Lawrence Ferns Jr.

Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Lawrence “Larry” J. Ferns, Jr. passed away on Feb 24, 2022, at the age of 75, with the love of his family surrounding him.

Larry was born in Roswell, NM in 1946, to Lawrence Sr. and Mary Virginia Ferns. After graduating from Roswell High School in 1965, he received a BS in Civil Engineering from NMSU. He moved to Santa Fe, NM to work for the Interstate Stream Commission. There he married Mary Isabel Gonzales, the love of his life, in December of 1972. He retired from the NM Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau in 2000.

Larry was a member of the Jaycees and served as director from 1980-81. He also served on the Association of State Dam Safety Officials Board of Directors from 1997-99. He was an avid train lover and loyal member of the Santa Fe Model Railroad Club. Larry was a devout Catholic, serving as a Minister of Hospitality for fifteen years. Larry enjoyed his daily walks, travel, outdoors, trains, music, food, and spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his Father Lawrence, Sr., his son Eric Ferns, his sister Maryanne Hatch, and his brother William “Bill” Ferns.

Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Mary Isabel; his children: Brian Ferns (Erica), Elaine Lopez (Robert), and Amy Ferns-Vigil (Gabe); his grandchildren: Eli, Eliana, Ava, Elicia, and Gabriel; his mother Mary Virginia Ferns; his brother, sisters, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.

A remembrance and Rosary will be held at 5pm, Thursday March 17, at Rivera Funeral Home, 417 E Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am, Friday March 18, at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church, 11 College BLVD, Santa Fe. The Rite of Committal will be at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Santa Fe.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center, the Comfort Keepers caregiver, and the Age Friendly Senior Care owner/caregivers for their compassion.