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SAIKI, JOHN HARRIS, M.D. John Harris Saiki, M.D., known as "Jack" to many, peacefully passed away at home on August 8, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He will forever be in the hearts of his wife Julie; his three children, Beth, Bill and Catherine; his beloved grandchildren, Anna Priya Gupte, Anand Gupte and Alexander Saiki; son-in-law Viru Gupte and daughter-in-law Jocelyn Saiki; and his brother George and extended family. Jack was born on December 31, 1936 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Lydia Elizabeth Kuoppala and Arthur Kazu Saiki, M.D. He spent most of his childhood in Grand Forks and three formative years in Kauai, Hawaii. Jack received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of North Dakota. He graduated from medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 1961. It was there that he met his future wife, Julie Singleton. Jack served two years with the United States Public Health Service in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He completed his residency and fellowship training in medicine and hematology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and his oncology training at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Jack was Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico Department of Medicine, Hematology/ Oncology Division. His career on faculty spanned forty-four years; it can be said he lived the history of modern day oncology. Jack joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1970. With the support of a grant from the federally funded New Mexico Regional Medical Program, Jack developed a leukemia-lymphoma treatment program, at a time when no formal medical oncology program existed in New Mexico. He was also awarded funding from the National Institutes of Health in support of his membership in the Southwest Oncology Group, which ushered in cancer clinical trials and new cancer treatments for New Mexicans. In 1973, Jack received board certification in medical oncology, the year the subspecialty of medical oncology was first created. Jack served in various capacities while on the faculty, including Clinical Director of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and Principal Investigator for the Southwest Oncology Group. In addition, Jack served on the Board of Trustees for Blood Systems for twenty-nine years and was Medical Director of the Presbyterian Hospice Program. Jack was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching and service, including the Laureate Award by the New Mexico Chapter of the American College of Physicians and nine Khatali Awards, an honor bestowed by each graduating class of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in recognition of teaching excellence. Throughout his career, Jack loved teaching but patient care was foremost in his heart. Jack was beloved for his humility, compassion, integrity and dedication. Jack and his wife of fifty-two years, Julie, shared a mutual love of the Southwest, hiking, birding, identifying wildflowers and enjoying the tranquility of the Taos mountains. He was deeply loved and admired by his three children. He encouraged them to carve out their own unique paths and, importantly, to appreciate the journey. He was a beloved granddad. With his playful spirit and love of teaching, he spent endless hours with his grandchildren on projects fostering their love of science and nature. Jack's curiosity and appreciation of life included photography, tennis, geology, woodworking, taking up the banjo at age forty, and driving his '66 Volvo. His gift for storytelling, endearing sense of humor, and gentle nature remained ever-present to the end. While it is impossibly difficult to let him go, we know he made an indelible difference in the lives of many people and that his teachings will carry forward through his family, friends, patients, students and colleagues. We celebrate Jack and his life well lived. The family wishes to thank Vince Ortolano, M.D., Katherine Morris, M.D., Presbyterian Home Health and Hospice, Jack's colleagues at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, and the University of New Mexico Center for Life. Memorial gifts may be made to the University of New Mexico Cancer Center "John H. Saiki Clinical Oncology Endowment Fund". The fund was established anonymously by a patient of Jack's for the purpose of creating the "John H. Saiki Endowed Chair in Clinical Oncology" to support and promote excellence in patient care and teaching. Contributions may be mailed to UNM Cancer Center, Attn: Justin Schroer, Director of Development, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque NM 87131. Contributions may also be made online at
www.unmfund.org/fund/saiki. Specify "John H. Saiki Clinical Oncology Endowment Fund" on the check or when making an online contribution. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, 1201 Camino de Salud N.E. For directions and additional information, please refer to www.cancer.unm.edu/saiki/ or call Melanie Hazlett at 505-925-0478. Memories and condolences may be shared via the aforementioned website.
GRAHAM, BERTHA LEE WYLIE Age 88, died peacefully August 17, 2014, after a short illness. A lifelong resident of New Mexico, she was born in Madrid, NM October 6, 1925, but lived most of her life in Albuquerque. She was married to James W. Graham for 64 years, who preceded her in death in 2010. She is survived by two children, Suzanne Graham Shave of Albuquerque, and James L. Graham of Las Cruces; son-in-law, Paul Shave; two grandchildren, Benjamin Graham of Las Cruces and James M. Graham of Bristow, VA; and brother, Ralph Wylie of Dallas, and his wife Odette. Bertha was the youngest of eight children. Her father was a coal mining supervisor. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and worked for the Veterans Administration and Anderson Printing before marrying Jimmy Graham, a plumber and builder. They built two houses in the North Valley and always had an abundant vegetable garden. She did home canning and was a wonderful cook. She was always able to put a delicious meal on the table at short notice for anyone who showed up at her door, including the workers on Jimmy's projects. The North Valley has lost a great host and hostess in Jimmy and Bertha. Bertha's passion was gardening. She was a lifetime flower show judge, Garden Clubber, and president of the Friends of the Rio Grande Botanic Garden from 1996 to 1998. Jimmy and Bertha's friendship and generosity will be greatly missed. We love you Mom. Graveside Services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held in late September at the Albuquerque Mennonite Church. Please visit the online guestbook for Bertha at www.FrenchFunerals.com where Memorial Service details will be available. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333
ENCINIAS, ROCKY In Loving Memory 10/3/75 - 8/23/13 In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Beautiful memories we will always have, though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, nothing seems the same, God will call us one by one, and the chain will link again. It has been a long, long year. Hito, We Love You. Dad, Mom and Family, His hitos Desiree, Felicia & Julian
CURTIN, JACK L. Age 90, a resident of Albuquerque since 1966, died Sunday, August 17, 2014. Jack was preceded in death by his brother and sisters. He is survived by his spouse, Patricia; children, John Curtin and wife, Colleen, Cathi LeCocq and husband, Steve, Elisabeth McKenzie and husband, Mark, Vanessa Rubio and husband, Adrian; and six grandchildren: Mary, Michael, Ryan, Dustin, Helena and Theodore. Jack retired as Chief Engineer at the VA Hospital. He was an avid angler and outdoorsman and had a passion for social justice, peace, and ending hunger. Services will be held Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Road NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roadrunner Food Bank at 5840 Office Blvd NE. Please visit our online guest book for Jack L. Curtin at 
CHAVEZ, MATTHEW C. As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:36-38 Our beloved son, brother and father Matthew suddenly passed away Monday August 18, 2014. He was born January 17, 1980 in Albuquerque, NM. Matthew enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. His pride and joys were his children Jesse and Jazmin. He had a passion for plumbing until he moved onto becoming a roofer. He followed every dream he had ever dreamt of and made sure he work his hardest. Matthew is survived by his children Jesse M. Chavez and Jazmin N. Martinez; his fiancee Marisa J. Martinez; mother Deborah P. Chavez and husband Arnulfo Q. Rascon; brothers Anthony L. Rascon and Eddie Chavez; sister Paula D. Chavez; grandfather Tobias Chavez. He leaves behind many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pauline Baca-Chavez; Aunt Shirly Holguin; Father Leroy J. Santillanes. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 beginning at 5:30pm at Riverside Funeral Home Chapel where the Rosary will follow at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 10:00am at San Jose Parish, 2401 Broadway SE. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Anthony L. Rascon, Toby Gutierrez, Arnulfo Q. Rascon, Dominic J. Martinez, Zeke Benavidez, and Augustin Garcia. Honorary pallbearer will be Alex M. Pena. Please visit the online guest register for Matthew at 
TAPIA, JAN Jan Leah Tapia, age 58, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by family who loved her. She was born in Salt Lake on June 9th, 1956 to Robert H. and Luise P. Johnson. She was an artist who excelled in watercolors, sewing, crochet, classic guitar, pottery and photography. She was able to capture and communicate beautiful things with her talent. She had a green thumb and an immense knowledge of plants and flowers. Her favorites were roses and columbines. She was always sweet, willing to try her very best, and a great listener. She was one of those people whom everyone loved and had the gift of bringing out compassion in all who knew her. Her mother said that she wanted two things in life: to go to Europe and to have a baby. She accomplished both and led a life doing her very best to be a great mom. Jan made her daughters special, each in their own way. She will be missed very much. She is survived by her two daughters, Julia G. Tillen and husband Eric J. Tillen, and Ann J. Parris and her husband Scott A. Parris; three grandsons, Dylan, Dexter, and Eric Jr.; mother Luise P. Johnson; brother Robert H. Johnson; and three sisters, Luise R. Poulton, Stephanie N. Niketic and Jennifer A. Robyn. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a donation be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Utah in the name of Jan Tapia. For additional information and condolences please visit 
SANCHEZ, EVA Age 89, passed away Wednesday in Palm Desert, California. She is survived by her sister, Babe (Gertrude). She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian (Pocho); brothers, Buddy and Chano (Fred); and sisters Annie, Tillie and Helen. Memorial and funeral arrangements are to be announced at a future date.
SAIKI, JOHN HARRIS, M.D. John Harris Saiki, M.D., known as "Jack" to many, peacefully passed away at home on August 8, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He will forever be in the hearts of his wife Julie; his three children, Beth, Bill and Catherine; his beloved grandchildren, Anna Priya Gupte, Anand Gupte and Alexander Saiki; son-in-law Viru Gupte and daughter-in-law Jocelyn Saiki; and his brother George and extended family. Jack was born on December 31, 1936 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Lydia Elizabeth Kuoppala and Arthur Kazu Saiki, M.D. He spent most of his childhood in Grand Forks and three formative years in Kauai, Hawaii. Jack received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of North Dakota. He graduated from medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 1961. It was there that he met his future wife, Julie Singleton. Jack served two years with the United States Public Health Service in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He completed his residency and fellowship training in medicine and hematology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and his oncology training at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Jack was Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico Department of Medicine, Hematology/ Oncology Division. His career on faculty spanned forty-four years; it can be said he lived the history of modern day oncology. Jack joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1970. With the support of a grant from the federally funded New Mexico Regional Medical Program, Jack developed a leukemia-lymphoma treatment program, at a time when no formal medical oncology program existed in New Mexico. He was also awarded funding from the National Institutes of Health in support of his membership in the Southwest Oncology Group, which ushered in cancer clinical trials and new cancer treatments for New Mexicans. In 1973, Jack received board certification in medical oncology, the year the subspecialty of medical oncology was first created. Jack served in various capacities while on the faculty, including Clinical Director of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and Principal Investigator for the Southwest Oncology Group. In addition, Jack served on the Board of Trustees for Blood Systems for twenty-nine years and was Medical Director of the Presbyterian Hospice Program. Jack was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching and service, including the Laureate Award by the New Mexico Chapter of the American College of Physicians and nine Khatali Awards, an honor bestowed by each graduating class of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in recognition of teaching excellence. Throughout his career, Jack loved teaching but patient care was foremost in his heart. Jack was beloved for his humility, compassion, integrity and dedication. Jack and his wife of fifty-two years, Julie, shared a mutual love of the Southwest, hiking, birding, identifying wildflowers and enjoying the tranquility of the Taos mountains. He was deeply loved and admired by his three children. He encouraged them to carve out their own unique paths and, importantly, to appreciate the journey. He was a beloved granddad. With his playful spirit and love of teaching, he spent endless hours with his grandchildren on projects fostering their love of science and nature. Jack's curiosity and appreciation of life included photography, tennis, geology, woodworking, taking up the banjo at age forty, and driving his '66 Volvo. His gift for storytelling, endearing sense of humor, and gentle nature remained ever-present to the end. While it is impossibly difficult to let him go, we know he made an indelible difference in the lives of many people and that his teachings will carry forward through his family, friends, patients, students and colleagues. We celebrate Jack and his life well lived. The family wishes to thank Vince Ortolano, M.D., Katherine Morris, M.D., Presbyterian Home Health and Hospice, Jack's colleagues at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, and the University of New Mexico Center for Life. Memorial gifts may be made to the University of New Mexico Cancer Center "John H. Saiki Clinical Oncology Endowment Fund". The fund was established anonymously by a patient of Jack's for the purpose of creating the "John H. Saiki Endowed Chair in Clinical Oncology" to support and promote excellence in patient care and teaching. Contributions may be mailed to UNM Cancer Center, Attn: Justin Schroer, Director of Development, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque NM 87131. Contributions may also be made online at 
PENA, ABELICIO (ABE) Abelicio (Abe) M. Pena 87, a legend in Cibola County and western New Mexico, died on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. Abe is survived by his wife, Viola Cisneros Pena; three daughters: Ramona Alires (Norman), Paula Ladd, Cecilia Salisbury (Randy); son Marco Pena; granddaughters: Maria Ladd Ehrlich (Jason), Andrea Alires, Michele and Jessica Ladd; two grandsons: Marco Alires and Paul Ladd; his two great-grandchildren: Elijah and Anya Ehrlich. Also survived by his brother Bennie Pena (Sandra); sisters Lydia M. Pena S.L., and Dorothy Pena McBride; and sister-in-law, Marie Moleres Pena. Pallbearers will be: Sgt. Marco Alires, Albert Barnett, Patrick Collins, Lcpl. Paul Ladd, Vincent Martinez, Paul Pena, Robert Pena, Isaiah Stafford, Kevin Terrell. Honorary Pallbearers: Bennie Pena, Norman Alires, Bobby Cisneros, Mike Cisneros Sr., Karl Gutierrez, M.D., Pablo Smith, Marty Sweeney, Ron Waterman. Rosary, 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 22nd; Resurrection Mass, Saturday, August 23, 1:00 p.m., both at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grants, New Mexico. Celebrant, Father Alberto Avella. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph's School, P.O. Box 370, San Fidel, New Mexico, 87049.
NOBLE, MARY KATHRYN &Quot;KATHY&Quot; Age 69, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with COPD and is now resting with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was cared for in her home by her husband and Gentiva Hospice of Albuquerque. Kathy is survived by her husband, C D Noble and his children, Tamara Coleman, Jeff Noble and their families. She is also survived by her son, John English; granddaughter, Gabrielle English, her sister, Billie Lytle; nieces, Genetta and Joetta and many friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her son, Larry; her parents, Cora Mamie and John Billy Garrett. Mrs. Noble loved to cook and especially for her family. She and her husband were active at Calvary in the meals ministry and she enjoyed the ladies bible study groups. Memorial services will be Saturday, September 13, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Blvd NE. Private ennichement will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Foundation, 5600 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit our online guest book for Kathy at 
NEWMAN, JUNE E. Age 70, of Albuquerque, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2014 at her home after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 31, 1944 in Ipswich, England to Douglas and Ruby (Bunn) Broad. She grew up in England and married Kenneth Newman in 1964 while he was serving in the US Air Force. They came to the US in 1965 and served in many places during Ken's military career. They settled in Albuquerque in 1987 and June was an integral part of her community serving in many organizations including TRNA, Project Share, Marie Hughes Elementary for over 20 years and in many other causes to make her community a better place to live. June is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ken; daughters, Karen Newman-Lopez and husband, Brett of Albuquerque, Kimberly Newman and Brian Williams, both of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Brittany Espinoza and husband, Jason of Albuquerque, Sydney Lopez of Albuquerque, Kallista Weeks of Albuquerque, and Dexter Williams also of Albuquerque; great-granddaughter, Kensington June Espinoza; her brother, Barry (Lynn) of England; sister, Patricia Last also of England; nephew, Steven (Tanya) Last and their son, Dylan of England; and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Westside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital at 
NEWMAN, MARGARET &Quot;MAGGIE&Quot; CUNNION Age 57, died on August 9, 2014 after a courageous fight against cancer. She is survived by her spouse, James "Dickie" Johnston; sister, Maureen C. Graham; and brothers, Robert E. and Peter L. Cunnion. Maggie leaves a 33 year legacy as an elementary school teacher, the majority spent in the Los Lunas school district. Her love of teaching, passion for children's education, and true devotion to making a difference one student at a time has had an enduring impact on the more than one thousand students and hundreds of fellow teachers that she encountered during her exemplary career. Maggie was the true Nuevo Mexicana within the family, being the only one of four siblings to live in the Land of Enchantment almost continuously after graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1979. She especially loved being with her family and close friends and absolutely adored all of her nieces and nephews. Making others smile was one of Maggie's greatest blessings. Maggie was a hard-working, well-traveled, well-read, dedicated, artistic, scholarly, spiritual, caring, cultured, fashionable, kind, passionate, strong, fun, and incredibly brave character who found continuous inspiration from those that she loved and from the beautiful landscapes and magnificent sunsets of New Mexico. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends everywhere and will always be in their fondest memories. A celebration to honor Maggie's amazing life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH Wyoming. Should friends desire, a memorial contribution can be made in lieu of flowers to the Cuidando los Ninos organization to help break the cycle of homelessness for children and their families at 
