Gutierrez, Edward R.

Edward R. Gutierrez

Was born during a flood in Las Cruces, New Mexico on August 9, 1925 to Jesus B. Gutierrez and Aurora Valdez. He died on January 31, 2016 in Albuquerque.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sister Emma and brother-in-law Lewis Spencer, his brother Ralph and sister-in-law Jean Gutierrez.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Mary Sue; children Madelyn Gutierrez and Mark Gutierrez, both of Albuquerque; stepson Danny and Pam Buchly of Amarillo, TX (Michael, Ashley, Jennifer and Stephen); stepdaughters Shara and Steve Anaya of Moriarty (Eric, Jeffery and Christopher); Kay and Derrel Whitney of Rio Rancho (Shannon, Suzie and greatgrandson Owen); and Lisa Schramm and Jerry Howell of Boston, MA (Kyle and Jessie). He is also survived by nieces Jeana Gutierrez, Joni Gutierrez, and Laura Gutierrez Spencer; nephews Tom Gutierrez, John Gutierrez and Jaime Gutierrez, and many cousins and friends.

Ed held many roles in his life. He was a Boy Scout and Boy Scout Master. He competed in rodeos and excelled in the wild horse race. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from UNM and played football for the Lobos. Ed was a sportsman and environmentalist who enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing throughout the state. He worked for his father for a time as a pharmacist at the Valley Drug and City Drug Stores in Las Cruces, and was coowner of the City Center Restaurant with his father and brother. He also owned the Mexicatessan/Old-Fashion Ice Cream Parlor in the building in which he’d been born on North Main Street in Las Cruces, later converted to his real estate office.

Besides his family, Ed had other great loves, including the Democratic Party and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a passionate Cowboys fan from the beginning of the franchise and proud of the New Mexico players who joined their roster. His political involvement included election to the Las Cruces City Commission, from which he was then elected Mayor, serving from 1961 to 1962. Governor Jack Campbell appointed him to the board of the State Mental Hospital in Las Vegas. During his tenure many innovative, progressive programs were implemented to better

serve the mentally ill of the state.

Ed firmly believed that every New Mexican (and beyond!) deserved a good quality of life, including decent housing. As mayor of Las Cruces, he supported the development of some of the community’s first public housing projects. His efforts were successful and, as a result, owners of the city’s substandard housing initiated a recall against him. The recall failed & Ed had found his niche.

As a lobbyist in Santa Fe, Ed worked for legislation affecting housing throughout the state, and developed public housing. He also worked for Labor and Human Rights legislation.

His political acumen was respected throughout the state and his advice and support were sought on many levels. He worked tirelessly for Democratic candidates from President to Governor to County Commissioner. He was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee for many years and active in John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign. In 1968, Ed was one of the New Mexico campaign coordinators for Bobby Kennedy and was a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He was elated when President Barack Obama was elected.

Political discussions in the Gutierrez home were, more often than not, lively, loud and fun. Ed appreciated all points of view, but did not suffer fools. His voice could be heard booming above all others. He was known for his bear hugs, his flirtatious compliments and his sincere concern for all in need. The term "one of a kind" is sometimes overused, but it is true for Ed. He was a bear of a man with a big heart, a big laugh and an appetite to see right done in the world.

Ed’s family would like to thank the people of Silva House and Alliance Home Health Care, particularly Cynthia, Rosanne and Pat, who were so dedicated to making him comfortable.

In memory of Ed, please vote Democratic in the November 2016 General Election.

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit

www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services CARLISLE CHAPEL 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110

505-884-1188