Gabriel L. Valdez

VALDEZ - Gabriel L. Valdez, retired State Police Officer and New Mexico Gaming Control Board Investigator, age 67, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, August 7, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Margie Valdez; son, Gabriel L. Valdez III and wife, Ellen and grandsons, Alejandro and Adrian; son, William "Greg" Valdez and wife, Sally and grandson, Ryan; son, Geoff A. Valdez and wife, Tracy and granddaughters, Alaina and Samantha; brother, Felix and wife, Lorraine; brothers-in-law, Joe Garcia Sr., Cristobal Archuleta, and Arvie McGregor; sister-in-law, Ruby Valdez; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Gabe's life was filled with numerous experiences and personal relationships that will always be remembered and cherished. He was a once-in-a-generation personality who had the unique ability to help, love, and take care of everyone that he came in touch with, regardless if that person was an old friend or a new friend. Our lives will never be the same without Gabe. Gabe is preceded in death by his brother, Guzman Valdez; sisters, Margaret Archuleta, Benita Garcia and Odelia Garcia; brothers-in-law, Bernie Garcia, Sr. and Glen McGregor; niece, Josefina "Pina" Valdez; and mother and father, Josefita and Gabriel L. Valdez, Sr. Gabe's life will be celebrated Friday, August 12, 2011, 9:00 a.m., at Calvary Chapel, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Friends may visit beginning at 8:00 a.m. Procession and interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in his hometown of Cebolla, NM. Pallbearers will be Luke Maestas, John Gomez, Arturo Valdez, Phillip G. Garcia, Phillip Garcia, Cristobal Archuleta Jr., Danny Manzanares, and Eugene Sandoval. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Garcia Jr., Paul Garcia, Carlos Archuleta, Bernie Garcia Jr., Shane McGregor, and Scott McGregor. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made at any local Bank of the West branch. Please reference "Gabriel Valdez Memorial Fund". For those who wish to contribute by mail, the address is: Bank of the West, La Cueva Branch, Attn: Gabriel Valdez Memorial Fund, 7900 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. The proceeds from these contributions will be used to benefit family members of New Mexico State Police killed in the line of duty.