Albert Perez 1922-2009

ALBUQUERQUE — And the Lord said, “Good job, my shepherd — now come on home.” Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.
It is a sad day for the Albert Perez family — but what a great day in Heaven. There, it’s just breaking daylight. The sky is magenta, pickup engines are being revved, helicopter blades are starting their roll, cowboys are saddled up on fresh horses. Laughter and raucous conversation fill the chilly air. This could be the best coyote hunt ever. And life will continue on here, as it should, but not without dear memories held closely and safely to our hearts. Albert Perez had many loves — family, friends, sheep, ranching, rain (damn, it’s dry), sheep, hunting, fishing, sports (let’s go Aggies!), sheep, a good day’s work, bologna on white bread (again, Albert?), Corinne’s roast leg of lamb, sheep; and one deep, abiding hate most worthy of mention — any live coyote.
Albert was born in Flagstaff, Ariz., on May 28, 1922, to parents Ramon and Ysaura Perez. The family moved to New Mexico in 1927, where they began assembling ranches near Yeso, Pastura, and Pintada. Here Albert’s siblings, Anna, Carmen, Ramon, and Alice were born. At the age of seven, Albert was already camping with sheep bands. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Buchanan and in Vaughn, where he graduated from high school in 1941, then joined uncles, Narciso and Manuel, and a couple other hired hands in fencing the entire ranch. He left the ranch to attend New Mexico A&M (now NMSU) for a short time, but returned when World War II began. Albert met Corinne Ribera, the light of his life, when his sister brought her out to the ranch from Albuquerque to ride horses. They married on Aug. 30, 1947, and continued with a partnership, friendship, and love that lasted 62 years. After living in Flagstaff for a short time, the couple moved to the ranch at Pintada, and proceeded to raise their family. Eventually they moved to Vaughn, where Albert was a longtime member of the Vaughn School Board. In addition, Albert was chairman of the Guadalupe County Soil and Water Conservation District for 30 years, and was honored with the New Mexico Wool Growers’ 2000 Sheepman of the Year. Albert was the consummate rancher and steward of the land. As with any good shepherd, the care of his livestock and family came first, his pasture and water shortly behind. He led by example — his life, his hearty laugh (AhhOOOF!), his honor and love are all the lessons we need carry on. Adios y a Dios, Alberto.
Albert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Corinne; son Albert (Tibo) Perez, and wife, Robin, of Taos; son, Narciso Perez, of Albuquerque; daughter, Cambria Masci, and husband, Greg, of Gallup; daughter, Pier, and husband, Lane, of San Diego; grandchildren, Cassidy Nunn, and husband, James, of Montrose, Colo., Kendall Perez, of Greeley, Colo., Sean Perez, of Las Cruces, and Giuliano Masci, of Gallup; sisters, Anna Osle, of Albuquerque, and Alice Perez, of Vaughn; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, out-laws, and other beautiful friends he thought of as family. In addition to his parents, Ramon and Ysaura, Albert was preceded in death by his brother, Ramon, and a sister, Carmen.
Pallbearers will be Vincent Perez, Dominic Perez, Bruce Dereta, Frank Perez, John Spensieri and Carlos Armendariz. Honorary pallbearers are Mannie Aguilar, Alfredo Flores, Charlie Serrano, Butch Del Curto, Gino Lujan, Jack Achen, Jim Sachse, Earl Sena, Sec Rivera, Brahaim Hindi Sr., Alex Gazolas, Norbert Archibeque, Andy Cordova, Charles Schoolcraft, Johnny Madril and Ernest Perez. Rosary will be Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at 7 p.m., at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd., Albuquerque. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn. Please visit our online guestbook for Albert at RememberTheirStory.com.