Fermín Torres

In Loving Memory of Fermín Torres

April 28, 1927 – January 31, 2025

Fermín Torres of Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 97. A man of deep faith, unwavering dedication, and boundless love for his family and community, Fermín leaves behind a legacy of service, tradition, and perseverance.

For nearly 50 years, he served as commissioner, mayordomo, and treasurer of the local acequias, ensuring the lifeblood of his community remained strong. His commitment to land and water stewardship earned him the Public Land Stewardship Award from the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District and the honor of Mayordomo of the Year from the New Mexico Acequia Association. His dedication to his faith was equally profound—he was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Parish, serving as a mayordomo and parish council member. He was also a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus League and a truck driver for the Pilgrimage for Vocations, guiding others on their spiritual journey.

Fermín was deeply involved in the well-being of his community, serving as a board member of the Centro Campesino de Salud, working to support lower-income families, and as a caretaker of the Arroyo Seco Domestic Well Association. He also took an active role in civic engagement as a precinct chairman for the Republican Party. His love of learning and storytelling led him to join the Sociedad Literaria de Arroyo Seco, reflecting his appreciation for history and culture.

A man of many trades, Fermín worked for Taos Ski Valley, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service, all while maintaining his lifelong work as a rancher and farmer. His early years were spent as a sheep herder, a humble beginning that shaped his tireless work ethic. He also worked as a taxi driver for Taos Pueblo and was well known for selling and delivering Christmas trees to El Paso and Carlsbad.

Despite his many responsibilities, Fermín found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He had a deep love for music, attempting to learn the violin, accordion, and harmonica. His adventurous spirit led him to travel, always eager to explore new places and meet new people.

Above all, Fermín was a devoted family man. He and his beloved wife, Irene Marquez, shared 73 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised eight children—Filmer (†), Larry, Reynaldo (Georgia), Bernice (†) (Gary), Andy (Cecilia), Lucille (Leonel), Frances (Jerry), and Patrick (Eileen). Their commitment to education was recognized by New Mexico State University, honoring them for having all eight of their children graduate from NMSU, followed by a papal blessing from Pope St. John Paul II.

Fermín was also a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 19, each carrying forward his legacy of strength, faith, and family values.

He was preceded in death by his parents, OV and Ana Torres, his son Filmer, his daughter Bernice, all his siblings except Martin, and many beloved in-laws.

Fermín’s life was one of devotion—to his faith, his family, and the land he cherished. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Serving as pallbearers are Marcos Nunez, Alejandro Briseño, Steven Florez, Javier Torres, Patrick Torres Jr., Phillip Padilla.

The Torres family would like to thank Fermin’s caregivers, Faby Voigt and Shaban Khweis for their unwavering devotion and assistance, Triple A, Taos Mountain Home Health Hospice, and Dr. White. They would also like to thank The Sacred Heart league for praying the beautiful rosary, everyone who kept them in their thoughts and prayers, those who visited, brought food, and donations.

A rosary will be held at Holy Trinity Parish on February 9, 2025 at 6PM.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Parish on February 10, 2025 at 10AM.