Alford "Omar" Roos

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Alford “Omar” Roos, passed away at the age of 79 after a long illness at the Los Alamos Medical Center, New Mexico.  Omar was born on August 11, 1944, in Panama City, Republic of Panama, the son of Alford Roos, Jr., and Clotilde Lasso.

Omar graduated from Balboa High School in the Panama Canal Zone in June 1962, followed by Canal Zone College from 1962 until graduation in 1965. Omar then transferred to New Mexico State where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. He continued his education in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electrical and civil engineering at Montana State University.

Later, Omar attended Santa Fe Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science/Land Surveying, and Computers from 1991 until 1993.

Omar’s last college degree was from Sante Fe Community College degree in Medical Assistant and Nursing in 2014 at the age of 70, to assist with the care of our father who was having medical issues.

Tracking Omar’s work career was difficult as he moved around a lot after serving in the U.S. Army as a Captain, with final assignment at the 7th Army Training Center at Vilseck, Federal Republic of Germany.  One aspect of his work ethic stood out while reading his letters of recommendations – Omar was always described as intelligent, friendly, easy to work with, hardworking, self-starter, a real team player, and a natural leader.

He was a firefighter, squad leader, heliport manager, and wilderness ranger for the U.S. Department of Agriculture of Silver City, New Mexico (Gila National Wilderness) over three years, until 1982/1983.

This was followed by a career as a Smoke Jumper in Redding, California in 1983-1984.

He also worked numerous years with various Santa Fe-based architectural and engineering companies, performing architectural drawings, CAD work, surveying, and many other engineering jobs.

However, when listening to Omar share numerous stories and anecdotes, it was obvious to all of us close to Omar that his time as a U.S. Army Captain in Vilseck Germany, and his time all over New Mexico, Montana, and California as a firefighter, ranger, and Smokejumper, was where he most enjoyed what he did. All of his stories were humorous, and self-directed.

On a personal level, Omar was an avid historian, outdoorsman, and expert downhill skier and always friendly and with an infectious smile.

Omar must also be given credit for sacrificing his own career and time by taking care of both our parents for the past 15 plus years.  He helped care for Pop and Mom at home, which took much of his time and devotion.

We celebrate his smile, his friendship, and his generous spirit.  Omar was indeed a free spirit who was in love with anything related to the outdoors.  He is sorely missed.

Omar was preceded in death by his father Alford, mother, Clotilde “Cloty”, and youngest brother Olav. He is survived by his older brother Oscar, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the U.S. and in Panama.