Thomas L. Dunigan

Thomas L. Dunigan Of Santa Fe, passed away the evening of October 14, 2011 from a prolonged illness. His wife and son were at his bedside, holding hands and comforting him as he departed this world. Tom was an esteemed and learned attorney who practiced law in Santa Fe for 44 years. He loved the practice of law and it was his true vocation. He was a fixture in Santa Fe politics and a key advisor to numerous New Mexico governors, attorneys general, and other political figures. He was the life of the party, and his jovial laugh could easily be heard across the room. His kindness, generosity, and sincere interest in helping others touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him, and he somehow always found a way to profoundly influence your life. His wisdom and knowledge were vast, and his curiosity endless. He was humble, never didactic, and enjoyed mentoring others. Tom was born in El Paso, TX and was inspired to become a lawyer by his father, Joseph, who was also an attorney. Tom was stimulated by education, and he studied at some of the best universities in the country. A man of multiple talents, Tom was recruited by Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado to play football after graduating high school. His nickname was "Tom the Bomb" because he was so fast on his feet. However, after one year at Trinidad State, he realized he didn't like being hit so hard and he decided to go to Stanford University. After completing his undergraduate education at Stanford, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. in 1967, where he was an editor of the prestigious Georgetown Law Review. He then further pursued a Master's Degree in Political Administration from JFK School of Government at Harvard University. He earned an additional degree in politics from Oxford College in England during the summer of 1969, and permanently settled in Santa Fe in June 1970. Tom's first legal job in Santa Fe was as a legal clerk for the late Chief Justice Erwin Moise from 1967-68, who was an important mentor for Tom. When he returned to Santa Fe in 1970, Tom accepted a position in the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, where he would serve for the next 12 years. He appeared frequently on behalf of the State in front of the New Mexico Supreme Court. In 1983, as Special Assistant Attorney General, Tom had the distinct honor to argue in front of the United States Supreme Court in a landmark case on Indian law (New Mexico v Mescalero Apache Tribe, 462 U.S. 324 (1983)). He served as Deputy Attorney General for Attorneys General Toney Anaya and Jeff Bingaman, both of whom he greatly respected and admired. While representing the State Racing Commission for the Attorney General's office, he met George Maloof who became another important mentor and father figure for Tom. From 1983-86, he served as Bond Counsel for the State and counsel for the State Board of Finance. He also briefly served as Commissioner of Securities for the State. Tom entered into private practice for the remainder of his career, and lobbied the New Mexico Legislature on behalf of numerous public and private interests. He was very passionate about the Legislature and loved that process. Outside of his professional life, Tom loved watching all sports, was a baseball aficionado, and one of his greatest joys was watching his son play high school soccer, basketball and karate. He could rattle off statistics for players he watched when he was a boy, and he remembered who hit a home run and what the score was of every baseball game he attended. He taught his son, Tommy, to play baseball when he was 4 years old, and one of Tommy's favorite memories of childhood is playing catch with his dad in the backyard. Tom loved trains, classical music, books about famous politicians, and he would stay up late engrossed in shows about the history of war on the History Channel. He was one of the few people who thought CSPAN was interesting. Tom met his wife, Barbara, in 1964 while both were working for United States Senator Ralph Yarborough of Texas. Barbara was one of Senator Yarborough's secretaries, and Tom was one of his interns. They fell in love during the summer of '64, while walking along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey while attending the Democratic National Convention with the Senator and his staff. They married in 1976, and were blessed with the birth of their son, Tommy, in 1978. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, 66 of Santa Fe, his son, Tommy, 32, of New York City, daughter-in-law Johanna, his grandchildren Liam (2) and Lola (6 months); his sister, Patricia Marr, 71 of El Paso, TX, and nephew Joel Marr, wifeTeresa, daughters Shacie and Shaeden, also of El Paso. He is also survived by his niece, Kathy Bynum, nephew Chris Bynum and niece Jennie Tighe and her husband, Jim, of Phoenix and their children Alex and Erica. Tom was preceded in death by his twin brother, Joseph Jr., and his beloved sister, Mickey, who passed away late last year. Tom was a man of honor and integrity and he will be greatly missed. "Each man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." (John Donne) Public visitation is Wednesday, October 19, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by recitation of the Rosary at Rivera Family Funeral Options, 417 Rodeo Road, in Santa Fe. Immediately following the Rosary, please join us at the Rivera Family chapel for a eulogy remembrance ceremony. The family invites anyone who was close to Tom to say a few words about him, tell a funny story, or share how he influenced your life. A private party will be hosted at The Bull Ring following the remembrance ceremony. Funeral mass will be conducted by Father Terrance Brennan at St. Francis Cathedral on Thursday, October 20, at 1 p.m., followed by burial at Rivera Family Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home, or you may make a charitable donation in Tom's memory to a charity of your choice. The Ortega family has entrusted their loved one to: The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road ~ Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santafefuneraloption.com (505)989-7032