Cristobal "Cris" Sanchez

Cristobal “Cris” Sanchez, age 72, formerly of the South Valley of Albuquerque passed away on Tuesday, May 30 2023.

Cris is survived by his wife Rose; five children: Jayme Sanchez, Curtis Sanchez and wife Jenny, Shaun Sanchez and wife Pam, Kristy Sanchez and Fiance Albert, and Lynette Bird and husband James; 16 grandchildren: Alysha Gonzales and husband Andrew, Andre Sanchez, Alexandria Sanchez, Jude Quintana and wife Hannah, Julianna Bird, Zachary Duran Sanchez, Xandria Sanchez, Angela Bird, Brandon Valencia, Malyssa Rose Trujillo, Izabella Trujillo, Xavier Sanchez, Alejandro Trujillo, Krislynn Rose Sanchez, Olivia Bird, and Colton Sanchez; and 7 great grandchildren: Cynea-Monet Erwin, Aileanna Gonzales, Leilah Gonzales, Ava Rae Larranaga, Julian Gonzales, Santiago Quintana, and Antonio Quintana. 

He was born October 2, 1950 in the South Valley of Albuquerque to Victor and Jesusita (Susie) Sanchez. He was the eldest of six children: Diana Pino and husband Johnny, Gilbert Sanchez (deceased) and wife Ruth, Albert Sanchez and Greg Taylor (deceased), Liz Montoya and James Aguilar, and Elaine Lopez and husband Anthony. He attended Valle Vista elementary, John Adams middle school and was the first graduating class of West Mesa High School, class of 1968.

He served in the Army National Guard for six years finishing with the rank of Sergeant. He then began his career in Bernalillo County as member of the Sheriff’s Department. He was one of the founding members of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Union.  He was also proud to serve with the Latino Peace Officer Association. Cris served in many facets of the department such as Narcotics, Extraditions, Field Services and Criminal Investigation Division. He then decided to make rank within the department. Cris eventually retired as Lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Department.

He met his wife Rose Sanchez at the Sheriff’s department. They were married for 46 years. They did everything together. His biggest fear of leaving this world was leaving her behind. Cris asked Rose one day, “Who will take you shopping?” He took Rose shopping and never complained. He would let her shop while he talked to anyone who would converse with him. Before he died his only wish, “for everyone,”  was, “Please take care of my baby.” 

After retiring, he started his second career as a “Grandpa”.  Cris took off his gun belt and exchanged it for his fishing pole. When the love of his life, Rose, retired they took the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. He  loved and spoiled every single one of his grandchildren. His grandkids were given advice and shown how important they were to him.

Cris had four major loves of his life:

1. His wife Rose.

2. His family, kids, grandkids, brother, and sisters.

3. SOLITAIRE on the computer and Disneyland

4. The Democratic Party!

If you knew Cris you may not have liked him but most people respected him. Cris told everyone how he felt and did not spare their feelings. One of his biggest assets was his fairness. A lot of his coworkers said that Cris was a fair supervisor, whether he “chewed their butt” for a mistake or praised them for doing what was right.

Cris came from humble beginnings and lived his life the same. When he was diagnosed he told Rose, “When I die just cremate me and throw me in the ditch.”  While Cris was checked into the hospital on his last day he brought every grandkid to him individually, held their hand and told them advice that he wanted to tell them before he left. He then proceeded to do the same with his children, brother, sisters, nephew and nieces. He did all of this while struggling to breathe.  This was a perfect example of the way he lived his life, always thinking of his family.  He was a pillar of the community in the South Valley and protected it until his passing. 

Cris's life celebration will begin with begin with a Rosary to be recited at 8:30am on Monday, June 12, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, 87105. Mass will begin at 9:00 am. Reception will follow in the Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall.

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