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DANIEL VALDES Obituary

Daniel "Raven" L. Valdes Age 65, of Santa Fe, passed away on Sunday, August 21st, from complications of a Brain Aneurysm. He was born on September 24, 1945. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Valdes and Bernadita Martinez-Valdes. He is survived by his son, Shane Valdes and wife, Jeanene, of Farmington; and daughter, Donyelle Valdes- Richards and husband, Leon, of Rio Rancho. Grandsons: Chase and Hunter; two sisters: Loyola and Carmelita; and lots of neices, nephews and cousins. Daniel was a well known Artist in Santa Fe. He owned Father Sky Mother Earth Gallery, which was in business for 35 years. He was a strong presence in the community. He loved to play the flute, dance, laugh, and be with his Grandsons. He loved nature, and all things in it. He was very active in the community donating his time and flute playing for fund raisers. He was always willing to listen and give his best advice to anyone in need. In honor of Daniel's memory there will be a gathering at Embudo Station at 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, September 18th.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel on Aug. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL VALDES

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REYNALDO DANGELO

January 15, 2025

I own one of his work.
#20 / 450
It's in my sanctum!

Maria fleeteood

December 8, 2024

In remembrance of Daniel. I will always treasure the Butterfly prints I purchased from Daniel. I purchased a total of five - one for myself and four sent to family members. And Daniel kindly signed each print on the back. It is the most beautiful art on my wall , and I never get tired of looking at it. I took one of my good friends to Father Sky Mother Earth. She bought the butterfly and a couple of larger bear prints for her fiancé. Really not a day went by that I didn´t stop in to say hello. Daniel was not only talented , but I found him to have a lovely spirit as well. He really left an indelible mark in my heart. I was truly saddened to walk by and the gallery was no longer. Truly the end of an era. I think of Daniel as a bright star in the firmament. Sadly gone too soon but never forgotten. Rest in eternal peace. And my sincere condolences to his family. Mia

Lynn Coutermash

August 22, 2024

There is not a day that I don't think of Raven. He touched my spirit and I will never forget his sincere presence. He was talented, genuine, and a kind loving soul. It was my honor and pleasure to meet him and my only regret is not having made it to his studio, hear him play the flute, and just be in his presence of kindness and peace. I stare at the painting I bought and remember him because I see it each day when I wake up. Never have a few minutes in a person's presence stayed in my heart the way Raven's has. Soar with Eagles dear man! You will never be forgotten and will always be loved!

JD Damron

August 22, 2024

I sure do miss him, even though he was my Uncle, he was like a big brother to me. I think of him all the time. Rest in peace.

Samantha

January 7, 2023

I received 2 of his original works in a 500 piece collection from my mother, who got them from a woman in Colorado when she worked for a moving company. after doing more research on the piece and the artist, it pains me that this woman wanted these gone. I'm so thrilled to learn of who Mr. Valdes was and the mark he left on this earth not only with his art, but his spirit. I will forever treasure these pieces.

Nancy Wilson

November 2, 2022

23 and some months ago....I bought an 'Eagle Blessing' print for the daughter I was then 6 months pregnant with. we talked for....2.5-3 hours about EVERYTHING and so so so much of his wisdom has been impactful and in my life every day. When I was pregnant with my son, I looked him up for another picture I was considering...he had spoken of how he included writings or poems with each but had stopped because no one seemed interested....I insisted in him sending that with that picture and I am glad he had no way other than calling him to do all that. for my 3rd.....nothing quite clicked and somewhere along the way I learned he had passed. He made a huge impact on me. one of his works is my screen at work. If any of his loved ones read this....he was a huge huge in my world and a piece of his wisdom imprinted on me. so many of his pieces I was hoping to one day be able to buy....I will always search to see what I can find out there

Denise and Stefan Babirak

August 24, 2022

We still think of you and Como. We go to NM about every other year and when we were on our way to Taos (where we used to own land) we drove by Embudio. We both mentioned Daniel and Como and gave a node to them both as we passed. All these years later, you're still in our hearts! God's Speed.

Sherry

April 23, 2021

Wow i met daniel in the early 80s when i was ballooning in toas. Went to his gallery in embudo n had to wait for him cause he was down fishing for dinner on the bridge!!!! Delightful man. Didnt kno he had passed. Beautiful art. Bought one back then. Never forgot the man or his art. Condolences Sherry

Sherry

April 23, 2021

Wow i met daniel in the early 80s when i was ballooning in toas. Went to his gallery in embudo n had to wait for him cause he was down fishing for dinner on the bridge!!!! Delightful man. Didnt kno he had passed. Beautiful art. Bought one back then. Condolences Sherry

Frsnk crewe

September 23, 2020

He was a great artist who i think drew his artistic goals from mothet nature and his heart

LYNN COUTERMASH

August 22, 2020

Raven: There isn't a day that I don't think about our encounter at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque in 1990. I was captivated by your work "Eagle Blessing". I couldn't move on from taking in every nuance of your creation. You quietly walked over to me and asked what it said to me. I responded that it represents how cultures dedicate newborns to a higher power. You said that you liked what I saw in it and introduced yourself... "I'm Raven Valdez, the artist who created this" I was overcome with emotion that I hugged you. I bought the framed print as my only momento of the Festival. You, like "Eagle Blessing" touched my being so deeply that I remember that day as pivotal in how I see the world. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me. You have left a legacy of impact in others. Wish I could visit with you just once more. Peace, Love, and Thank you!

Nancy Wilson

November 10, 2014

I had the great privilege of 2+ hours of conversation with him in his gallery in Apr 1999. my oldest two children have prints I bought from him, my personal gifts to them. This is a person whose conversation touched my life. I will treasure that with his art always, and regret we will not meet again on this plane

Barbara

November 8, 2014

So sorry to hear this. We have several of his paintings and always enjoyed visiting with Daniel when we were in Santa Fe. He had a unique view of life and we loved his work and his personality.

Alan Jones

November 1, 2014

God's speed. You will be missed.

Daniel in 1992 at Imbudo Station with the beautiful painting we bought from him. He had just taken us on a hike up the mountain next to the studio.

Gene and Jean Brown

September 10, 2014

Teresa Ortega-Olster

August 7, 2014

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Daniel. I have been wondering why his gallery was not in Santa Fe anymore. I would visit his gallery when visiting Santa Fe. He was a good artist and a good person. I have several of his prints. I purchased my first print from him about 30 years ago. My prayers are with his family and friends.

Teresa Ortega-Olster

Jean Dochter

July 9, 2014

Danny was my first cousin and playmates as children as were are the same age. For several years we did not keep in touch due to career and family obligations, but the past 20 years we reconnected and I so enjoyed the times we did get together in Santa Fe, or when he visited me in Trinidad. I still miss hime very much and hope to see him again in our next stop in our journey. I'm sure he will be playing his flute and painting his beautiful clouds.

joyce humphreys

July 6, 2014

So sad to hear this news only just found your amazing music and looked for you today but found this instead , I believe you sre still with us , I know you have made an impact on mine and my daughters lives today and we will cherish your music forever rip x

Jim & Linda Hodges

June 10, 2014

We loved Daniel's artwork. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Blessing's to his family.

November 20, 2013

My wife Linda and I had the honor of meeting Daniel in January of '07 at his Coffee House/Art Studio while visiting Sante Fe.
"Raven" was so gifted and had such a warmth about him that he was absolutely the highlight of our 1st visit to Sante Fe.
We have a photo of him with Echo, myself and a good friend just outside his store in Sante Fe that we will always treasure. This photo along with the prints that we purchased from him will be constant reminders of what a special person he was.

Jim & Linda.... Tallahassee

August 22, 2012

Dear Danny, You are still in so many people's hearts. I think of you and tell friends about you when they admire your works that I have hanging in my TV room along with pictures of Annie and Bert Valdes, my Mother and Dad and our family crest. Live in peace in Heaven. I will see you there.
Your cousin, Annie Valdes Mintle
San Diego, CA

Lynn

March 28, 2012

I had the honor and pleasure to meet Raven at the 2000 Hot Air Baloon Festival in ABQ. I was walking through his display and one picture caught my eye. I couldn't stop looking at it. A soft-spoken man came up to me and asked what I thought of it. I told him it spoke volumes to me and went on to say what I saw in it. He thanked me for the compliment of his work and introduced himself. I still get goosebumps thinking back to how much his work meant to me and what a fabulous story I had to go with his "Eagle Blessing" that hangs in my office and receives compliments from co-workers and visitors. To Raven's family, my sympathies. I know such a man's influence lives long beyond his years here. Love & peace to you all! To Raven, Soar with angels as you did with eagles! Peace.

Velma Middleton

December 14, 2011

Daniel was a good man and a magnificent artist. I met him in 1995 through John FreeSoul and Cheri Aragon. I was honored to be allowed into his life. We have lost a special man.

shane valdes

September 28, 2011

Thank you everyone for the wonderful words about my father! His friends were his life. if anyone has any questions or need any info please contact me @ [email protected]

Stefan and Denise Babirak

September 14, 2011

I first met Daniel and Como back in the early 90's at a sweat lodge in Embudio. Daniel was a fasinating man to listen to. He had a way of telling stories that made you hang on every word. Then is 2002 I took my husband, Stefan, on a vacation to NM. I wanted to introduce him to all the things that I fell in love with there and I wanted to look up Daniel. We visited Daniel at his store in Santa Fe. Stefan and Daniel hit it off the minute they met each other. Stefan was interested in the culture, and flute playing. Daniel spent so much time talking and demonstrating how to play the flute. Needless to say we bought one. This was also the time I gave Daniel some pictures of Como that I had taken when I met him yrs earlier. Danile was so happy to have pictures of Como since he had passed some yrs earlier. The world lost a great man and wonderful artist. Know that our hearts are with the family at this time.

Deb Smith

September 11, 2011

My most sincere condolences to the Valdes family. The world has lost a special person.

theresa dehaba

September 11, 2011

While visiting a friend in Arizona in the early 90's we were in his shop- I purchased 2 prints of his and they still have a special spot everywhere I have moved.As the years have gone by I would go to Father Sky-mother earth and look at all the prints and say "yes I will get more soon-But this past visit to the site I read about his passing.I sit here and cry that this "gentle man " that I had the honor to meet and spend time with is no longer on the earth. The world has truely lost a special spirit.Please allow his "ART" to be available for generations to come.

Carol Erven

September 8, 2011

It was a privilege to have known Daniel. The friendship he gave to myself and my family will always be appreciated.

Continued good journey Kola.

Sky Redhawk

September 6, 2011

Tami Moore

September 1, 2011

Tami Moore

September 1, 2011

Tami Moore

September 1, 2011

Thank you for embracing this CA girl 6.5 years ago with Ken (Sturm) on that beautiful evening at Coyote Cantina. Parties and Thanksgiving won't ever be the same without you, Daniel. Your beautiful words before a meal were always a profound glimpse into the spirit of a fun, beautiful, loving man. See you in the next life! xo

Camille Castillo

September 1, 2011

Daniel was a very talented artist. He always had a sense of peace about him. He was full of life and lived life as most of us should...to its fullest. I will always remember you Daniel.

sky kaly

August 30, 2011

I will never forget the music, art and daniel's laugh.
Sky Kaly

patric escudero

August 30, 2011

i grew up with daniel, i will miss him greatly, he was always positive, i will always keep him in my heart, i know your up there in that great sky. patric escudero

January 17, 2004

Mark Licht

August 29, 2011

Daniel, seen here, played at our wedding. My wife had known him for many years. What a warm, friendly, kind soul with an easy laugh. I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with him, usually on Saturday mornings as he headed to his gallery. Until we meet again, my friend.

Erika Lovato

August 29, 2011

Daniel will be greatly missed as he brought love and a great sense of peace to those around him. His joy for life and all things around him will be my greatest memory of him. Rest in Peace Daniel.

Anne (Valdes) Mintle

August 29, 2011

"Danny", as I remember him called when he was a child, was my cousin. Our fathers were brothers. Remembering Danny my mind sees him at the gallery with his "wolf" playing his flute. Last time I saw him was at "burning man festival" God Bless you Danny...and to Lolly and Carmelita, and to you...peace and sweet memories of him.

Shawn CDeBaca

August 28, 2011

Daniel's art work is what drew me to him at first, when my husband and I met him later after purchasing several works, he became a wonderful friend. When we would go into the gallery he would tease my husband Robert for not remembering which picture I had said I would like to have at Christmas. We have beautiful memories of chats in the gallery over a cool drink, we will miss our good friend and the long discussions about any thing and every thing. We pray that your family will find peace in the good friends and many wonderful memories Daniel created. Shawn & Robert C'DeBaca, Corrales NM

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