RALEIGH GARDENHIRE

RALEIGH GARDENHIRE
August 5, 1943 - November 20, 2025
It is with immeasurable sadness that the family of Raleigh Kent Gardenhire announces his unexpected passing on November 20, 2025. His departure leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
Raleigh is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Mullins; his stepson, Chasen Finkelstein; his stepdaughter, Lauren Fornes, and her husband, Don Fornes, and their four children: Hudson, Stone, Brick, and Greer. He is also survived by his cousins, Karen Kessell and Cooper Kessell, and Cooper's wife, Francis.
Raleigh was a "larger-than-life" person, loved and admired by all who knew him. His adventuresome spirit took him from Hollywood roles in Western movies to race car driving, snow skiing, and ultimately to his professional work as the owner of a prominent insurance business in New Mexico.
Raleigh was an avid supporter of college athletics, particularly UNM football and basketball. In later years, however, his greatest enjoyment came from being a "gentleman rancher," where he and his wife, Lynn, worked tirelessly-resting at the end of each day to take in the wildlife and stunning mountain landscape.
He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path in life. May he rest in peace.