Santiago "Champ" López

In Loving Memory of Santiago "Champ" López

Santiago "Champ" López, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Rosella, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years

of marriage. Together, they built a strong and close-knit family, raising four children, and later

welcoming eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Santiago's life was rooted in love,

loyalty, and service to those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosella; his children, Kathleen (Bryce), Aileen, Santiago

(Susan), and Venessa (Ray); his grandchildren, Jonpaul, Jamaica (Alex), Brandon, Bethany,

Santiago, Brianna, Nicolás, Celina, Isaiah, Diego, and Emilio; his great-grandchildren, Athena,

Evelyn, Arabel, and Amani; his sister, Lucille; brother-in-law, Leonard Maez (Judy); and

numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. He is preceded in death by his

parents, Reymundo and Eugenia López; his brothers, Reymundo López, Eugene (Gene) López;

father-in-law, Emilio Maez; mother-in-law, Ramona Maez; sisters-in-law, Angela López, Billie

Mae Martinez, Gloria Romero, and Patricia Sanchez; brothers-in-law, Richard Wark and Frank

Martinez.

Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santiago was a proud graduate of St. Michael's High

School. He went on to become an electrician by trade, working in Los Alamos with dedication

and skill. Champ was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers –

Local 611. Outside of his profession, Santiago served as President of the Eagles and gave

generously of his time and talents to others, often helping with home projects, family moves, or

offering support wherever needed.

A devout Catholic, Santiago lived his faith through action. He was a longtime parishioner at San

Isidro Catholic Church, serving in various ministries of the parish, including mayordomo, lector,

president of the parish council, and teacher of religious education. He was involved with the

Catholic Charismatic Renewal, where he led Life in the Spirit Seminars. For many years, he

spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by ministering to his brother electricians at work and offering

hope through prayer and gospel, serving in the prison ministry. He served as a leader for the

Holy Faith Prayer group, and was part of the team for Life in the Spirit Weekends, as well as

being involved with the Pro-Life Movement for many years. He was deeply committed to his

church and community, and would pray the Rosary every evening with Rosella. He held a deep

devotion to Our Blessed Mother and believed strongly in the power of prayer.

Santiago's joy in life was most evident in his love for the outdoors and his family. He cherished

time spent in Cow Creek-fishing, hunting, and teaching his children and grandchildren how to

drive. He was always present at their events, proudly collecting mementos from their schools and

milestones. "Papa," as he was affectionately known, had a unique nickname for nearly every

grandchild-Smiley, Brandons' (Galle Rojo), Planet X, The Prophet, Tago Man, Sonrisa, Juan

Pablo, Rosita, Padre, Bossy, Bear Cub, and more-each one a small reflection of his deep and

playful love.

He enjoyed dancing Rancheros with Rosella, watching musicals, and plays. A proud Dallas

Cowboys fan through every season, he also treasured simple moments-swinging on the front

porch with a Coke and peanuts, surrounded by the ones he loved most.

Santiago built not only the second half of his home, but a life full of faith, generosity, and

enduring love. He raised horses in his backyard, donated quietly to many causes, and believed in

the good in everyone. He was dependable in every sense of the word-always showing up, no

matter the time, distance, or need.

Santiago "Champ" López leaves behind a legacy of humility, strength, faith, family traditions,

and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends,

and all who had the honor of knowing him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. Te Amo Mucho, Papa.