Ronald Lee Chavez

Ron L. Chavez was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 2, 1954 to Elsie Brown and Filomeno Chavez, the third youngest in a family of ten children. Ron grew up in the community of Barelas. From a young age Ron knew the importance of hard work to help his family. As a child, Ron would chop wood and sell newspapers on street corners to help provide food and clothing to his younger siblings. Having an interest in all things flight, he developed a hobby of keeping fancy pigeons and fancy birds. After losing his parents at a young age, Ron moved in with his eldest sister and was determined to remain in school. Ron graduated from West Mesa High School in 1972 and went on to join the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Ron graduated with his Associate Degree in Aero Space Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He also received a Bachelor of Aeronautical Science as well as a Master of Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle. In his early years, while receiving training in aircraft flight technology, Ron worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist under the 1550th Military Airlift Command. He had hoped to one day be involved with the NASA Space Program as a research scientist and mission specialist. While with the 1550th, Ron became interested in astrophysics and the study of the physical universe as it is understood today. He retained that interest throughout his life. Always up for an adventure, Ron signed up for multiple deployments when given the opportunity. He travelled to Germany, Panama, Japan, England, as well as many different cities within the United States. He eventually worked his way up to the rank of Staff Sergeant where he was tasked with managing the Special Projects Division for Defense Systems Evaluation under the 150th Tactical Fighter Group at Kirtland Air Force Base. Ron directed several other classified programs and projects throughout his Air Force career. After serving 20 years in the United States Air Force, Ron transitioned into the Air Force Reserve so that he could remain in the military as well as develop a civilian career. He was then employed as a Vice President at Youth Development Inc (YDI). While at YDI, Ron developed and directed various youth programs which included recreational activities and programs, drug abuse intervention, gang intervention, and youth workforce programs. After 5 years, Ron moved on to be one of the Vice Presidents at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). During his time at the AHCC, Ron was called back to serve 6 more years with the United States Army. He was reinstated to the rank of Staff Sergeant and reported to Santa Fe every first weekend of the month until he transferred to the Army Retired Reserve in 2008. While serving in the Army, Ron was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the U.S. National Defense Force Staff College for his public service, leadership, citizenship, and his personal involvement in Humanitarian Support Efforts. Once in the Army Retired Reserves, Ron was also awarded the honorary title of Colonel in the Temporary Civil Military Support Reserve. While working at Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Ron assisted in the development and direction of the Job Opportunity Center which involved small business development. He also developed training programs and supportive services that would enhance job seeker skills and abilities. After 6 years at AHCC, Ron was offered a position as the Central New Mexico Area Director for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). As an Area Director, Ron managed and directed multiple programs such as, Wagner/Peyser Business/Workforce Employment Services, Veterans Job Training and Employment Services, Workforce Investment Act, Workforce Trade Adjustment Act, and Unemployment Insurance Reemployment Act. In 2018, Ron was promoted to the position of Field Operations Manager for the State of New Mexico. Ron was always one who had a drive to succeed, but most importantly, to help those around him. His drive led him to work until the age of 66. He retired from the State of New Mexico in August of 2020. Although in retirement, Ron was still looking for bigger opportunities. He had hoped to one day become a Professor at the University of New Mexico. At home, Ron's biggest concern was his family. Every decision he made was with them in mind. Despite being a man of business, Ron never missed an opportunity to be there for his family. He was at every recital, play, or baseball game, even if it wasn't his "thing." When his children or grandchildren called, he would drop everything to be there for them. He was the go-to person for any question, no matter the topic. He believed in education and persistence. He would advise anyone to take as many opportunities as they could. In his early years, you would find him working on his newest project muscle car, or on a model airplane. In his later years, you could find him spending time with his daughter at her farm or teaching his grandsons how to drive. Always one to be on time, he was always the one you could count on. He was the definition of the word "provider." When he was taking a break from working on one of his multiple projects, his favorite pastime was sitting on the couch and watching reruns of his favorite shows such as Star Trek, Hogan's Heroes, and the Twilight Zone. If he wasn't watching a rerun, he would be watching the latest astrophysics documentary. An avid Sci-Fi enthusiast, his favorite author was Isaac Asimov. Some of his favorite snacks included Snickers Candy Bars, apple pie, peanut butter cookies, chocolate milk, orange soda, Susie Q's, Pecan Sandies, Rocky Road ice cream, Peanut Buster Parfaits, and Peanut M&M's. Ron was an avid storyteller. He was always telling stories about his past to any who would listen. Despite seeming like a serious man, he never missed an opportunity to throw in a joke and could be seen playing the occasional prank on family members and co-workers alike. Ron was never one who enjoyed crowds; however, he had the ability to gather people of all sorts around him. Ron was never one to make an enemy nor burn bridges. Never one to judge, Ron didn't care about a person's social status or upbringing. If he was in the position to help, that is what he would do. If he wasn't the one who could help you, he would find someone who could. Always looking forward, Ron was planning new projects and looking for new opportunities to pursue. However, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, Ron suddenly passed away at the age of 66 years old. On his last days, he was surrounded by his wife and children. Ron is survived by Alice, his Wife of 38 years, his daughter Marie, his son Ben (with wife Lisa), three grandsons, Elijah, Isaiah, and Noah, as well as brothers Freddie, Phil Jr. (with wife Diana), Ruben (with wife Bea), and sisters Agnes, Diane (with husband Bob), and Eileen. He also leaves behind many wonderful and dedicated friends and co-workers. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Elsie and Filomeno, his brothers Joe Nester and Robert (Boykie), as well as his sister Vivian. Interment of Ron's ashes will be on Thursday, November 12th at 10:30AM at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. His family hopes he is flying amongst the stars and exploring every corner of the universe. We will miss him terribly and love him always. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 764-9663