Fernando Archuleta

Fernando "Fernie" Archuleta, 58, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on April 22, 2023, with family and friends at his side after a battle with acute liver failure. He was born in Embudo, New Mexico on May 23, 1964, and was the first son to the late Clarence and Florence Archuleta. He is preceded in death by his son, Benjamin Rios Archuleta who was tragically taken from his family on March 3, 2023. Fernie is survived by his spouse, Gloria, his daughters Jennifer, and Candice, and three grandchildren, Jordan, Ruben, & Isaac. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Archuleta of Joliet, IL, and his sister Rosemarie Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM, their spouses and several nieces and nephews.

Fernie graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1982 and started working as a general maintenance contractor. He was later employed by the Mountain View Regional Medical Center where he worked over 20 years as a Facilities Engineer. He was well liked by his coworkers and enjoyed working in the trenches and always willing to help anyone who needed assistance.

Fernie was loved and had countless friends who always greeted each other with High 5's and Hugs. If someone needed a special favor, he was always there to help. He lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, whether it was talking to friends and family, or eating good NM food, or spending time with family. Fernie truly had an uncanny ability to connect with people in a deep and positive way with laughter. That was his gift to us all.

He was also a devoted NMSU Aggie Fan- "Oh Yes He Was"-and on game night, he would proudly display the Aggie Crimson colors. Sports was his favorite pastime; you would end up having a blast at any sporting event attended with him. When it came to professional football, it was always DENVER BRONCOS, and everyone knew Fernie would wear proudly his Bronco colors on game day to cheer on his number #1 team.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Las Cruces with visitation at 9:30 am, rosary at 10:00 am, and mass at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Fernando "Fernie" Archuleta to the Mesilla Valley Hospice at 299 E. Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005.