Brian Christian Mertz

Mertz, Brian Christian 
Age 48, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 at Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho, NM surrounded by his family. He was born in the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA on May 23, 1970, to Neil P. and Paula Widger Mertz. Brian grew up and spent a majority of his life in Socorro, NM. He attended San Miguel School and graduated from Socorro High School with the class of 1988.  He graduated from New Mexico State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Range and Wildlife Science where he was a member of the Sam Steele Society. He was employed by the  Socorro Soil and Water Conservation District and the US Forest Service and most recently the Socorro County Housing Authority. Brian spent 5 years driving for Schneider National both in the continental US and internationally. Growing up Brian was a member of the Socorro Swim Team and spent many summers competing in many swimming pools across New Mexico and later served as their coach. As a youth, Brian played soccer and was a member of the Cub Scouts and Webelos. During his high school years, he was a member of the SHS Mock Trial team which competed at National Mock Trial two years in a row. Brian had a great love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and generally experiencing nature. His job with Schneider allowed him to fly fish many streams throughout the country on his breaks. Brian had a love for animals which was expressed in the great joy he took in his three dogs - Sean, Roxie and Zip. He was preceded in death by his father, the Hon. Neil P. Mertz; grandparents, Louis and Lorraine Widger and Floyd and Mary O. Mertz. Brian is survived by mother, Paula E. Mertz; sister, Andrea Gurrola (Raymond); his nieces, Rhaya and Kyra Gurrola; uncles, Chuck Widger (Deb.) and Paul Mertz (Lyndall); aunt, Janet Mertz; and cousins, Mary Carney (Tom) and Eric Mertz (Amy).  Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2018, from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm at Daniels Family Funeral Services - Socorro Chapel , 309 Garfield St, Socorro with a celebration of Brian's life immediately following at 3:30 pm.   Interment to follow at Socorro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Brian's honor to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Share and Wildlife Fund at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/share-with-wildlife/. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Brian's care has been entrusted to  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530