MANUEL FRANCO URQUIDEZ

8 August 1939 – 19 December 2021

Manuel was born in Loving, New Mexico to Blas Lujan Urquidez and Victar Brito Franco and was the oldest of 6 children.  Loving is a small village just south of Carlsbad, New Mexico, famous for it Caverns.  Loving, itself, was named for Oliver Loving who with his partner, Charles Goodnight established the famous Goodnight-Loving cattle trail in the late 1860's for the large scale movement of Texas Longhorns out west.  He grew up in a farm and along with his younger brother, Blas, Jr., helped their father who worked full time at the US Potash Refinery, with the farm work and chores taking care of the farm animals.  Manuel graduated from Carlsbad High School in May 1959 and soon enlisted in the US Air Force in June 1959.  He served 4 years and was honorably discharged in June 1963.  He served 2 additional years in the US Air Force reserve.

Manuel employed his extensive training as an electronic equipment repairman in the Air Force to establish a professional career in equipment maintenance especially in the food service field.  He was a certified Hobart equipment specialist and worked for many years with the Albuquerque Public Schools servicing more than 50 kitchens until he became disabled.

Throughout his life Manuel had an inventive mind and a vivid imagination.  He dabbled in inventing items for everyday use but he was always stifled by the lack of funds to invest in his ideas.  He left behind a number of detailed drawings that are clear testimony to his inquisitive mind.

Manuel had two children from a prior marriage to Estela Minjares from Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico, Liliana and Cesar.  Liliana is a retired public schools teacher from Carlsbad, New Mexico and is married to Robert Corona.  Cesar is a software engineer and is married to Anita and lives in Taiwan.  Manuel also had two children from his current marriage to Adriana Luz Cervera from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, Pedro and Jorge.  Pedro is married to Rachael Waldbillig of Missoula, Montana.  They live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and work for Faith Comes by Hearing, an organization dedicated to making audio and video bibles.  Jorge, who is a Downs Syndrome young man lives with and is cared for 24/7 by his mother, Adriana Luz.  Manuel, despite his physical disabilities was also devoted to the care of Jorge.  He exhibited great patience and a total commitment to the development of Jorge's skills, finding hope where others might not.  Jorge, who does not speak, would be a challenge to any parent but Manuel and Adriana Luz have never complained and always saw Jorge as a blessing.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, Blas, Sr. (1994) and Victar (2013) and a younger brother, Alvaro (2012) and his former wife, Estella (2012).  He is survived by his wife, Adriana Luz, daughter, Liliana, sons Cesar, Pedro and Jorge, a brother, Blas Jr. and three sisters, Celia, Eva and Onayda.  He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Christian, Asia and Andy and numerous nephews and nieces.

Manuel suffered for many years from degenerated disks in his spine which were not operable.  He also suffered a heart attack in October 2018.  On 19 December 2021, Manuel died of congestive heart failure.  He is now free from pain.  May the Good Lord bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace.

A private family service will take place at a later date.