BOBROFF, JACK 78, resident of Albuquerque for 64 years, died Friday, January 3, in his home. Jack was born on the Walker River Paiute Reservation, Shurz, Nevada, the son of Henry Kenneth, a doctor for the Indian Health Service, and Millie (Crockenberg) Bobroff, a registered nurse. He was deeply impacted growing up with his younger brother, Robert Lyman, who was born with Down's Syndrome. Jack attended Washington Jr. High and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1963. He was an avid Lobo fan his entire life and earned his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education at the University of New Mexico. He began his career as an elementary teacher in 1957, retiring 37 years later as Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools. Jack taught junior high and high school English and Social Studies and served as Elementary, Junior High, and High School Principal, working at Mission Elementary, Taft Jr. High, Ernie Pyle Jr. High, Valley High, Kennedy/Tomasita and the Career Enrichment Center. Later he served as an Assistant Area Superintendent, Area Director of Middle Schools and Director of Staff Development for APS. He directed the UNM Community College and taught Basic English at the Technical Vocational Institute (CNM). Throughout his career he was a strong advocate for parent advisory councils and PTA's. Jack was APS Superintendent from 1988 to 1994. His proudest accomplishments in the position were leading the district's transition from junior high schools to middle schools, year-round education, school-based health clinics (precursors of community schools), and site-based management/school improvement teams. He initiated strong efforts with northern and central New Mexico school districts to develop instructional support. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the New Mexico School Administrators named him "Administrator of the Year" and the Albuquerque and New Mexico School Secretaries associations named him "Boss of the Year". Other distinctions included Albuquerque High Honor Graduate, Phi Delta Kappa Spotlight on Quality, Outstanding Service Award United Way, Fellow at the National Endowment for the Humanities, University of Wisconsin, Conference Planning Committee and Board of Directors for the International Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and President of New Mexico ASCD. At the heart of Jack's leadership was bringing people and organizations together, putting aside differences to work for a common vision for teaching children. Throughout his life, Jack paid close attention to the people he worked with and almost always remembered the names of those he knew made a difference to children. He believed deeply in equality and the value of diversity. Upon being given the 2010 Martin Luther King Award, he said two of his proudest moments were being given a "Giraffe" Award for "sticking his neck out for kids" and helping found the MLK Multi-cultural Celebration, the City's first and now in its 24th year. Jack carried three aphorisms with him: "Remember that nothing is as unequal as the equal treatment of unequals"; "We are created and are present on this earth to make things better, not to let things be"; and "It is better to seek forgiveness than to ask permission." After retiring as Superintendent, Jack served on the Advisory Board of Eagles' Wings Youth Ranch, Governing Board of Amy Biehl Charter High School, and Board of Directors of the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union. Jack served as a deacon at Hoffmantown Church and was active in the Men's Ministries. As a Christian, his faith reinforced his beliefs that all people are created equal, that all should be treated with dignity and respect, that we must be slow to judge, and that we should all be committed to serving our fellow human beings. Jack leaves his beloved wife of 26 years, Bettye, and her brother, Paul Morris; son Jay Bobroff and his wife Louise Martinez, daughter Dana Bobroff and partner Michael Mirimanian, son Kip Bobroff and his wife Michele Pfeiffer, son Michael Bobroff, daughter Kara Bobroff, son-in-law Paul Campbell, and step-son Steven Coffey and his wife Sandra Ayala Coffey; grandchildren Jason Bobroff Clay, Desiree Martinez, Matthew Martinez, Jackie Bobroff, Reed Bobroff, Kaitlyn Coffey, and Gabriella Coffey; great-grandchildren Naomi, Nikki, and Josiah Martinez, Xander Parra, and Azzlyn Martinez; dear friend Ona Bellino; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Eagles' Wings Youth Ranch, PO Box 465, Mountainair, NM 87036 or the Native American Community Academy, 1000 Indian School Road NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (nacaschool.org). A visitation will be held at French mortuary, 7121 Wyoming NE, north of San Antonio from 3:00-5:00 on Sunday, January 5, 2014. The funeral will be Monday, January 6, 2014, 10:30 am, at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. A reception with time to share remembrances will follow the service. To leave an on-line remembrance, please visit
frenchfunerals.com/ obituaries.
GRIEGO, MICHAEL J. The family of Michael J. Griego would like to thank family and friends for their love, kindness, and caring concern. And thank you for the many messagesof sympathy expressed during our time of grief and loss. A special thank you to Anna and Larry Armijo, for their faith, love and strength during our time of need. Please visit our online guestbook for Michael J. Griego at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300
GILBERT, RAYMOND ARTHUR, BRIG GEN, USAF (RET) Age 94, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, died Saturday, December 28, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Constance B. Young, of Albuquerque. He had several tours of duty in Albuquerque, including serving as the first Director and Commander of the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque from 1963 until 1966. General Gilbert was born in Mattoon, Illinois on April 19, 1919. He graduated from high school there in 1936 and attended the University of Cincinnati on a work / study program. He entered military service in May 1941 as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force. He was a command pilot with over 4,000 hours of flying time. During World War II, he was an instructor pilot in the United States; after the war he was assigned to the military government in Europe; there, he flew as part of the Berlin Airlift. In May 1949, the Air Force sent him to Ohio State University where he completed both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in theoretical physics in 1952. Since 1952 and until his retirement in 1970, all of his Air Force assignments were in the field of research and development, including his tours in Albuquerque. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as the Director for all of the Air Force's laboratories. General Gilbert also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Albuquerque in 1967. After retirement from the Air Force, General Gilbert worked for several organizations concerned with space and energy policy before making Albuquerque his permanent home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his oldest son, Richard K. Gilbert of Washington, D.C., and his youngest son, Thomas A. Gilbert of Bulverde, Texas, and his two children, Andrew and Naomi. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Daphne Orner and her husband David of Albuquerque, and their children, Jonathan Orner and Laurel Christensen and her husband Preston and their daughters, Sawyer and London. General Gilbert was preceded in death by his first wife Frances Keith Gilbert of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and his middle son, Jack A. Gilbert of Studio City, California. Services will be held Monday, January 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church of Albuquerque, 6901 San Antonio Drive, NE, in Albuquerque. Later that day, a military burial service will be held at 2:15 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, at 
GARRISON III, DANIEL RAY passed away December 19 in Providence, RI. Ray was born in Albuquerque on June 11, 1968. He is survived by his father, Daniel Ray Garrison II and stepmother Gaye; sons, Daniel Ray Garrison IV, Christopher Garrison, and Samuel Garrison; granddaughter, Aurora Garrison; sister, Kathaleen Garrison Myers; brothers, Martin Andrew Garrison and wife Chamar, and Phillip Garrison and wife Melissa; many aunts, nieces, and nephews; as well as his girlfriend Madeline Silva. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecilia Castillo Garrison. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, January 7 at St. Joseph Community Health, 1516 5th St. NW 6:30 7:30 p.m
GABALDON, JAYCOB JOEL Passed awayDec. 28th. He now joins his grandparents, Joe and Nora Jaramillo in heaven. Arrangements are being handled by Riverside Funeral Home 505-764-9663.
FILL, CLARE ELIZABETH October 31, 1928 - December 22, 2013 Mother of Melody, mother-in-love to Donna and grandmother for Justice and Merit Clare's presence will be with us always we shall carry on as Clare taught us thank you for the love, laughs and lives shared. Clare was born in Banbury, England and settled in Detroit, Michigan, where she married Donald Fill and raised her family. Clare's sisters and their families celebrated often in Michigan and those years of gatherings resulted in hours of fun card playing and group game activities, family slide shows and lots of conversation. Clare moved to Florida after Don passed away and enjoyed her new environment, especially the sun, shore and socializing with new friends. Clare retired and moved to Albuquerque where she led a wonderfully full life traveling with senior groups all around the Southwest. Clare enjoyed golfing with a senior ladies group at Los Altos on Tuesday mornings and volunteering at University Hospital. Clare loved giving to people and she was delighted by reading with children at Sombra del Monte elementary school. Clare guided the development of her family through professional careers and growing up two young grandchildren. Clare was a shining star who shared her brightness with those fortunate to cross paths with her. Clare's brilliance was evident in her eclectic knowledge displayed during Jeopardy and a variety of board games, especially Scrabble. Clare loved tossing the Bocce ball, trying outdoor activities with her family, tending plants in the backyard and listening to books read aloud with her whole family. Clare read a lot and became enamored with the Father Tim series and played favorite video games like Angry Birds on her Kindle. Clare treasured her crossword puzzles and loved socializing with family about television shows and movies. Clare was well cared for by the caring and compassionate staff at Presbyterian. Clare was especially respected and cared for by Dr. Ralph Moller and Dr. Ann DeHart. Clare was a regular at her local Walgreens and Albertsons where staff treated her with kindness and continued to show her family their respect when she was no longer able to visit the stores regularly. Clare was shown respect and dignity as she and her family held vigil on the final days of her life at Presbyterian Hospital. Clare will live on in the hearts and minds of her family while her energy will continue to shine upon the universe and her family will honor her each day may her memory be a blessing.
FERGUSON, BRUCE With great sadness, we announce the death of Bruce Ferguson who passed away on December 18th at the age of 71. Bruce's courage, patience, and gentle humor during his long illness was a final display of the wonderful person he was. Gordon Bruce Ferguson was born in Albuquerque to Gordon Ferguson and Dora Herby Ferguson. When Bruce was an infant Dora died, and Mary Brindley Ferguson became his mother. Bruce was preceded in death by Dora, Gordon, Mary, and by his sister Ann Ferguson Foster. He is survived by his wife Lorene Bennett Ferguson; his daughter Dawn Ferguson (son-in-law Mark Freeland, granddaughters Gabrielle and Mia Dora Freeland); daughter Lucy Simpson (husband Robert Simpson, and grandchildren Sierra and Bowen Simpson); as well as his adopted daughter Benjiann Bennett. He also leaves behind his sister Sukey Ferguson Wallwork, and many nieces and nephews. Bruce had a great and deep love of all children. His sister Sukey tells that she was quite late in learning to walk because her brother Bruce carried her everywhere for her first year and a half of life. He continued this loving care and playfulness throughout his life, and he was known for having lasting and strong friendships. Bruce received his B.A. from Stanford, enlisted and served in the Army, and then received his Medical Degree from Stanford Medical School. At the same time, he received a Masters in Sociology from Stanford, and studied the sitar at Berkeley. After working at the Fort Defiance Indian Health Services and meeting Lorene, he did his residencies at UNM in Family Practice Medicine, and in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He made Albuquerque his home, choosing to focus on Family Practice and Women's Health. He was a pioneer in his reproductive health practice, and very active in Planned Parenthood locally and nationally. He received numerous recognitions for this work. Bruce loved playing golf and fly fishing, and was an avid reader. In recent years, one of his great pleasures was making his way slowly to a chair outdoors and simply enjoying the beauty and the peacefulness of a beautiful New Mexico day. Our hearts are full with fond thoughts of him. A small memorial service has already taken place because of the timing of his death and the family coming together for the holiday. The family asks that, if you'd care to, you may make a memorial gift to: Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, the UNM Center for Reproductive Health, or the NB3 Foundation.
DURAN, GILBERTO R., PHD Age 81, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Gilberto is preceded in death by brothers, Virgilio Duran, Benito Duran, Raymundo Duran. He is survived by his wife, Mary Agnes; children, Matthew R. Duran, Melissa (Anthony) Chapparo; grandchildren, Dominic Duran, Gabrielle Carpenter, Rebecca Carpenter, Allyea Carpenter; siblings, Juan O. Duran, Isabel (Andres) Chacon, Lena Gonzales, Josie Shapiro, Lilly (Leonard) Torres, Paulette (Orlando) Atencio. A Rosary will be recited at 7 pm, Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Daniels Family Funeral Services Wyoming Chapel. A Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Risen Savior Catholic Church located at 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. If desired, contributions may be made in memory of Gilberto Duran to Gentiva Hospice, 5600 Wyoming Blvd. NE Suite 10 Albuquerque, nm 87109. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit 
DIAMOND, SANDRA HEATHCOTE Age 65, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013. She was born in Old Basford, Nottingham on April 18, 1948, to Reginald Charles and Thriza Rose (Istead) Heathcote. She was preceded in death by her parents. Sandra is survived by her husband of 45 years, George H. Diamond; children, Jason Diamond, and wife Katreena, Paul Diamond; grandchildren, Sorya Diamond, Trinity Diamond; siblings, Colin Heathcote, and wife, Sue of Gimli, Manitoba, Jill Broadfoot of Glasgow, Ann Hill, and husband, Len of Nottingham, James Heathcote of Nottingham. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Calvary Chapel Rio Rancho, 138 Frontage Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment will be held at a later date. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
COFFMAN, JEANNE O. ANDREA Jeanne A. Coffman born on January 24, 1936 passed away on January 2, 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama. Jeanne was born in Mishawaka, Indiana the last of three children to David and Cecelia Andrea. She graduated from Mishawaka High School and in 1956 married Harold (Whitey) Coffman. In 1962 an opportunity drew the family west settling in Las Cruces, New Mexico which would become their home for 49 years. During those years in Las Cruces, Jeanne, raised five children, worked for the Las Cruces Public Schools and was an active member of St. Andrews and St. James Episcopal Churches. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Whitey Coffman and is survived by her five children: Mark Coffman of Los Angeles, CA; Mike and Debbie Coffman of Albuquerque, NM; Lori and David Sours of Birmingham, Alabama; Jeff and Melony Coffman of Austin, TX and Jim Coffman of Albuquerque, NM; and ten grandchildren: Ryan, Scott and Kristin, Grant, Katie (deceased), Kylie, Nichalous, Dillon, Kathryn, Zackery; and her beloved Scottish Terrier, Gigi. A Memorial Service will be determined at a future date. Jeanne was a loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on February 8, 2014 at St. James Episcopal Church in Mesilla, NM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the National Alzheimer's Association at 
CARPER, CHARLES FREDDY (BUDDY) Age 80, a resident of Albuquerque, N.M. since 1954, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013 after a short courageous struggle with cancer. He was born, June 17, 1933 in, Craig Co, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents, William R. Carper and Sally L. Reynolds Carper; brothers, William Carper Jr., Lloyd Carper and Richard Carper. He is survived by sisters, JoAnne Carper Rock of New Castle, Virginia and Peggy Carper Zeffel of Indianapolis, Indiana; his two children, daughter, Catherine L. Carper McEachren and husband, John B. McEachren and son, Charles F. Carper both from Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren, Danielle Carper Polk, Jonathan Carper and Mathew Carper. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. The Military Burial will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m. A Reception will follow at American Legion, Post #49 at 4:00p.m. Please visit our online guest book for Charles at 
SACCO, SUZANNE Nov 29, 1932 - Dec 2, 2013. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service is planned for 10:00 am, Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Albuquerque Center for Spiritual Living, 2801 Louisiana Blvd NE, 87110. For more info, visit: 
ROMERO, MARY ESTHER (GARCIA) passed away Monday, December 30, 2013 at her residence. She was born on November 26, 1939 in Albuquerque, where she lived most of her life. Esther was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque. She received a Technical degree from Western Business School. Esther was preceded in death by her parents Juan and Dora Garcia and her sister Rosalie Griego. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Arthur L. Romero, children Michael Garcia, Mary Mandall, David Romero, Roseanne Romero, Joseph Romero, Jared Romero and Isaac Romero, 8 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her siblings Eileen Flores, Aurora Vigil, John Garcia, Judy Martinez, Carmelita Ortega, Margaret Martinez, and Theresa Richards. Esther also left behind numerous nieces and nephews. Esther was a loving Wife, sister, mother, friend, artist, athlete, great cook, and she will be missed by all. She was a devoted follower of Christ and she loved to sing praise music, and read her bible, as they were her source for peace and understanding in times of suffering and joy. We take joy in knowing that she has moved on to be with those who went before her to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ forever. We ask that those who knew and loved Esther join us to celebrate her life on Sunday 1/12/2014 at 12:00PM at the NM Veteran's Memorial located at 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE in Albuquerque 87108 (approx.1 block South of Gibson) 505-256-2042. We thank you and look forward to your presence. Special Instructions In lieu of flowers and gifts to family, please make donations in her name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Diabetes Association for research, as she suffered with both in the latter portion of her life.
PINO, SANDRA A. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 29, 2013. A Rosary will be recited Monday, January 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo, NM, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery. Those who wish to sign Sandra's guest book, please visit 
