Alejandro Gallegos Jr.

ALEJANDRO GALLEGOS JR. Age 97, Born on a cold autumn day on the Family Ranch in La Cienega, NM to Alejandro Sr. and Dolores (Lola) Rael Gallegos, October 19th 1915. Alejandro Gallegos Jr came into this world with a ready made shovel in his hand! Alejandro was taught the value of hard work and a strong will to survive until his last breath. He grew up in times of hardship and of beauty. He lived two lifetimes, once at a time almost forgotten here in New Mexico, when everything was still wide open, when there were sheep and cattle camps strewn out from La Cienega to Cerrillos, Madrid to Golden and back to Santo Domingo and Pena Blanca. A time when mining was still going on all over these areas as well. Times of horse drawn wagons, saddle horses, which were the only means of transportation and working the ranch. These were times when they raised and grew their own food and the word organic probably didn't exist then. These were times when Dad had most of his precious memories. And a second modern life time when times changed after WWII which he served in the Army diligently and proudly! Times when Radio, TV and gas powered vehicles took place of the old ways of life! Alejandro Gallegos Jr was living history and heritage that will continue with his children, grand children and great grandchildren. And in both worlds that he lived in he had a great respect for the Pueblo cultures From Santo Domino, Cochiti to Santa Ana and Jemez Pueblos and many others, in which he was so much a part of from childhood to just a few years ago when he could still attend their feast days until he was no longer able to! He loved nature, he really loved to watch his conejos, hummingbirds and many other animals in their natural habitats! He was also a master gardener and could grow anything he wanted under the sun, he especially loved his Chile Nativo , Frijol Pinto, Melon y Sandia and all he knew he passed this great knowledge to his children and, hopefully will be passed to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also worked as a painter for Los Alamos National Labs and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alejandro was a living legend in his time, and lived a full life, so that we thought we would have him forever! Alejandro peacefully fell asleep in the arms of our Lord on April 24, 2013, and we will miss him dearly . He is survived by his sister, Ernestina Carrillo, Sisters-in-law Philly Gallegos, Minnie Gallegos, Brother-in-law Ray Tapia, Children, Raymond Gallegos, Kathy Montoya, Daniel Gallegos, Lorenzo Gallegos and wife Camille Bernal Gallegos, Frank Gallegos, and Lori Gallegos. Twelve grandchildren and eighteen Great Grand Children, and many beloved nieces, and nephews. Alejandro was preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro Gallegos Sr and Dolores (Lola) Rael Gallegos, Brothers and sisters: Victor Gallegos and wife Maida Gallegos, Antonio Gallegos, Samuel Gallegos, Octaviana Gallegos de Lopez, Maria Gallegos, Cecilia Gallegos Tapia, Daughter-in-law Camille Gallegos, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Interment with full military honors will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery