfecting his chimichurri, the process and his "asado" skills by creating specialized equipment for the events with the help of many. The stories continue to circulate!
Dad was a stoic, exceptional man. What he did not know, he learned. Our home was always open to those who had also traveled across hemispheres to pursue better opportunities for themselves and their families. He was an avid athlete and passionate Futbol player and fan! In the early 1960's, he formedand coached his own team, recruiting foreign students from NMSU to play teams in Juarez as well as German teams from Ft. Bliss and Holloman Air Force Base. Dad also coached any and all who would play futbol from Stahmann Farms; matches held en "la copa". In his later years, he coached young, future futbolistas through local leagues. He was a lover of animals, an exceptional gardener, maintaining the most beautiful back yard on Delano, piddled with wood working and loved celebrations. So many beautiful friendships formed over the years! Know that he truly treasured your companionship. Although gone from our sight, dad will forever live in our hearts and those who were fortunate to have walked alongside him.
Dad is survived by the mother of his children, Josefina of Emmett, Idaho, children, Monica Rives-Iglesias and husband Jim of Las Cruces, Ernesto Luis Iglesias of Austin, Texas, and Suzi Grossklaus and husband Greg of Emmett, Idaho. He is also survived by his daughter in law, Marta Iglesias of Houston, Texas, grandson, Martin O. Iglesias and his partner, Lexi of North Hollywood, California, and granddaughter, Crystal Iglesias-Rives of Las Cruces. Other survivors include his brother Alberto Iglesias and wife Emilia of Bernal, Argentina, nieces Marisa and family of Contil, Spain, and goddaughter, Marial and family of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife Lina and their son, Jorge O. Iglesias, and his third wife, Olga Iglesias.
As per his wishes, there will be no services. A private celebration will be held at a later date on his final destination back to his querida patria, Argentina.
We wish to extend our gratitude to everyone who cared for our father in their respective capacities throughout the years. A special thanks to his wonderful caregivers and staff at the Aristocrat Assisted Living, Margie Montoya with Mesilla Valley Hospice for your patience, guidance and compassion, the exceptional care and support provided by the staff at La Posada, Dr. Leon and his staff, Dr. Fiszbein and Paula, and his Bingo companion, Julieta.
So many special people have crossed our paththrough his life's journey; please know you will always be cherished in our hearts.
Mi querido viejo
Es un buen tipo mi viejo
que anda solo y esperando
tiene la tristeza larga
de tanto venir andando

Yo lo miro desde lejos
pero somos tan distintos
es que creció con el siglo
contranvía y vino tinto....

Viejo mi querido viejo
ahora ya caminas lento
como perdonando el viento
yo soy tu sangre mi viejo
soy tu silencio y tu tiempo.....

El tiene los ojos buenos
y una figura pesada
la edad se le vino encima
sin carnaval, ni comparsa

Yo tengo los años nuevos
y mi padre los años viejos
el dolor lo lleva dentro
y tiene historia sin tiempo

Viejo, mi querido viejo
ahora ya caminas lento
como perdonando al viento
yo soy tu sangre mi viejo
soy tu silencio y tu tiempo

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E.Boutz Road, 527-2222. For online condolences logon www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com