Lupe Chavez

Jose Guadalupe Chavez (Lupe) passed away on October 14, 2021, in the arms of his beautiful wife of 58 years, Eva, after a courageous battle with leukemia.  He was born on January 26, 1939, to Catalino and Onofre Chavez, in Galisteo, New Mexico.  He was the 6th of 13 children.  Raised in Santa Fe, he attended Larragoite Elementary.  It was upon their move to the family ranch, he developed his strong work ethic at a very young age, waking in the early morning to do his chores before attending school.  He graduated from Stanley High School, where he played basketball and baseball. 

Lupe found the love of his life in Eva Anaya.  They married on November 17, 1962.  While serving in the Army at Ft. Carson, he was in a severe accident that nearly took his life.  Once he healed from his injuries, he returned to Ft. Carson to continue his service.  Upon his return from the Army, he took a short job at Walgreens.  It was there that a friend told him about a job opening at the New Mexico State Engineer’s Office.  He traveled the state doing hydrographic surveys, meeting many friends along the way.  Oh, the stories he would tell. 

After working for the State for eight years, Lupe made a career change, buying a dump truck to haul dirt in the Historic Guadalupe District.  It was a few years later, he bought his first backhoe and Chavez Excavating was born.   A self-taught man in many disciplines, Lupe was not stingy with his knowledge, often correcting tour guides on the history of Santa Fe while he spent time downtown with the Plaza vendors.  He was constantly helping people with their cars and homes.   From plumbing to brakes and everything in between, he was a wealth of knowledge and shared it with anyone who needed it.   He welcomed everyone into their home, every walk of life, professionals to those in need.  There was always a place at the table for anyone. 

Lupe loved the ranch life.  He raised cattle for many years.  Even in his weakest moments, he would be out there tending to his cattle, hauling water and feed, fixing fences, running the backhoe.  He felt most at peace in his casita. 

Together Lupe and Eva raised three daughters.  He was always willing to have fun with them.  He loved camping, hunting, starting water fights, playing in the snow and slush with his family.  He had THE most infectious laugh.  He told stories in the most animated way, you could almost picture yourself there with him.  If you had your own nickname, you know you were special.  Lupe embraced his traditions and cultures.  His legacy will live on through his loving family. 

Lupe is preceded in death by his parents, Catalino and Onofre; In-Laws, Antonio Anaya, Maria and Faustin Anaya, and Clara Pino; brothers, Manuel, Clyde, Ray and Tommy; sisters in-law, Cora, Lila and Dolores, Maida and Orlando Montoya and Eva Anaya; best friend Gary Olson. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Eva; daughters and grandchildren whom he raised, Anna and Giovanna (The Wise A on the Hill); Claudia and Gary (Guero) and Michael (Miguel); and Carmela (Reese), Zacharia (Zacatecas) and Jacqueline (Bubble Bubble Mo Mo); great-grandchildren, Hailey and Tino.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Joe Willie, Chris (Rita), Mary (Clyde), Linda, David (Miquela), Adrian, Grace (Jesse), Buck (Dee), Mary Bea; Brother In-law, Larry Anaya.  Numerous special nephews and nieces, cousins, friends and vecinos.  He also loved special dogs Coco and Bear.

Per his request, there will be no services and a private burial will be held. 

Special thanks to Uncle Willie, Roxie and Aunt Linda for taking him to the casino.  Uncle Buck for helping our dad at the ranch.  Thank you to Gloria Duran for feeding mom and dad during the holidays.  Thanks to Gary and Michael for feeding and watering the cows and clearing trees (and everything else he had you doing).   The family would like to thank Dr. Como and the staff at the VA in Santa Fe, Dr. Chan and the staff at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Cancer Center, for their loving and healing care and the special attention given to him.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Cancer Center.