Frank D. Gorham, Jr., decorated World War II Ski Trooper, noted Petroleum Geologist, rancher, long time civic leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist, died Sunday, September 23, 2001 at the age of 80. Born in St. Louis, MO on June 4, 1921 to Frank D. Gorham, MD and Lillian Hawley Gorham, Mr. Gorham graduated from the University of Missouri in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School and gunnery training at Fort Sill, OK, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and dispatched to the 605th Field Pack Artillery unit in the Tenth Mountain Division. After basic training at Camp Hale, CO, he was engaged in the Italian Campaign of World War II as a forward observer with the Field Artillery. First Lieutenant Gorham was promoted to Captain and awarded the Silver Star for bravery after the battle of Riva Ridge. He began his career in Petroleum Geology with the Creole Petroleum Co. in Quiri Quiri, Venezuela. After several years with Creole, he relocated to Denver, CO and was employed by Pure Oil Co. until he was offered a position with PNM's wholly owned subsidiary, Pubco Development Corp. in Albuquerque. As Chief Geologist, Mr. Gorham was charged with discovering natural gas reserves in the San Juan Basin to provide fuel for the utility's gas fired electric utility plants. Under Mr. Gorham's leadership, substantial growth in oil and natural gas production resulted in Pubco's spin off from PNM and the creation of Pubco Petroleum Corp. with offices in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Louisiana, North Dakota and Alberta, Canada. Mr. Gorham rose through the administrative ranks to become President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1973 after the sale of Pubco to Mesa Petroleum of Amarillo, Mr. Gorham embarked on a highly successful solo career in oil and natural gas exploration, which he pursued until his recent death. He was an Adjunct Professor of Petroleum Geology at UNM. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), serving as President of the Rocky Mountain Section in 1958 and 1959, and was a founding member of the New Mexico Independent Producers Association. Mr. Gorham served on the boards of several area banks, including the Albuquerque National Bank, the Bank of New Mexico and the First National Bank. In addition to his varied business interests, Mr. Gorham was highly involved with youth development. He served the Boy Scouts of America as President of the Kit Carson Council (now the Great Southwest Council) and received scouting's highest lay honor: the Silver Beaver Award for his leadership and devotion. He was a founding member of the Albuquerque Community Foundation and instrumental in designing its mission. Mr. Gorham was a member of the Albuquerque Academy Board of Trustees during the school's formative years and helped develop its long-range plan that resulted in the school's current expansive campus. Mr. Gorham loved flying and in addition to becoming an active private pilot, he became a highly accomplished glider pilot, achieving the highest national status by earning the coveted Four Diamonds for Altitude, Distance and Designated Distance. One of his fondest accomplishments was flying non-stop from Albuquerque to Garden City, Kansas. This endeavor led the way for his nomination and eventual membership to the Explorer's Club of New York City. Mr. Gorham was a noted philanthropist and contributed significantly to many educational and humanitarian causes. He established the Leon Karelitz Chair for the Study of Oil and Gas Law at the University of New Mexico. He contributed generously to the UNM Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the University of Missouri Department of Geology, the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, and the St. Mary's School in Albuquerque. Mr. Gorham is survived by his wife, Marie Kelly Gorham, a native of Santa Fe and a member of a long-time prominent New Mexico family. Mr. Gorham is also survived by his five sons, Frank D. Gorham, III and his wife State Representative Ramsay Gorham, Daniel Kelly Gorham, Timothy Walker Gorham and his wife, Susan, Robert Hawley Gorham and his wife, Barbara, and Dr. Mark Linton Gorham and his wife, Ingrid. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Hunter Gorham, West Point Cadet Walker Devore Gorham, Will Potts-Gorham, David Miller Gorham, Laura Kelly Gorham, Anthony Hawley Gorham, Olivia Marie Gorham, and Anika Elise Gorham. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper NW, with Father Richard McGowan, S.J., Celebrant officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Salvation Army, 4301 Bryn Mawr NE, 87107 or the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Arthur C. Ilfeld, Jr. 85, was born in Las Vegas, NM on July 19, 1916. He has been a resident of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho since 1925. He was the grandson of Charles Ilfeld, a pioneer in New Mexico and founder of the Charles Ilfeld Co. Subsequent to the closing of the Charles Ilfeld Co., Arthur owned and operated several businesses in Albuquerque. He is survived by his wife, Aura C. Ilfeld; daughter, Suzanne Burge and husband, Elwood; and son, Arthur Charles Ilfeld, III and wife, Carla. His youngest son, James Charles Ilfeld preceded him in death. Also surviving are his six step-children, Murt Lupton and wife, Linda, Mirt Lupton and wife, Beverly, Aura P. Jensen and husband, Dave, Marie Fluke and husband, Leslie, Judi Casadei and husband, Greg, and James Lupton and wife, Dawn; as well as 26 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. The family prefers in lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rio Rancho, (Golf Course and 19th Ave.) on Friday, September 28, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. Sunrise Society is serving the family of Mr. Ilfeld. (891-8200).
Max Ivener, age 91, of Albuquerque, NM passed away at home September 25, 2001. Max was born March 11, 1910 in Sioux City, Iowa to the late Isaac and Mary Ivener. He is survived by his wife, Francys Ivener; daughter, Suzanne Ivener-Pettersson; sons, Brian L. and Bonnie Ivener, Alan and Ruth Ivener; six grandchildren, Brandy, Brooke, Aaron, Elias-Axel, Stacia and Efraim-Eugen all of Albuquerque. Max was considered a patriarch by numerous loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was the last surviving sibling of five brothers and two sisters. Max and his family have been members and pillars of Congregation B'nai Israel since 1962. Max was a very active volunteer in the civic and religious communities. His good nature and care of the earth brought bounty to all those he met. He was a member of the synagogue Men's Club, the NFO, the Farm Bureau, the Moose Lodge and served with the WPA. Max founded the Sioux Circle Motel, The Park Terrace Apartments, El Sid Greenhouses, and a produce business and operated a John Deere dealership. With each stage of his life, he began new business ventures and helped others initiate their own. His business endeavors were based on trust and often a handshake was sufficient. He loved his family and friends and appreciated every day of his life. Funeral Services will be held at Congregation B'nai Israel 4401 Indian School Rd. on Friday, September 28, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. with Rabbi Isaac H. Celnik and Cantor Michael D. Zubin officiating. Internment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial Services will be held at the family home Saturday and Sunday September 29, and 30, and Monday October 1, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Max Ivener Camp Scholarship Fund at Congregation B'nai Israel or to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Strong-Thorne Mortuary 1100 Coal SE.
Eugene Francis Klein Sr., 59, a resident of Albuquerque for four years, died Wednesday, September 26, 2001. Mr. Klein was born in Brooklyn, NY to Edward Klein Sr. and Genevieve Hartung. He is survived by his son, Eugene Francis Klein Jr. of New York City, NY; two sisters, Monica Frakes and husband, Ralph of Albuquerque and Irene Archibald of Lakewood, NJ; three brothers, Edward Klein and wife, Yvonne of Rochester, NY, Walter Klein of Lolo, MT and Thomas Klein and wife, Denise of White Plains, NY; and many nieces and nephews, which include Keith Frakes, Monica Ford, Tom Klein, Kevin Klein, Laura Klein, Ann Morgan and Patty Brill. Mr. Klein was a Veteran of the U. S. Air Force. He was a member of I.B.E.W. Local 3 of New York City. Graveside Services will be held Friday, September 28, 2001, at 2:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, P.O. Box 25445, Albuquerque, NM, 87125-0445. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Benedito Lopez, born July 17, 1917, passed away September 24, 2001. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Elena Lopez; and son, Charlie Lopez. Benedito is survived by his four sons, Bobby Lopez of Denver, CO., Alfonso Lopez and wife, Josephine of Bernalillo, Anthony Lopez of Bernalillo, and Reynaldo Garcia of Espanola; two daughters, Ellamae Jaramillo and husband, Daniel of Canyon, Doris Smith and husband, Vernon of Albuquerque; one brother, Perminio Lopez and wife, Dolores of Albuquerque; two sisters, Juanita Armijo and husband, Lalo of Albuquerque, and Nastasia Montoya and husband, Joe of Las Vegas, NV.; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and other family and friends who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at St. Edwin Catholic Church, 2105 Barcelona Rd. SW. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2001. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2001. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008.
James 'Jim' McGehee, 60, a resident of Albuquerque died Tuesday, September 25, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Roma Ann McGehee; daughters, Robin
Hall and husband, Andy, and Jami Schwalm and husband, Kurt, all of Albuquerque; son, Mark McGehee of Lakewood, CO; grandchildren, Arthur James Schwalm and Tessa Anne Schwalm, both of Albuquerque; sister, Katie Murray; brother, Joe McGehee and wife, Evelyn; and sister-in-law, Judy McGehee, all of Georgia. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ora Belle McGehee; and his brother, Jacob McGehee. Mr. McGehee proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, and was a member of the American Legion Post #49. Jim retired from Rust Tractor after 33 years of service. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 28, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3100 Morris NE. Honorary Pallbearers include Noel, Bob, David, and Darwin Pachta, Roy Summerville, Tony Martinez, Joe Ingram, Leroy Woolman, Craig Wilkinson, and Ed Angel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Anna Marie 'Annie' Nagy, 34, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, September 25, 2001. She is survived by her daughters, Christina and April; sons, Matthew and Dylan; parents, Earl Nagy, Sr. of Albuquerque and Betty Estrada of Windgap, PA; brothers, Earl Nagy Jr. and wife, Laura, Henry Estrada, and Mel Estrada and wife, Tanya, all of Albuquerque; sister, Holly Sandman and husband, Roy of Temecula, CA; nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members including companion, Mike Jackson of Albuquerque. Annie was a loving mother AND caring friend. She was loved by all and will be missed by those hearts that she touched. Private Family Services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Annie Nagy Memorial Fund, 5309 Bogart NW, 87120. French Mortuary - Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas NE, 87112.
Beverly D. Olson, 63, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away Monday, September 24, 2001, in her home after a very courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She leaves behind many loved ones, husband, Ron who still resides at the Bear Canyon Estates in Albuquerque; loving daughter, Gail Wagner and husband, Lonnie of Albuquerque; grandson, Kevin Swiech of Albuquerque; son, Steven Katona and wife, Linda and their three children, Scott, Karl, and Nikki; daughter, Alicia Lamb and husband, Tracy and their two children, Kaleigh and Colden; son, Michael Olson and wife, Kristin and their two children, Katherine and Zachary; brother, David Richard Anderson and wife, Barbara and children, Peter and Paul; sister Karen Mayry and husband, Marshall; and brother, Bob Anderson of Eveleth, MN. Memorial Services will be held Friday, September 28, 2001, 11:00 a.m., at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte, NE, with Pastor Dewey Johnson officiating.
Barbara Ann Ortiz, 43, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2001. She is survived by her daughters, Dianna and Jennifer Ortiz; son, Jeremy Ortiz; grandson, Gabriel Booth; mother, Julia Romero; and seven sisters; one brother; and several nieces and nephews. Rosary and Mass will be on October 4, 2001 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.
Funeral Services for Mr. Jose E. Sandoval will be held on Thursday at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by DAV Chapter 3. Pallbearers will be Michael Montoya, Brian Montoya, Anthony Bazan, Alfred Sandoval, Arthur Sandoval, and Alex Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ramon Baca, Ray Baca, Anthony Gallardo and Lionel Carrillo. Arrangements by Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
MARIA 'FRITZIE' MARTINEZ, 80, of Santa Fe died Monday. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dessie Martinez; and son, Richard Martinez. She is survived by her sisters Marie Marish, Corey Mena and Lucy Bazan; and grandchildren Chris Martinez, Steven Martinez, Richard Martinez, Alex Martinez, Mino Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Roxann Martinez, Monica Martinez, Peggy Garcia, Dennis Martinez, Ronald Griego and Mario Urioste. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at the Berardinelli Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
JAMES LEWIS SIMMS, 60, of Santa Fe died Saturday. He was born April 4, 1941. He was a local psychologist and a prominent member of the Santa Fe Rugby Club. He is survived by his son, Peter Simms of Fort Campbell, Ky.; sister, Mary Lou Carlson of Warner Robins, Ga.; and mother, Louise Simms of Hiawatha, Kan. Memorial services at 7 p.m. Friday at the Berardinelli Chapel. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
Miguel G. Ayala, 79, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2002 in Albuquerque. Miguel is survived by his wife, Elvira Ayala; and other family members and friends, who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at Grace Apostolic Church, 1301 3rd Street SE, on Friday, September 27, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW Albuquerque, 343-8008.
Lucy Ruth Brown, 91, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 20, 2002. She is survived by her daughter, Ellie Rucker of Austin, TX; sons, James F., Ted F., and Charles F. Brown, all of Albuquerque; sisters, Katy Lehman of Portales and Mildred Hudgens of Deming; eight grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Theodore R. Brown; and her brother, Travis Brem of Deming. Ruth was a resident of Albuquerque for 70 years. She was born in Deming, NM on September 2, 1911 to J. Fletcher Brem and Willie Lee Mauldin. Ruth's parents moved to New Mexico from Mississippi. Ruth had a special interest for the underprivileged and those who couldn't help themselves. She supported the Navajo Indians financially, spiritually and medically at a time when few people had even heard of a Navajo. She supported Albuquerque Rescue Mission, as well as missions in Guatemala, Mexico, India and Africa. She was a founding member of Albuquerque's Grace Church, President of Christian Women's Club, and past member of the Albuquerque Garden Club. Ruth was an active gardener and loved roses. A special acknowledgement is given to Helen and Carmen who so lovingly provided care for Ruth. Services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2002, 2:00 p.m., at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Interment will follow. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE on Friday, September 27, 2002, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Roger L. Burgoon, 40, a lifetime resident of Albuquerque passed away September 25, 2002 after a long illness. He is survived by his mother, Marsha L. Dickman and stepfather, John Dickman; his special friend, Maureen McCracken; sisters, Diana Erickson and husband, Paul, Debbie Kirkpatrick and husband, Gene, Jennifer Gambrel and husband, John; brothers, Mikel Dickman and wife, Susan, John Dickman and wife, Kori; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Burgoon. Roger was a 1981 graduate of Del Norte High School. Visitation will be Thursday, September 26, 2002, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald and Sons Funeral Home, 3113 Carlisle NE. Services will be Friday, September 27, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald and Sons Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 525 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Arrangements by Fitzgerald and Sons Funeral Home.
David E. Chavez, 45, died Friday, September 13, 2002 at his home. The Funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD with the Rev. Cathal Galagher officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery in De Smet. David E. Chavez was born August 4, 1957 to Victor and Stella (Sandoval) Chavez at Albuquerque, NM, and attended Moriarty High School. He worked as a feedlot manager in Dodge City, KS. He married Becky Rosebeary on February 10, 1981. They moved to De Smet, SD in 1993. He was most recently owner and operator of Midwest Feeders in Onida, SD. He is survived by his wife of De Smet, SD; a son, Steven Chavez of Onida, SD; daughter, Traci (Ryan) Schoenfelder of De Smet, SD; mother, Stella Chavez of Edgewood, NM; three sisters, Patsy (Felipe) Garcia of Edgewood, Nadine Chavez and companion, Fidencio Francia of Edgewood, and Susan McGehee of De Smet, SD; three brothers, Lenny (Janice) Chavez of Edgewood, Luis Chavez of Stanley, NM and Gerald Chavez of De Smet, SD; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Victor; and a brother-in-law, Jesse McGehee. The family will be reciting a Rosary on Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. at the San Antonio Catholic Parish on North 14.
Allen Patrick'Tamba' Fuentes, 30, loving son and brother, went to be with the Lord on September 23,2002. Allen was born in Albuquerque on June 19, 1972. He was known for his sense of humor, laughter and giving heart. Allen is survived by his parents, Lupe Sr. and Kathy Fuentes; brothers, Lupe Fuentes Jr. and Albert Fuentes Sr., both of Albuquerque. He also leaves behind his three nieces, Felicia, Marissa, and Selena Fuentes, of Albuquerque and nephew, Albert Jr. Allen holds a special place in the heart of his grandmother Albina Trujillo, who misses him so much. He was loved and will be missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A visitation and service was held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2002 at University Church of Christ, 1701 Gold Ave SE. A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27,2002 also at University Church of Christ, with interment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Robert Trujillo Sr., Danny Trujillo Sr., Raymond Trujillo, Anthony Trujillo, Chris Trujillo and Chris Fuentes. Honorary Pallbearers will be his Godparents, Ray Sr. and Theresa Duran, and Johnny Trujillo. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, Albuquerque, 343-8008.
