Charlie "Honey Bunny" Atencio

Charlie "Honey Bunny/Chale" Atencio passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Carmen Atencio, father-in-law and mother-in-law Anastacio and Lucy Torres, brother Edward Atencio, and sister Rosalie Armenta.

Charlie is survived by his wife Lisa, son CJ and wife Auri, daughter Catherine and husband Dominic, granddaughters Emma, Charlie, grandson Luke, sisters Josephine Atencio Lucero, Lucy Atencio Sedillo, Shirley Atencio Hinez, brothers Teddy Atencio, and Ernest Atencio, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Charlie was born on May 25, 1957 to the proud parents of Edward "Hiko" and Carmen Atencio. He was the eldest son of eight children.

Charlie had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. Visiting the beautiful mountains and rivers of Mora, NM brought him such joy and solace. He loved to tinker as a backyard mechanic working on vehicles with his son CJ. Charlie was an avid gun and knife collector and went to shows whenever possible. He would spend his evenings watching TV shows of ancient aliens and unexplainable creatures and phenomenons. He was determined to catch Bigfoot.  His daughter Catherine encouraged his obsessions with aliens and Bigfoot. Charlie took taekwondo classes with his kids. His goal was to become a ninja. He earned an Associates of Arts in Business degree in 2008.  He became an enthusiastic volleyball and basketball spectator as he attended many games to watch his granddaughter Emma play. Charlie was a simple man with his favorite meals being beans, chili, and tortillas or gravy made with hamburger meat poured over brown rice. He enjoyed having the company of his dogs around him especially Sunflower, Wylie, and Frosty. He enjoyed listening to classic rock music as well as songs by John Denver and the Eagles and music from the 70's. His favorite color of red was evident by the many different types of transportation and mobility he used.

Charlie worked various jobs throughout his life beginning at the age of 15.  At that time, he mainly worked in the construction industry. He worked as a vehicle emissions technician. He worked for the City of Albuquerque in the Solid Waste Department for many years. He began as a residential and commercial driver. Through hard work and ambition, Charlie became a foreman. After leaving the City of Albuquerque, he worked at UNM Hospital as a shuttle bus driver transporting  patients and employees to and from the hospital. He had extensive knowledge of general repair which he used when he transferred  to  maintenance services. Charlie made many loving and lifetime friends throughout his work history.

At a young age Charlie met Louise (Lisa). They began their love story as the Fuzz Face /Falcon 7 and the Mona Lisa, as they were known by their CB handles. They were blessed with over 45 years of love, laughter, and life. Throughout their 41+ years of marriage, their love and faith in God stayed strong. It was not unusual for them to lovingly refer to each other as Wife and Husband. He was blessed to have a son, Charlie "CJ", and a daughter Catherine, son-in-law Dominic Garcia, and daughter-in-law Auri added to his circle of love and family. His blessings grew when he became Honey Bunny to his granddaughter Emma, then Bunny to his namesake granddaughter Charlie and grandson Luke.

Charlie endured  many medical  struggles. He was given a second gift of life in 2016 when he received the anonymous gift of a kidney for which his family will be eternally grateful. This allowed him to continue making memories and enjoying life with his family. He did not have an easy life after that but he continued to be strong for his family. After years of battling, he was surrounded by his family when God eased his pain.

It is with honor that Charlie's family thank  his physicians for caring for him throughout these years. Dr Kirby Gabrys was dedicated to taking care of Charlie as he fought through his kidney disease. Dr. Biju Cherian and Nurse Practitioner Alicia Bruno also provided him with exceptional care. Dr Karl Dittrich was his vascular surgeon whose advice Charlie trusted.

The family has been showed so much love and support from  family and friends.  There are too many to mention.  Special thanks to Becky Anderson for always being there.

Charlie's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church located at 3424 4th St. NW, 87107. Mass will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:00 am at the Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church. Reception will follow inside the church's Parish Hall.