Curtis Bernard Sanchez

Curtis Bernard Sanchez

1954-2023

It is with great sadness that Los Lunas resident, Curtis Bernard Sanchez, age 69, loving husband, brother and uncle, passed away. He was delivered to his eternal home on April 19, 2023.

Curtis was born Jan. 24, 1954, in New Orleans, La. He lived in New Orleans until age 9, when his family moved to Albuquerque. He was a graduate of Rio Grande High School in 1972.

He had the opportunity to be employed by Indian Health Service as a young man and was then transferred to Rockville, MD. After his departure from IHS, he was employed by the Smithsonian Institution. His last position was associate director for Policies and Resources, Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management. He retired in August 2022.

He had resided in Maryland for 30 years. His last two years, he worked from his Los Lunas home with dedication.

Curtis is preceded in death by his mother, Blanche Simon Trimble; stepfather, Lee Trimble; birth father, Philip Sanchez; brother, Ronald Trimble; nephews, Robert Lake III and Michael Sherwood; and niece, Tanya Hopkins Petersen.

Curtis is survived by his life partner and companion, Max Torres, of 40 years, of which the last nine years was shared in marriage; his sisters and spouses, Jeannie Burleson (Daryl), Jackie Maese, Blanche Jones (James), Patricia Doyle (Michael) and Camille Sherwood (Steve); brothers and spouses, Lee Trimble and Tim Trimble (Rayna); aunt, Ann Lucero; in-law, Florence Torres; mother-in-law, Leona Trimble; sister-in-law, Debbie Romero (Orlando), Anita Doyle (Thomas), Rosalie Torres, Rochelle Coria and Charlotte Vasquez (Cayetano Papo); 13 nieces, seven nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends; and his precious pet dogs, Cruz and Evie.

Curtis always enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. He participated and celebrated his French Creole and Native American heritage. He was a wonderful cook and always invited everyone into his home. He so enjoyed hosting parties and family gatherings.

He enjoyed traveling domestic and abroad, and accepted the many invitations from friends and relatives all over the United States and always reciprocated.

He was involved in raising elder rescue dogs, giving them the best life possible in their remaining days. His life has touched so many lives with his unending generosity and caring. His shining personality will live on in our hearts forever. He was loved.

His celebration of life will be held at his Los Lunas home at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 10.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or ASPCA.org in Curtis’ name.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit RiversideFunerals.com.