Randy-David Branch

I’m free. I’m following the path God

has laid, you see. I took His hand

when I heard Him call, I turned my

back and left it all. I could not stay

another day, to laugh to love,

to work, to play. Tasks left

undone must stay that way,

I found my peace at the close

of day. If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

O yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with the times

of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine

of tomorrow. My life’s been full,

I’ve savored much, good friends,

good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too

brief, don’t lengthen it now with

undue grief. Lift up your

hearts a peace to thee,

God wanted me – He set me free.

Randy-David Branch 32 years old from Rio Chama passed away at the Espanola Hospital after a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his infant brother Stephen. His adored granddad Benceslado. Nana Claudina Martinez of Rio Chama, uncle Wences, uncle Stephen Martinez, Grandpa Joe, Grandma Rafi, and Padrino Joe Branch, Jr. His beloved Kimberly Martinez Seciwa, best friend Damian Valdez and cousin Donivan Molina.

He leaves behind his most precious mother Elaine and her husband LeRoy Pacheco (Dad), his brother Chris of Maryland, his gordita, his world, his sister, Kendra Branch from Albuquerque. The most valuable man in his life, his Uncle Clyde R. Martinez and his wife Tia Lore their children Claudina and Clyde Jr. Uncle Alonzo Martinez, beloved auntie Lou Coriz and his loving cousin Clarisa and Phyllis Martinez, Sylvia Molina (Aunt)from Medanales, N.M. Carmella Martinez, of Albuquerque, Auntie Mary Ellen and her husband Ernest. As Randy would say “the most intelligent man around. Roland, Edwin and Leana and their spouses of Santa Fe. Biological father Randy Branch Sr., Auntie Kristina (Eric) and their children, Auntie Pat Chacon (Joel) and Briana. Auntie Sylvia Biggs(Allen) and their children. Theresa, Liz, Dominic and Freddie of Waco, TX. Grandma Petronila Pacheco, Aunts Grace, Emily and Gloria.

Uncles Gilbert and Richard (Renee.) As Randy would always say, my second parents, Adam and Gretta Trujillo, Little sister Victoria, brother Steven Trujillo and sis Melinda of course his best friend, like a brother Javier Diaz, his mom Carolyn Guillen. And all his family “Los Branches” from Coyote, N.M.

Randy was a handsome and brilliant young man with an infectious smile.  For those who knew him, felt his gentle kindness for his family and his upmost intentional compassion was with profound intelligence. As times were hard in this harsh world, he loved, hurt and lived deeply, but was always full of life.

Randy graduated from EVHS 2007. During his high school years, he was Class President, yearbook Journalist, a part of Student Council, DECA, Homecoming Committee, ROTC, Honors Society, and was honored into “Who’s Who” among high school students, Randy received several scholarships from LANL and attended UNM Los Alamos where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, became a Certified Paramedic, and Certified as a Pharmacy Technician.

Randy had an extensive work history. He started working at 16 years old. He worked at El Valle Insurance Agency, Walmart, Santa Fe Civic Center, at LANL, Santa Fe detail shop, and Sam’s Club, auditor at Target.  Randy never bragged about who he was and last but not least all his accomplishments.

During his Elementary years, Randy was picked to represent his class at Jemez Electric Co-Op Spelling Bee Randy spent hours and hours reading the dictionary, at that time he placed first, both in English and Spanish. The English winning word was Rendezvous. How many of you can spell Rendezvous?

Randy would always tell Dad LeRoy how presence of family meant more to him than presents. When his sister was taking French class at Los Alamos High School, Randy told her to ask her teacher what “minajatwa” meant. That teacher told Kendra, “Ms. Kendra, let’s go out to the hall.” Her teacher told her it was a NASTY bad word. The big brother right! Randy spoke English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Due to his extended vocabulary, He was a walking dictionary. He was always questioned where he went to school, and he would proudly say EVHS. He always remembered Tio Clyde telling him, “Mi Hito, don’t go to school just to eat your lunch, do you hear me now?”

He always cherished the knowledge his uncle instilled on him of how important it was to get educated. Tio Clyde guided him with a strong faith of belief of what a challenges life brings, and always talked to him like a Father should.

He always had the outmost respect for woman knowing what his mother endured in his young childhood. He always said life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Randy’s sense of humor was quick to respond and did that exactly for many until the end.

His death at such a young age leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but his memories of love are left, and that no one can steal.

Randy always reminded his gordita, Kendra that she wouldn’t bathe, so he would give her a bath, he combed her curly, tangled, pretty hair, as she sat quietly as he had no problem in doing so.  When done he would then take her for a cruise, of which I am sure a lot of his friends remember.

Randy being 10 years old when Kendra was born loved it because he was the big brother. Except when Kendra learned to crawl, and she stole his homework, and sometimes would rip it in half. Randy also taught his sister a lot about how to defend herself, and this is how he would always be here to protect his little doll.

His friends would tell him, “You’re just a white boy.” He would respond with “How do you figure if my mom comes from Mexico.” One guy says, “Oh!  what part of Mexico?” Randy responded, “New Mexico!”

Randy was a country boy at heart.

Sorry we couldn’t mention each and every one of you since he has such an extended list of friends, family, relatives, but you are not forgotten as all of you that knew him, Randy loved each and every one of you that knew him.  Randy loved each and every one of you that attended the services today.

Be Advised: Masks are required at the Funeral Home and the Church. 

Serving the family as pallbearers; Leroy Pacheco, Clyde Martinez, Javier Diaz, Steven Trujillo, Victoria Trujillo, and Kendra Branch.

Services for young Randy will be begin on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Rivera Family Funeral Home. Please join the family for visitation at 5PM, a eulogy reading at 6:30 with holy rosary to begin at 7PM. Mass of Christian rite will be on Saturday, August 28th at 11AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Burial will follow thereafter at the Holy Cross Cemetery. 

The family has entrusted the gentle care of Randy to Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola. 

Please share your memories, photos, comments, and condolences with the family by visiting http://riverafamilyfuneralhome.com/