Samuel Sam"" Gonzales

Sam Gonzales, 57 of Farmington passed from this life on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque. Sam was born April 6, 1954 in Farmington the son of Merejildo (MB) and Julia Gonzales. Sam attended elementary school at Seventh Day Adventist and Navajo Mission. He was a 1974 graduate of Farmington High School. While in high school, he was among the few men who received nursing training under Mrs. Betty Brock and earned his LPN degree. He worked at San Juan Regional Medical Center, the San Juan Manor, and then moved to Salt Lake City, UT and Portland, OR to pursue his nursing career. Sam lived in Denver, Colo for 25 years specializing in geriatric care. He then returned to Farmington in November of 2005. Sam also worked at Life Care Center for a short time. Sam was a very talented organist and pianist who played for numerous weddings and funerals. He had a witty humor and was always making people laugh. Sam was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Sam was preceded in death by his father Merejildo (MB) Gonzales, grandparents Francisco and Julianita Lucero and Ramon and Veneranda Gonzales. Sam leaves behind his longtime faithful companion, Tiddles the cat; mother Julia Gonzales; brothers Abie Gonzales of Albuquerque; Ike Gonzales, JR Gonzales, Jr., Dick Gonzales, Ray Gonzales of Farmington; Jimmy Gonzales of California; sisters Lou Gonzales and Josie Rendon of Farmington. Visitation will be today, Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. Memorial services will follow Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., with Reverend Glenn Perica and Jimmy Gonzales officiating. Reception to follow at New Life in Christ Church, 1108 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington. Hononrary pallbearers are Tiddles the cat, nieces and nephews: Jeanette Gonzales, Cyndi Gonzales, Abie Jr. (Tiger) Gonzales, Gary Gonzales, Jerry Gonzales, Trenda Nichols, Tommy Gonzales, (Ike Jr.), Darryl Blackwell, Dennis Gonzales, Pearl Duncan, Nancy Valencia, Raymond Chico Gonzales, Cherie Curtin, Shane Gonzales, Ryan Gonzales, Mike Gonzales, Gabe Gonzales, Greg Villano, Jim Jr. Gonzales, Norma Gonzales, Lisa Gonzales, Richard Gonzales, Jennifer Lappin, Keith and Jessica Krueger and many dear friends. Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688