Abel McBride

Abel "Billy" Ernest McBride, 92, of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by family and love near and far.

Abel was born in Belen, New Mexico, to Max and Leonore McBride, and raised in Grants, where his roots in community, service, and hard work were first planted. As a young man, he left Grants to attend Menaul boarding school, an experience that shaped both his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to education and provided him with lifelong friends. After graduating from Menaul High School, Abel proudly served four years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Petty Officer Third Class, during the Korean conflict, stationed aboard the USS Hornet. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist at Los Alamos National Laboratory before moving his growing family to Albuquerque to pursue higher education. Abel earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and later a Master's degree in School Administration from New Mexico Highlands University, setting the course for a career defined by teaching, leadership, and equity. A proud UNM alumnus, Abel remained an avid Lobo fan, faithfully following UNM athletics and cheering on his Lobos with gusto and pride. UNM was not only where he earned his degree; it was a place he loved deeply, a source of extreme pride, and a lasting connection that brought him joy and a sense of community.

Abel began his educational career teaching Spanish at Rio Grande and West Mesa High Schools in Albuquerque, where he also coached football and wrestling. Later, served as an administrator for the Albuquerque Public Schools. One of Abel's greatest joys was the enduring relationships he maintained with former students and athletes. It was never uncommon to hear, years later, "Mr. McBride taught me…" or "Coach McBride changed my life." Those conversations always carried gratitude, respect, and deep affection, a testament to the lasting impact he had as an educator and mentor.

His commitment to equity extended beyond the classroom and into public service. Abel served three terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1972 to 1977, including a period as Minority Whip. Among his proudest legislative accomplishments were his work on the New Mexico Education Equalization Formula and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, both rooted in his unwavering belief that every child deserves access to opportunity.

Abel's advocacy continued at UNM, where he worked with the Latin American Programs in Education, leading efforts in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador that focused on school infrastructure and development. In the final decade of his professional life, he worked for the Organization of American States, promoting democracy and human rights. He provided civic education on democratic principles and served as a poll watcher, ensuring fair and just elections in Latin American countries. In these years, Abel lived by what he believed: democracy, equity, and dignity for all. He was, in every sense, an equity warrior, in education and in the broader community.

Abel was also deeply committed to his faith and his church family. He was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church, where he served as both a deacon and an elder, embodying his faith through service, generosity, and devoted leadership.

Beyond his professional life, Abel embraced life fully. He was an avid hunter and loved freshwater and deep-sea fishing, and he gave his family some of their best times by taking them on trips to the Sea of Cortez along Mexico's coast. His huge smile when captaining his boat "El Chile Picoso," as well as his ceviche, were both unforgettable.

He was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, and loved telling jokes, especially when they made others laugh. He delighted in music and dancing, was an adventurer, full of life, always thinking of others first, and forever a teacher. He was a force of nature, an electric character, and someone who simply cannot be replicated or replaced.

Above all else, though, Abel will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, Tata, Tatón, uncle, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Leonore McBride; his brothers, Max and Robert McBride; his sister, Brenda McBride; his beloved wife, Elsie McBride; his daughter-in-law, Jill McBride; and his grandson, Michael Mead.

Abel is survived by his wife Alma McBride; his children Sharon Olguin (Loren), Sandra McBride, Sharman McBride, Stuart McBride (Dayra), Xavier McBride, Abel McBride, and Ximena McBride; his grandchildren Joseph and Audrey Olguin; Mathew Mead; Justin Sona and Cory Rickard; Travis, Cody, and Hannah McBride; and his great-grandchildren Kyra, Seren, and Tara Olguin; Dominic and Paul Rivera; Madison, Mackenzie, Elijah, Ezekiell, Ezra, and Eleanor Mead; Ace McBride; Paris and Jadyn Sona; and Ava and Alaya Rodriguez, his brother, Albert McBride (Jacque Kay Pietila), along with many other cherished extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Joseph Olguin for designing Tata's urn, which incorporates turquoise to protect his spirit and guide his soul's transition to the afterlife. This tribute reflects the love, respect, and cultural grounding that defined Abel's life and legacy, and it will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Our family will forever carry Abel's "Billy's" stories, laughter, and steady guidance with us. He taught us to lead with heart, to stand up for others, to stay curious, and to find joy in the journey. Though our hearts are heavy with his loss, we take comfort in knowing his life's work continues through all of us who were shaped by his example. We will miss him deeply, but his laugh and smile will stay etched in our minds. We are better because of him.

As we remember Abel, we hold close the words of Isabel Allende: "La muerte no existe; la gente sólo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme, siempre estaré contigo." ("Death does not exist; people only die when they are forgotten. If you can remember me, I will always be with you.")

"May the peace of the universe always be with you," Abel McBride.