William Valdes

William "Bill" Valdes, 77, a cherished resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, embarked on his final journey on June 10, 2024, to reunite with his beloved first wife, Margaret Echolastica Valdes, and their son Randall William Valdes. Born on December 2, 1946, to Lawrence T. Valdes and Wilma Walker Valdes, Bill's life journey was marked by love, service, and dedication.

Bill's path led him through the halls of St. Michael’s High School, where he graduated in 1964. Shortly thereafter, he answered his nation's call, serving honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War at Ft. Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Washington. It was during this time that he met his first wife, Margaret E. Chavez in 1966, whom he married in October of 1967.

Returning home to Santa Fe in 1970, after being discharged from the US Army, marked the beginning of a beautiful chapter as Bill and Margaret built their family, welcoming two children, Randall and Yvonne Valdes, into their lives. Their journey together spanned 42 years until Margaret's passing in December 2009. Throughout their marriage, they were blessed with four grandchildren, Marley Valdes-Thomas, Shaun LaVe, Avery Valdes, Johnathan LaVe, and great-granddaughter Winsor Thomas - forming a legacy of love and family bonds.

Bill's professional life was equally distinguished. After his honorable discharge from the military, he embarked on a career with the Taxation and Revenue Department, retiring in 1988 after 23 years of service. Yet, retirement was just a brief interlude before he found himself drawn to serve again, this time with the New Mexico Legislature, where he dedicated 35 years as the Chief of Staff for the House of Appropriations until his second retirement in 2023.

But perhaps Bill's most enduring dedication was to St. Michael’s High School, where he devoted over five decades of service. He served as President of the Alumni Association, sat on the school board, and became synonymous with the spirit of St. Mike's, earning the honor and title of "The Voice of St. Mikes" for his passionate announcer's role during sporting events.

In July 2012, Bill found love anew when he married Adriana Maya de Valdes, enriching his family with stepchildren; Virginia Veruette Maya, Karine Veruete Maya, and Adrian Veruete Maya.

Bill's expansive heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service.

Bill leaves behind a tapestry of memories cherished by his surviving family: his wife Adriana Maya de Valdes; daughter Yvonne Valdes and partner John LaVe; daughter-in-law Cindy Valdes; brother Tim Valdes and wife Donna; sisters Kathy Valdes and partner Gloria, Jeri Gonzales, and Pam Gonzales and husband Jerry; grandchildren Marley Valdes-Thomas and husband Jaydon, Shaun LaVe, Avery Valdes, Johnathan LaVe, Sebastian Lugo Veruette; and great-granddaughter Winsor Thomas. He is also survived by stepchildren Virginia Veruette Maya and husband Jaime, Karine Veruete Maya, and Adrian Veruete Maya, and a host of other cherished friends and relatives.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence T. Valdes and Wilma Walker Valdes; his first wife Margaret E. Valdes and their son Randall William Valdes; brothers Larry P. Valdes, Mike

Valdes, and sister Dona Valdes; sisters-in-law Mollie Coriz (Ramon) and Corrine Barela (Reyes); brother-in-law Isidro Gonzales; and great-granddaughter Echo Thomas.

In the hearts of those who knew him, Bill's memory will forever shine bright, his legacy a beacon of love that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bill’s grandchildren, Marley Valdes-Thomas, Shaun LaVe, Avery Valdes and Johnathan LaVe

Honorary Pallbearers will be Stepson Adrian Veruete Maya, brother Tim Valdes, sisters Kathy Valdes, Jeri Valdes-Gonzales and Pam Gonzales, Jaydon Thomas, John LaVe, Jaime Lugo, Alice McKirnan, Janet Valdes and Pat Chapman.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St. Michael’s High School Alumni Association.

Rosary will be at 6pm on June 26th

Kiva Chapel Rivera Funeral Home

Mass will be at 10:30AM, Santa Maria  de La Paz on June 27th burial to follow National cemetery at 1pm.