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Bruce King Obituary
Attorney General Gary King announced his father's death.
King was a Democrat who served three terms that spanned three decades. He was in office in 1971-74, 1979-82 and 1991-94.
King was with family members at his ranch in Stanley when he died Friday morning. His death comes less than a year after the death of his wife of 61 years.
"None of us in the family thought this day would come so soon after we lost my mom, Alice King, but we are comforted by the thought that Bruce and Alice can be together once again," Gary King said in a statement released by his office.
King had been ill and was recovering from a heart procedure in September to adjust the pacemaker that was implanted after he had a heart attack in 1997.
Gov. Bill Richardson ordered flags flown at half-staff, saying King's death "leaves a huge void in our state."
"Bruce King was an innovative, farsighted governor who knew the state better than any living New Mexican," Richardson said. "He was as genuine and colorful as his cowboy boots. I can just hear him say 'mighty fine' as he shook another hand."
King was known for the sharp political mind behind his country-boy manner. He was famous for entering restaurants and greeting people table-by-table with a vigorous handshake and a down-home, "How y'all doing? Fine. Fine."
He also was known for his malapropisms, once telling a lawmaker that the lawmaker's proposal could "open up a whole box of Pandoras."
King told The Associated Press in 2005 at a Moriarty restaurant, where he and family members met for morning coffee for decades, that he was happy to be known for working with New Mexico's diverse groups and political parties.
He retained programs he liked from governors who preceded him, occasionally keeping key personnel, whether from a Democratic or Republican regime.
King said he was proudest of his economic development accomplishments, particularly an Intel Corp. computer chip plant in Rio Rancho. But he also was governor during one of the most horrific events in New Mexico history: a 1980 prison riot at the old main penitentiary near Santa Fe. Thirty-three inmates were butchered by other prisoners.
King said in 2005 that he resisted advice from around the country to storm the prison immediately. The slain inmates were killed in the early hours of the riot, and King said his concern was to keep alive a dozen prison workers taken hostage. None of the employees was killed.
The situation at the penitentiary before the riot was "kind of like the guy who was going to control the tea kettle by just putting Scotch tape and taping over the spout and lid," King said. "And as he heated it up, well, it just has to give. That's kind of where we were."
Details about memorial services were pending.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
54 Entries
marion schneider
June 9, 2023
I often ate lunch with Governor King at Furrs Cafeteria. He never gave up on his conservative and religious princiiples .New Mexico made its greatest progress under his wise leadership
Marion Schneider
Albuquerque New Mexico
s The greatest progress ever made in New Mexico was under his reign
Karlon Cruse
December 16, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family. He was a great man and my Governor for many years. I will always remember him with the upmost respect and admiration. I reside in Kansas now but I'm looking forward to returning to the country (NM) that both Governor King and I love.
Frank Lay
December 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rosanna Gaskin
December 12, 2009
Former Governor Bruce King spent his time and energy working for effective government. Take comfort in knowing that God's Kingdom will provide the best possible one, doing away with illness, sorrow, and death. (Revelation 21:3,4) I'm looking forward to meeting Bruce personally at that time in the near future.
With deepest sympathy, but with hope also, to the family,
How you can show support
Copeland
December 8, 2009
Dear and wonderful King Family,
Thank you for sharing your dear parents with the rest of NM.
Those we hold most dear never truly leave us... they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.
Though we know heaven has welcomed
a very special person,
Our hearts still feel the sorrow.
We are better people for haveing counted Bruce and Alice our friends.
Sincere Sympathy,
The Copeland Family
Nara Visa, NM
M Kamil
December 8, 2009
Our hearts break at such sad news, but remember that God is “near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34: 18).
Maria Sanchez
December 4, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the King family in the loss of their very special loved one, former Gov. Bruce King. He will always hold a very special place in the hearts and minds of many, in and out of New Mexico. Gov. King was the keynote speaker at many commencements in New Mexico. In 1991 he presided at the New Mexico Highlands University commencement during my graduation and I will always remember the care and inspiration he shared on that very special day. God Bless the King family as we all share in the memory of Bruce and Alice King.
Jerry & Maryann Huth
December 3, 2009
We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire King family, especially Bill. We were honored to be with Bruce, et al during a lunch with the American Hereford Assoc. in August.
Thank you for that time with your father.
JON LOWDER
December 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gayle Verble King
November 30, 2009
Dear King family, I was so sad to learn that Bruce had passed away. I was a summer missionary in New Mexico and stayed with Bruce and Alice for two weeks. I was so impressed with their sweet Christian spirit. Years later my husband and I were able to visit with Bruce at the Capitol when he was the Governor. I will always have fond memories of Bruce and Alice opening their home to me.
Chuck Nashan
November 29, 2009
To the King Family........
My thoughts,prayers, love and sympathies go out to you all on the lost of one of New Mexico's very special people. Yes, Bruce was a great politician, but always had an open ear to listen to a friend's or a citizen's problems.
Although I am a Republican I can proudly say that I always voted for him and was happy to serve on any committee that he wished to appoint me too.
Both Alice and Bruce (and the King family) did so much for our great state. I am just so proud that I was allowed to take part and see some of it.
Bruce, just keep following that bright and shiny staircase to our Lord and Alice.....you have earned it my dear friend.
Chuck Nashan
11/29/2009
Jane Stafford Scott
November 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to the King family. I met Governor King in 1971 or 1972. I had met his son Gary at a Science Camp at Colorado College in the summer of 1971, and later went to New Mexico on a visit where I had the opportunity to meet Gary's family. Governor King was so warm and charming to me. I know his family is saddened at their loss and that Governor King will be missed by his family and by the entire state of New Mexico.
Delia Ramirez
November 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. God bless the entire family. I now live in Texas,originally lived in New Mexico .Governer King will truely be missed
Terry Medina
November 23, 2009
Dear King family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I fondly remember a story my father Ernest Ulibarri Sr. from Santa Fe told often when I was growing up. He would tell friends and family: "I was so honored when Bruce King called and asked if he could come over to my house and change clothes for his first election as Governor. He often talked about his friend Governor King. My father passed away 9 years ago, he was a Northern, New Mexico resident born in Tierra Amarilla, NM. I am sure he would have been very saddened by Mr. Kings passing. I will surely keep all of you in my prayers and ask dear dad for prayers also. Terry Medina
November 22, 2009
Dear King family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief, we met Bruce after we moved to Stanley in 1994 what a wonderful and caring man. It was truly an honor to know him.
Keith & Becky Easley
East Alton IL.
formally of Stanley
Gloria Hernandez
November 22, 2009
My dad, Jose F. Hernandez, was a correctional officer. He worked with many governors, but he admired and respected Bruce King for his kindness to him as a prison guard, as well to the prisoners who cleaned and maintained the governor's mansion. I ran into Governor King many years after my dad's death, and I told him my dad had worked for him. He remembered him and asked how Jose was doing. Governor King and Alice King were very close to my mom's heart as well. They were SO into people and never into them being of such high rank for our state. Thank you!
Gloria and the Hernandez Family
Torres Leyba
November 22, 2009
Today, as they laid you to rest, I was working; I've landed a job where my chief responsibility is in taking care of other people's dreams, and believing in the power of human potential. I missed you, wanted to be with you as you went home, but I knew that I was where you would have wanted me to be, because you would have been there too if you had been able to.
I remember the moment when you became the first person who ever genuinely believed in what I was capable of becoming ... today, people stand in awe at what I can do, but if only they knew it wouldn't have been possible without you!
Rest, my dear, sweet friend. My heart is a broken, wounded thing, but my pain will pass, and after all, you are not truly gone from this place. I will keep my promise to you; I will serve, I will work, I will do my best for those who matter, no matter if I do or not. You loved them, and so do I. Thank God for what he created in you; thank God he allowed you to give some small part of it to all of us.
Someday, we will meet at the river on the far side of the veil and laugh as in times of old. I love you so, Mr. King; now that you are gone, the world will never be without that same love from those you inspired by your life.
Goodbye,
Torres G. Leyba
Meadow Lake, New Mexico
Karen & Dana Robbins
November 20, 2009
Dearest King Family,
We remember when we moved to NM and had a moment to shake hands with the Great Governor at the El Comodor. He just beamed with enthusiasm. What a special human being. We are so saddened by the losses of Bruce and Alice. It must be so hard to lose them both so close together. At least they are together watching over us all now. Our heartfelt condolences.
Al and Terri McBrayer
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sandra Miller
November 20, 2009
My prayers go out to the Family of Bruce King and the citizens of the Great State of New Mexico The Land of Enchantment. Our family's go back a long way and I will never forget my first time to meet and shake the hand of Bruce King in 1970 as I was a shy 5 or 6 year old girl sitting in a room with my Grandmother and brother when he entered the room and made his way to the row of chairs where we were sitting. I still have the picture. He had my vote from Hello and then on. I grew up around politics and campaigned in his next two elections as well as David King, Senator Jeff Bingaman and my own Father - Louis Gallegos. May you and Alice live happily ever after in God's Kingdom.
Jon Lowder
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kevin Cronk
November 19, 2009
To the Family of Bruce King,
The Governor simply defined New Mexico for so many years. His heart-felt warmth and passion of everything New Mexico will be certainly missed. But most importantly his care and concern for fellow New Mexicans will forevere live on. He was a man who, with alce by his side, made everyone feel like they were part of his family. Vaya Con Dios our friend!
DAVID CALL
November 19, 2009
HE WAS A GREAT MAN
LOVE CALL FAMILY
Donna Storch Wallace
November 19, 2009
I am so saddened by Governor King's passing. He and his wife were wonderful people. I had the opportunity to campaign for him for his first campaign as Governor and I continued to be on his side throughout the years. My sincere apologies and Blessings go to his surviving family. He was a great man!!!
Margaret Trujillo
November 19, 2009
To the family of Bruce King, may you have comfort in knowing that the wonderful man Mr. Bruce King was, is now in God's Heavenly Kingdom with his lovely wife. On behalf of my daddy, Benjamin M. Sandoval, who was a very dear friend of Mr. King and admired him very much, we wish you peace and comfort through this time of sorrow.
Darlene Kelly
November 19, 2009
Bruce was my mother's (Bessie Plumlee-Brice) first cousin and she sure thought alot of him. They are both in heaven catching up on the family news along with Alice. Bruce's life was filled with fun and excitement. He will be missed.
Darlene Brice-Kelly
Patsy Trujillo
November 19, 2009
Sam, Gary, Don, David, Bill and our King Family in New Mexico. Governor Brue King belonged to New Mexico. He was truly New Mexico. My memories from being a little girl and always being with my father in politics there never was an event that Gov.King was not there. When he spoke to you, he made you feel like you were family, a part of his family and you know we were. Vaya Con Dios Governor King and ride your horse to meet your wife Alice.
John and Quenby Jacquez
November 18, 2009
To a great man,thoughts and prayers to his family. Stanley just wont be the same without Bruce and Alice.
Alberto Roybal
November 18, 2009
New Mexico is a better place because people like Gov. King put their best efforts into making it so. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Ronald R Beserra
November 18, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jan Bergeron
November 17, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Georgia Collier
November 16, 2009
Cousin Bruce is going to be missed so much! But he's with his beloved Alice, and he's in Gods hands now. He was such a good Christian Man, with so much compassion for everyone.
Our Loss... is Heavens gain!
We send our Thoughts & Prayers out to all of you.
God Bless,
Georgia & Steve Collier
Jasper
November 16, 2009
Peace and blessing to his family and friends. May your grief be soothed by the knowledge there is a grateful public who shared your love and share your loss.
JON LOWDER
November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bernie Leyendecker
November 16, 2009
I met Bruce King in 1971. In fact took care of his family car at Carl's Pont., Buick, GMC dealership in Santa Fe.
He was a wonderful, smart and joyous kind of person, down to earth kind of guy.
It was no wonder that he had three terms as govenor. And he did such a great job. It is too bad that he couldn't have been the governor in California. He was always my pick. Prays and condolences go out to his family.
The Bernie Leyendecker family.
Brett Stevenson
November 16, 2009
As a life long Republican, I voted for Bruce King for governor in 1978. It was the first time I ever voted. It's a vote I've always been proud of. Bruce King was good for New Mexico and will be missed.
david call
November 16, 2009
love the call family form burlington vt
W Daniels
November 16, 2009
To all in the King family, we offer our deepest condolences. May your precious memories and "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort," give you solace.
john kruse
November 15, 2009
Good governor.Good man.My condolences to his family.Que vaya con Dios!
Veronica Baca
November 15, 2009
My condolences to the King family. I recall meeting Gov. King on a Student Council field trip from Alamogordo Junior High in the early 1970's, boy was that exciting! I didn't know much about politics back then, but, I do know that I always heard about the good things that Gov. King was doing back in those days. May he rest in peace.
Louis Welker
November 15, 2009
I remember Gov. King from my many years at St. Michael's High
School in Santa Fe. His visits to the school were always
appreciated by faculty and students; especially graduation exercises.
I can still remember his and his jokes. He will be sadly missed!
Brother Louis Welker, FSC
Provincial Emeritus
don King
November 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Monica (Chavez) Kerr
November 15, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Sam, Don, Gary, David, Bill and the King family. I am who I am today because of the influence that Bruce as well as Alice had on my life. I am greatly honored to have known them both while I grew up in Moriarty. They are now Angels with our Lord. The people have lost a very great man.
Larry Carter
November 15, 2009
Bruce King was a friend, a good man and a colorful and effective governor.
My condolences to his family.
louis carwell
November 15, 2009
Rest in peace Gov.Bruce King and God Bless.
November 15, 2009
We lived in NM for 19 years before retiring and come back to Kansas. Bruce King was Governor twice while we lived there and he was the BEST Governor that the state every had. He will be truely missed.
Freida Wells Grenola, KS.
Ralph Royer
November 15, 2009
I lived in Gallup, when Bruce was in office, and had the pleasure of seeing him numerous times. He was a fine man, and a "Good old boy" He was a honest and hard working public servant.
Chrissy Jacklin
November 15, 2009
I met Bruce King when I was about 5 years old. It was a friendship that carried over for a lifetime. Birthday cards, graduation cards. Even an honorary "colonel aide de camp" for such a fine man. I couldnt have asked for a better role model. My thoughts and prayers go to the entire family. I am what I am today partially because of people like Bruce to look up to. Thank you SIR!
Rep Nate Cote
November 15, 2009
Gary and the rest of the King family, my condolences. It was always great to run into the Governor to get that little punch to the arm...God bless.
Bruce McFadden
November 14, 2009
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing this very fine gentleman. He will be missed but remember this, he resides in your future, not just the past so keep looking forward because that's where he and his lovely wife Alice are, in your future. Blessings to the family.
Terry Sontag
November 14, 2009
The people of New Mexico were very fortunate to have this man as their leader. The world is a better place because of Bruce King.
Antonio
November 14, 2009
Dear family of Bruce King I am so sorry for your lost. Let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
R Golay
November 14, 2009
To the the family of Bruce King - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Bruce will be missed by many.
Charles Martin
November 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with relatives and friends of the lost and the injured. Veteran,US Army, 1954 to 1957.
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