Obituary of Alfred Gonzales

Alfred Francis Gonzales born in Las Vegas New Mexico June 4, 1944 to Luis & Estella Gonzales, passed peacefully in his sleep on Feb 14, 2015. Alfred was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother and dedicated friend. He was known for his love for food, socializing, storytelling, politics and culture. He loved sitting in the morning sun with his cigarettes and cup of coffee sharing a king good morning with neighbors. He enjoyed the trees, birds, acqecia water flowing in the nearby creek, listening to music, reading and watching TV. His favorite pass time was scrabble, crossword puzzles and Sudoku. He was a romantic at heart and passionate about his beliefs. His door was always open to help others. He would give his last dollar if he felt you needed it more than he did. He was a purist whom loved gardening and animals. His greatest joys were celebrations or gatherings big or small, as long there were great conversations, entertainment, food and a nice cold drink. He loved to see people smile and to share a good laugh. Throughout his life he owned a restaurant in which he mastered his menu. Quality not quantity with no exceptions. His menu drew world travelers as well as kept locals with happy stomachs and hearts. Some of his renowned meals were his traditional St. Patrick’s Day corned beef with cabbage and his Northern New Mexico authentic Lenten meal. In the early 80’s he saw the need to feed College students and locals who had no place to go for Thanksgiving. It was effortless for him to open the doors to the restaurant, provide anyone with a delicious meal free of charge and become part of his family. The pleasure to him was for no one to be alone or hungry. He loved going on adventures and would know exactly where to stop and have a great meal in the middle of nowhere. If you where travelling anywhere it was not uncommon for him to send you on a journey to buy him some salami. He stopped driving years ago which was probably a good thing if you ever were in the car while he was driving. Back seat driving better suited him. Alfred was involved and supported the La Raza movement in the 60 & 70’s. He was not the lawyer, the professor or the college student; he was the communicator the bridge builder whom could speak with people from all walks of life; from the transients, farmer, gangster, housewife politician or scholars. He had the spirit to inspire people to support and become informed. He was preceded in death by his father Luis Gonzales, mother Estella Gonzales, Sisters; Angela Gonzales and Anna Marie Jaramillo. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Heidi, Lawrence, Andreas, Sammy, Jennifer, Niccolas, Leon, Kim, Alicia, Michael, Savannah, Adelita, Joseph, Zachary, Maricela, Socorro Rob and Jade. His lifelong confidant Irene Pinela, his brother Cooper & Margaret and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.