Vivian Ray Archuleta

OBITUARY - Vivian Ray Archuleta

Vivián Ray Archuleta, Sr., joined our Dear Lord on his 80th birthday.  He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on July 23, 1940. Vivián was preceded in death by his Grandmother Emelina Archuleta who reared him, his Mother, Sylvia Zuniga, his brother James Zuniga, his in-laws Pascual and Frances Baca, along with many special aunts, uncles and relatives.

Vivián is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Dora B. Archuleta, children Jackie Portillo (Andy), Vivián Jr. (Roxanne) and Vincente (Peggy). Grandchildren: Amanda Portillo (Abraham), Adam Portillo (Leah), Matthew Martinez (Adriana); great grandchildren LeiAnna, Nicole, Luciano, Emiliano, Cisco,  Auburn & Areanna.

He is also survived by sisters: Angie Harper, JoAnn Gonzales, Lupe Sanchez; brothers: Freddy Archuleta (Judy), Jesse, Alex, Roy, Tony and Michael Zuniga as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vivián was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, attended New Mexico Highlands University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree as a 1976 Cum Laude graduate of the College of Santa Fe. He was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He was an avid sportsman and excelled in football, basketball, cross country and baseball. He attended New Mexico Boys State where he later served as Counselor for many years.

As a City of Santa Fe Police Officer, Vivián was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He received a special commendation by J. Edgar Hoover for his Valedictory Address to the Fifteenth Graduating Class of Santa Fe Police Department. Vivian first retired after 20 years with the Institute of American Indian Arts/BIA, where he taught and coached.  He then retired for the second time, after 18 years as Admissions Counselor for Eastern New Mexico University.

Vivian was a very caring man who felt strongly about helping students, often taking them under his wing to ensure their success. Vivián had a great sense of humor that will be greatly missed and he loved to dance, he was good at it too. Most importantly he was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could ever ask for. “We love you Paco”.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, July 30th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Rosary at 10:00 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

 Private Interment to follow. 

Pallbearers are grandsons Adam Portillo & Matthew Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers are Vivián’s godchildren: Frank Archuleta, Beata Baca, Emily Guerrero, Phillip Brito, Alonso Montoya, David Johnson, Amanda Portillo and Amber Vigil.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the family will host a memorial/reception at a later date.