HOUSE MEMORIAL 126

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Brian Egolf

A MEMORIAL

HONORING FORMER HOUSE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS GILBERT LOPEZ.

     WHEREAS, Gilbert Lopez, a former sergeant-at-arms for the house of representatives, died in Santa Fe on February 22, 2015; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert was born in Rowe on May 23, 1939 to Luciano and Arabella Lopez; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert attended Carlos Gilbert elementary school and Harvey junior high school and graduated from Santa Fe high school in 1958; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert proudly served his country as a United States marine and during his career won a sharpshooter award, received a letter of merit for an airplane crash rescue and was named marine of the month twice; and

     WHEREAS, after his military service, Gilbert returned to Santa Fe and worked for the department of transportation for twenty-six years; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert met his wife, Rose, at a dance, literally sweeping her off her feet with his fancy footwork, and it was on the dance floor that Rose fell in love with Gilbert; and

     WHEREAS, in 1991, Gilbert began his next career with the state legislature, serving first as assistant and, in 2005, as sergeant-at-arms for the house of representatives until his retirement at the end of the 2014 legislative session; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert was in constant attendance while the house of representatives was in session and enforced the order on the floor of the house, as well as in the lobbies, galleries, passages and rooms connected to the house floor; and

     WHEREAS, as sergeant-at-arms, Gilbert ensured that only people who had permission were allowed on the house floor and he was responsible for the preparation of bill packages for the house of representatives; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert loved clothes and looking "spiffy", and was, as acknowledged by legislators on his retirement, one of the best-dressed men at the capitol; and

     WHEREAS, the honor of the legislature and the traditions of lawmaking were held in the highest regard by Gilbert, who made sure the protocols of the legislative process were adhered to on his watch; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert was proud to have been a co-founder of the friendship club of Santa Fe, a support group for those struggling with addictions, where Gilbert was passionate and compassionate in helping others to overcome their challenges; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert knew no strangers, cared deeply for people and was always willing and generous to others in need; and

     WHEREAS, although fondly remembered for his kindness and humility, Gilbert's most lasting legacy will be of his professionalism and dedication to his position as sergeant-at-arms in the house of representatives and the responsibility it bestowed upon him; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Rose Lopez; his son, Steve Lopez; his daughter, Loana Sandoval, and her husband, Eric Sandoval; his granddaughters, Desiree Martinez and Kristina Lopez; his great-granddaughters, Estrella Espinosa and Savanah Ortiz; his brother, Raymond Lopez, and his wife, Rosina; his sister, Linda Lury, and her husband, Charles; his brother-in-law, Richard Lopez, and his wife, Anita; his sisters-in-law, Emily Romero, and her husband, Willie, Dolores Barela and Rosie Lopez; as well as many special relatives and friends; and

     WHEREAS, Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Luciano and Arabella Lopez; his brother, Celestino Lopez; a very special aunt, Onorata "Tita" Gonzales; his nephew, Rudy Lopez; his parents-in-law, Fidel and Carolina Lopez; and his best friend, Horace Manzanares;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Gilbert Lopez be remembered for his warm and caring nature and for his professionalism and dedication to the position of sergeant-at-arms of the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Rose Lopez.

- 4 -