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Ben Moffett Obituary
Ben L. Moffett has passed away at age 79 on Monday, August 19, 2019 at his home in Bosque Farms, NM. Moffett was a longtime sports writer for the Albuquerque Journal, news reporter, National Park Service public affairs officer, and freelance writer over most of his later working years. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lesta Davidson Moffett; his three children, Bret Moffett, Marc Moffett, and Pamela
Moffett; and seven grandchildren.
Moffett was born Thursday, September 7, 1939, a half mile south of San Antonio, NM in a three-room home built of adobe by father and mother, John B. and Regina Moffett, and several children who had matriculated to New Mexico from Louisiana and Arkansas long before he was born.
Moffett spent most of his life in New Mexico, with a long stay in Albuquerque, where he attended Ernie Pyle Jr. High, Albuquerque High, and the University of New Mexico. At UNM he earned BA and MA degrees in journalism and communication, while
working as a sportswriter, sports editor, and state editor, at the Albuquerque Journal. As a student of language, he challenged himself to study and learn Spanish; he loved being fluent and conversing in his second language. He then went on to a successful career with the National Park Service that spanned 23 years and two distinct offices in Santa Fe, NM, and Denver, CO. During that tenure, he was responsible for informing the public about the 1988 Yellowstone fires and the wolf reintroduction mission, to name a few. During his retirement, he worked tirelessly to write a book on the history of basketball in New Mexico, a labor of love as sports, particularly high school sports, were always close to his heart.
An avid gardener and bird watcher, he enjoyed all time spent in his yard and the out of doors. He could name birds and wildflowers by the dozens. He was an active person, who enjoyed sports himself,
playing a mean game of softball or racquetball or
basketball, always a competitor. One could find him just as easily pitching
horseshoes or casting a rod from a placid lake bank.
He will be sorely missed for his wry sense of humor, his support for the underdog, his wealth of
knowledge on so many subjects, and his care for his family. May you rest in peace, Dad. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019, 3:00 p.m. at FRENCH â€" University. Please visit our online guestbook for Ben at
www.FrenchFunerals.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Moffett
4 Entries
Ron Pies
August 24, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family of Ben Moffett. Growing up in Albuquerque and being an athlete, i always admired his journalistic talents. We stayed in touch through the years and recently on Facebook. The man was a true treasure.
Charles Wood
August 23, 2019
It is deeply saddening to learn of Ben's passing. I first met Ben in 1965 as a high school sports stringer at the Albuquerque Journal. His kindness, patience and generous mentoring of beginning writers are fondly remembered. Although Ben was surrounded by talented colleagues such as LeRoy Bearman and Frank Maestas, Ben played a vital role in managing and editing the nightly production of the Journal's popular sports section. Ensuring accuracy was his hallmark. I looked forward to reading Ben's terrific new book on New Mexico basketball. He invested enormous time and effort in preparing this publication to preserve stories about people and events before these stories were lost over time. This project clearly reflected his love for the people and unique culture of New Mexico. Ben's hard work and leadership will be missed.
Rebecca Post
August 23, 2019
Sincere sympathy to you dear Lesta. Please try to keep in mind that, in Reality, life is eternal; and dear Ben is with our father/mother God. And please get in touch if there's anything with which I can help you during this in your life.
Margie Fresquez
August 23, 2019
Ben was my friend during our time at NPS and I am saddened to learn of his death but do know that is as it should be. May he rest in everlasting peace.
My deepest condolences to Lesta and family. May God bless you all now and at this time especially.
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Memorial Events
for Ben Moffett
Aug
23
Memorial service
3:00 p.m.
French Funerals & Cremations - University & Lomas1111 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Funeral services provided by:
French Funerals & Cremations - University & Lomas1111 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
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