Wilbur Elliott Bamfield

WILBUR ELLIOTT BAMFIELD - Wilbur Bamfield, 75, passed away peacefully in his Wildhorse Valley home on Thursday, June 3. He was a resident of the Four Corners area since 1975. Wilbur worked for Peabody Coal in Kayenta, AZ for 18 years, then retired to Farmington. Wilbur was born in McPherson, Kansas on April 4, 1935 to farmers Elliott M. Bamfield and Zelma L. Padgett. He was the youngest of five children and the only son. He was preceded in death by sisters, Ilene Hanna and Helen Nendean Knapp , his other two sisters, Betty Ashcraft and Margaret Minns, survive him. At the young age of 18, he married his life-long love, Charlien E. Penner who was 15. They shared almost 57 years together and had three children: William (Bill) E. Bamfield of Farmington, NM; Mary E. Bain and her husband, Darrell, of Colorado Springs, CO and JD Bamfield and his wife, Karen of Sacramento, CA. Though young themselves they raised their children with love, morals and respect for themselves and others. Wilbur had 10 grandchildren; Steven, Holly, Justin, William II, Amy and Ben by Bill; Leticia and Zacariah by Mary; and Kathrine and John by JD. He was also a great-grandpa of 6 children; Angelica, Alexx, Abigail, Carly, Steven Jr. and Arwin. These are the family he shared his life and love with, but he also had many friends who loved and admired him. He was a respected foreman of Peabody Coal mine, he rode a motorcycle with the Gold Wing Road Riders of Farmington. He was a life-long member of the NRA, served in the National Guard for 14 years, was a hunter and loved to play board games and cards and especially enjoyed visiting with friends and family. But what most of us will remember is his quick wit, smile and the twinkle in his eyes. He will be greatly missed. If you would like to share in memorial services, they will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (400 W. Apache, Farmington, NM) Saturday, June 12th at 1:00 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to: Cope Memorial Chapel 404 W. Arrington Farmington, NM.87401 505/327-5142