Bonifacio (Boney) A. Lopez

Bonifacio (Boney) A. Lopez, July 1, 1924-May 14, 2019 died peacefully in the arms of his loving daughters, in Vadito, NM. Dad was born in Quemado. NM. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Lopez-Coplen (Richard), Arlene Lopez (Deb), grandchildren, Brian Gallegos (Amy), Angie Valdez (Joel), four great grandchildren, Necia Gallegos, Zenin Gallegos,  Adrien Evans and Ariana Evans and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Dad was preceded in death by our mom, Carmen C. Lopez, our brother Robert (Bobby) Lopez and all of his nine siblings. He was the last of his generation in the Lopez family to leave this world.

Dad was a WWII Navy Veteran, and an Electronic Inspector at Sandia National Labs before retiring and buying a gas station and hardware business--B & C Service and Hardware in Los Padillas. After that venture, Dad and Mom co-founded Carmen's of New Mexico, USA. There was nothing Dad couldn't do. He taught us and others the value of a good-work-ethic and honesty. He had a “never-give-up” attitude.

Dad always found a way to get things done. He, along with Mom, gave thousands of hours volunteering for the Veteran's of New Mexico,  VA Hospital, Knights of Columbus, VFW, their church, and many other organizations. Their work for the VA Hospital included raising funds and acquiring the first wheel chair van for the VA Hospital. He was unexpectedly honored in a ceremony by our then, Congressman Manuel Lujan and Senator Pete Dominici. There was nothing he wouldn't do for veterans or for others in need.

He was past Commander of the American Legion post 99. While in office--through his hard work and honest leadership, he and his board paid off the mortgage which was in foreclosure and paid off all the back taxes which was six figures.  He was also a Forth Degree Knight of Columbus, very involved in the Boy Scouts of America and held just about every office in the American Legion and VFW.

Dad was a boxer while in the Navy and never lost a fight. He taught the neighborhood boys to box. It was so much fun watching Dad and the boys punch that bag and hear it sing. After Mom died, he would watch boxing on TV and it was one of his greatest pleasures. Dad was a no-nonsense man and was a force to be dealt with. Dad was an honorable man whose word was his honor.  A hand shake with Dad was all it took.  He and Mom would coordinate large bus trips with friends to various casinos in Nevada and New Mexico. Together they played Santa Claus and Mama Claus for 35 years at the American Legion and other various veterans organizatiaons.  He loved the outdoors, gardening, planting and harvesting, especially in Vadito, NM. He enjoyed the sunsets, watching the birds, the lamas and the animals roam the land. Dad and Mom loved to travel and most of all loved to dance together--winning many dance contests. This was great because we knew that if they won, they would  take us to the Dairy Queen, the movies with popcorn and sodas, or go to Lionel's for hamburgers and french fries. 

Dad and Mom were the Catholic Family of the Year in New Mexico. Dad was loved and respected by everyone that came into his life. Dad and Mom are now dancing together and playing canasta with their Tixier and Davalos friends, probably cheating, fighting and laughing.  Dad had an incredible wit and an infectious laugh, and he will be dearly and profoundly missed. He was the greatest dad anyone could ever have.

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