Obituaries

Milton Arlen Asher, 91, Oct. 2

Facundo Benavidez Jr., 63, Oct. 5

Steve Victor Chancellor, 64, Sept. 29

Harold Otis Closson Jr., 91, Sept. 3

Alice B. Fleischer, 77, Sept. 3

Salomon Joe Gallegos, 83, Oct. 4

Ramon “Ray” J. Gonzales, 86, Oct. 3

Gloria P. Narvaiz, 82, Oct. 4

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us” -Helen Keller

MILTON ARLEN ASHER

Milton Arlen Asher, an award-winning jazz woodwind musician, died on Friday, October 2, 2020 after a short illness. Born on a small farm in Missouri on Tuesday, May 7, 1929, Arlen quickly showed a fascination with music from the radio. At age 11, when his father died, he began playing professionally in nightclubs to make ends meet. He met the love of his life, Joetha Jean Callison, in 1950, and they married shortly afterward. Their sons were born in 1954 and 1956.

After attending Iowa State University with a degree in radio and TV broadcasting, he accepted a job as director-announcer at KNME in 1958 and the family moved to Albuquerque. In 1965, he left broadcasting to establish a teaching studio, where he taught woodwinds and imparted his joy of music to thousands of students, including his granddaughters. He also visited Jo’s first grade classes and introduced many schoolchildren to music.

In 1981, Arlen and Jo moved to an off-the-grid solar adobe house they built themselves south of Santa Fe. He continued playing and recording music in his in-house studio there and teaching in Santa Fe. Throughout his 80-year career, Arlen played with numerous local and national jazz musicians and groups, recording both solo albums and collaborations. He continued playing professionally until the past year.

The family is thankful to have had a father and grandfather who was so kind and compassionate in his public and private life. Although he was a superb musician who had many professional opportunities, he always put his family first, and he frequently expressed his love.

Arlen was predeceased by his wife of almost 60 years, Joetha Jean Callison Asher, and by his older son, Terry Asher. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Donna Asher, and grandchildren Melissa Asher and her husband Maxwell Mianecki, and Kathleen Asher. He is also mourned by Connie Farley and by his many other close friends.

In lieu of flowers, please vote. Donations can be made to the Outpost’s Arlen Asher Jazz Scholarship, KSFR, or Women for Women International. A Memorial Service is being planned for 2021, once the danger of the pandemic has lessened. The family is grateful to Arlen’s many friends and fans for their outpouring of love and support. Please visit our online guest book for Arlen at: FrenchFunerals.com

HAROLD OTIS CLOSSON JR.

Harold Otis Closson Jr. or Hal, died on Thursday September 3rd, 2020 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 91. Hal was born May 21 ,1929 in Ashland, Kansas. He was the eldest son of Caroline B. and Dr. Harold O. Closson Sr.

To view the full obituary and to sign the online guest register, please visit RiversideFunerals.com

SALOMON JOE GALLEGOS

Salomon Joe Gallegos, 83, passed away October 4, 2020. Salomon was born in the Village of Agua Fria Santa Fe, New Mexico. After many adventures from California and back to Santa Fe, he joined the Navy. He returned to California and started his new career at University of California, Berkeley working there for 40 years. Santa Fe is where he met the love of his life Becky. After retirement, they made their way back home to Santa Fe. His heart was happy being back home.

He is preceded in death by his son Richard Gallegos, his parents Antonio and Guadalupita, his sisters Stella Grace Jackie Virginia Mary Lou and Dolores. He is survived by his beloved wife Becky, son Robert, three grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren, sisters Effie, Susie, and Rose, and brother Tony, along with many relatives many friends.

A special thanks to Dr. Gerzain Chavez for the medical care provided. Celebration of life will be at a later date after Covid. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.

STEVE VICTOR CHANCELLOR

September 29, 2020, Steve Chancellor, beloved husband, father, and friend of many, joined our Lord at age 64.

Steve was born July 28, 1956, in Abilene, Texas, to Charles Edwin and Kathryn Vie Chancellor. High school years were spent in Littleton, Colorado, and he continued on to college in Denver. On July 3rd, 1984, he married Kristin Harp and raised two children, Reese Alan and Cherie Nicole Chancellor.

In his 33 years as Owner/Manager of Santa Fe Jewelers Supply, Steve became known as the “Tool Doctor.” He fixed almost anything and offered his time and advice freely. Early on, he worked as a machine programmer and petroleum land man. He excelled most at being a great Dad and devoted husband.

He was humble, kind, and unselfish; always putting others first. He will be sorely missed by many.

For a more complete obituary listing visit: riversidefunerals.com

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ADELA A. GONZALES 3/28/40 ~ 10/11/06

There is not a day that goes by when I don’t think of you. I reminisce on all the sweet memories we shared. They are saved in my heart forever.

Mass will be offered today for you and Annette at 8:00 a.m. at The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Love you always ~Carlos A. Gonzales and Family