Richard Vigil

Richard Vigil, 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, February 4, 2017, in Roswell, NM. He was born on November 7, 1934, to Ben and Sofia Vigil in Capitan, NM. He was second to the oldest of 12 children. Richard moved to Roswell as a small child where he lived out the rest of his life. On September 16, 1954, he married the love of his life, Mary Gamboa Vigil, and they enjoyed a marriage of 62 years of love and happiness and raised two sons, Richard and George Vigil. Richard worked for the City of Roswell for 35 years as a heavy equipment operator for the city. He was a sergeant in the New Mexico National Guard for seven years. After retirement from the City of Roswell, he occupied much of his time with welding, mechanicing and various construction projects. Richard also enjoyed selling watermelons, cantaloupes, and firewood at different locations in the city. He loved visiting with everyone that came by, and usually gave away more then he would sell. He loved to tell his stories of “back in the day” and joked with everyone. He had a passion for life like no other. He loved going to dances, where he and Mary would lead the marcha at many weddings, anniversaries and quinceañeras. He loved deer hunting, going to the casino, playing the guitar and accordion; but, most of all, spending time with his beloved family. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Vigil, their sons: Richard Vigil and wife Becky of San Diego, CA, George Vigil and wife, Ida of Roswell, NM; brothers: Eddy, Bobby, and Ben Jr Vigil, all of Roswell; sisters: Ruby Hernandez of Roswell, NM, Juanita Quiroz of Sacramento, CA, and Sylvia Salcido of Roswell, NM; grandchildren: Vanessa Vigil of Roswell, Richard Vigil Jr and wife, Marlina of San Diego, CA, Gabriel Vigil and wife, Thuy of Roswell, NM, and Victoria Vigil-Santiestiban and husband, Carlos of San Diego, CA; great-grandchildren: Natalie and Emalie Vigil of San Diego, CA, Elijah Vigil of Roswell, NM, and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Benancio and Sofia Vigil; brother, Jimmy Vigil; sisters: Dora Vigil, Mable Rubio, Tila Lueras, and Lydia Dutchover; and his loving in-laws: Castulo and Molly Gamboa. A rosary and mass will be held starting at 9:30 AM, February 10, 2017, at the Assumption Catholic Church, 2808 N. Kentucky. Pallbearers will be Richard Vigil Jr, Gabriel Vigil, Andrew Gamboa, Ben Vigil Jr, Joseph Gamboa, and Mark Gamboa. Honorary Pallbearers are Eddy Vigil, Bobby Vigil, Adam Dutchover, Elijah Vigil, Lupe Hernandez, Rudy Salcido, Alex Salas, Frank Gamboa, and Darryl Gamboa. Thanks to American Legion and Riders. Obituary was lovingly written by Richard’s family. Footprints One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, Especially at the lowest and saddest times, There was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed the during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, There was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you never, ever, during you trial and testing’s. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then I carried you.”

Richard Vigil

November 7, 1934 - February 4, 2017