Daniel (Dan) Tony Vigil peacefully passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 in his hometown of Springer, New Mexico at 77 years of age. He was born September 12, 1939 in Ocate, New Mexico, the son of Margarito and Omelia Vigil.
Dan was raised by his Maternal grandparents “Pape” and “Grandma Lucy” Berg and went to school in Springer, NM. He worked for 33 years at the New Mexico Boys School, served as a SSG for 33 years in the NM National Guard and volunteered 27 years with the Springer Volunteer Fire Department. He was very active with the church and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church serving as treasurer for several years. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, gardening and football. He was a star athlete on the Springer Red Devil football, basketball and track teams and continued to support the Springer Red Devil athletics after graduating. He never missed a home football game and helped run the chain for every home game until he was no longer able. He also loved watching his beloved Denver Broncos football team play.
Dan loved spending time with his family and was a friend to all who met him. Dan ” El Santo” as he was appropriately nicknamed spent his retirement years helping all and any who needed him, whether sweeping sidewalks of snow for the elderly, running errands for those who couldn’t, dog or cat sitting for those on vacation or simply extending a happy smile, a kind word or a warm hug at the post office or grocery store.
Dan is survived by his wife of 55 years Marian T. Vigil of Springer, NM, three daughters, Terri Backstrom of Monrovia, CA, Christina Vigil of Springer, NM , Marianna Vigil and Geno Trujillo of Albuquerque, NM. Two granddaughters and one grandson whom he adored, Sydney Danielle Backstrom and her father Hans of Monrovia, CA, Isabella Marie Trujillo of Albuquerque NM and Cassius Trujillo of Las Vegas, NM. Brothers, Luciano and wife Mabel Vigil of Rainsville, NM, Gene and wife Roberta Vigil of Ocate, NM, Margarito J. Vigil and wife Bening of San Diego, CA, Tom Mascarenas of Springer,NM , and Eloy and wife Virginia Mondragon of Albuquerque, NM, Sisters Laura Vigil of Albuquerque, NM, Julia Sanchez of Springer, NM, numerous nieces, nephews and God children.
He is preceded in death by his parents Margarito and Omelia Vigil, Brother, William Vigil of Ocate, NM, Maternal grandparents Martin and Lucia Berg , and his In-laws who regarded him as their son, S.F. “Nano” and Elydia Trujillo.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM at 7:00 PM. Mass of the Holy Resurrection will be held Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Father Daniel Balizan and Father John Brasher as the celebrants. Rite of Christian Burial will follow in the Springer Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Eugene Garcia, Vincent Vigil, Eloy Mondragon, Olmedo Mascarenas, Charlie Montoya, Boe Lopez and George Balizan.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Max Ramirez, Robert Portillos, Leroy Garcia, Travis Vigil, Juan Mascarenas, Cassius Trujillo and Brandon Kear.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care and kindness shown to Dan and the entire family throughout his stay at Colfax General Long Term Care in Springer, NM.
Arrangements for Daniel T. Vigil are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
