Fernando Gonzales

Fernando (Fernie) Gonzales (83), lifelong resident of Santa Fe passed away on December 15 after a long battle with cancer.  Fernie was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and role model.  He projected his love for those around him in a way that brought laughter, fun and warmth into the room.  While he fought long and hard in his battle with cancer, he never let up, he kept his faith and always thanked his family and friends for bringing him joy. Fernando was preceded in death by his Mother Otila Gonzales, Father Tomas Gonzales and sister Cecilia. He is survived by Frances his wonderful wife of 62 years, sons Rick (Nancy), Bob (Bernadette) and Mike (Darrell), 7 grandchildren (Adam, Jeff, Matthew, Steven, Gabriel, Abby, Julian), and 8 great-grandchildren (Elliott, Lillyanna, Asah, Ethan, Santiago, Avia, Rio, Elaine), sisters Stella Magee (Cone), Maryann Esquibel (John -d), Marcella Elmer (Bill -d), Bernadette and brothers Daniel (Iliana), Jose (Rusty) and Vince (Diane). Fernie attended St Michaels where he excelled in academics and many sports, traveled the southwest playing with the Santa Fe Merchants baseball team, and loved fishing the lakes and rivers of NM.  Fernie was employed by Creamland Dairies for 41 years, delivering milk door to door, eventually advancing to Branch Manager.  Following his retirement Fernie took up golfing where he enjoyed playing many courses in the state with his golf buddies.  Fernie was Lead Minister of Hospitality at St. Francis Basilica for many years, greeting parishioners at the door prior to mass, as well as lead counter rising Monday mornings at 4:30 to count the weekly collections.   Fernie will be missed by all that knew him, but his love of life will remain with all of us. Special thank you to Heidi and Pat from Ambercare for their kindness and support. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.