Richard J. "Rick" Chavez

Richard J. "Rick" Chavez was born February 8, 1937 and passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He was 87 years old.  Born in Gallup, New Mexico, Rick graduated from Catholic elementary school, Gallup Junior High and Cathedral High School.  As well, Rick attended Chaffey Community College in California and the University of New Mexico, majoring in music.  While in California he was a member of the Ballet Folkloric Dance Troupe in Padua Hills.  After college he joined the US Army and served in Germany in communications.  Upon his return he worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Gallup and then was promoted to Training Instructor at the BIA Continental Divide Training Center.

Rick was always active in music and formed the Top-40 band, "Rick and the Entire World", producing an LP recording.  The band was well-known at many venues in and around Gallup for many years.  Later the band changed its name to "Starburst" and toured the United States, primarily in the Midwest and East Coast.  He also formed and was Director  of the Gallup Ballet Folklorico, performing "Las Posadas" at the Red Rock State Park concert venue, with a full orchestra.  He taught the dances, directed the play, and arranged the music for full orchestra from the original Mariachi form.

Rick moved to Albuquerque in 1987 and lived there for 37 years.  He worked for the Bernalillo County Clerk in the Bureau of Elections and later as an Administrative Officer in Information Technology, retiring in 2000.  Rick spent his retirement involved in music, dance, volunteering, and art.  He had many friends and will be sorely missed.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Avelina; sister, Pat (Pasquela);  brothers, Augustin, Alfonso and Abran, and by his beloved niece, Irene.  He is survived by his partner of 40 years, Jerry Kay; brother, Frank and family, favorite niece and nephew, Evie and Phillip, their families, and many loved extended family members.

May this wonderful, talented man Rest in Peace.