Loren Tommy Dils
1966-2021
Loren Tommy Dils, age 55, passed away on November 3, 2021. He was a New Mexico native, graduated from Belen High School in 1984, received a Bachelor’s in Anthropolo gy/Business from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1989, and a Master’s in Business from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 1994.
Loren was well known for his numerous accomplishments in tennis. He was a 2 time State High School Doubles Champion at Belen (1983-84), a 2 time Big Sky Conference Doubles Champion at NAU (1985-86), as well as the 1989 Male Student Athlete of the Year at NAU. Dils was Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach at New Mexico State University (1990-91) and UNM Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach (1991-2008), 4 time Regional Collegiate Assistant Coach of the Year, and was the Lobo Tennis Club Director (200811). In 2009 the US Tennis Association SW Section Inspiration Award went to Loren and in 2011 he was an Inductee to UNM Alumni Letterman’s Hall of Honor. Dils was the Jefferson Middle School Tennis Coach (2017-20) where they were champions in 2019. Loren throughout his tennis career, to the very end, promoted local junior tennis in Northern New Mexico.
Over the years, Dils enjoyed many other sports as well as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, gardening, traveling, and studying SW archaeology. Loren also loved getting together with family and friends.
Loren was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2007. He survived over 15 years with ALS, and was on a ventilator for the last 7 years. Dils was an advocate for ALS awareness and research through that period of his life.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy & “Joann” Dils; grandparents, Fred & Corra Dils and Clifford “Coach” & Marybelle Keith; and other loved ones.
He is survived by his two sons, Tanner & Connor Dils; mother of his children, Elaine Sanchez; brothers, Cliff Dils & family and Alan Dils & family; Geri Lynn Sanchez & family; Dena Davis & family; Karen Keith & family; Frances Roehrig & family; the Ruth Ellen & Fred Huning family; as well as many other valued friends and family.
A celebration of life service will be held at a date to be determined. The family requests that any memorial contributions may be made to the Loren Dils Donation Fund, directly to Alan Dils or at any Wells Fargo branch. Please visit our online register book for Loren Dils at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St, Belen, NM, 505-864-8501.