Eugene Mark Hands

Eugene Mark Hands was born on May 27, 1961. Most of those who loved him just called him Gene, or Geno. He brought laughter and joy to all our family gatherings because he got all the fun genes!! His sense of humor was priceless and will forever be missed.

Gene grew up in Tijeras Canyon. He went to the local schools and graduated from Manzano High. He continued his education in Denver where he learned his drafting skills. When he came home, he got a job in Albuquerque which began his career path.

In 1989, Gene married Maria Judy Whatley from the South Valley. They began their life together in Tijeras. Their dream began with building a home close to the family where George Hands Sr., his father, helped guide his work in the construction field. His mother, Delia Maria, kept him well fed during the long hours they put in to build their home. Once constructed, the Lord blessed them with their first child. A baby girl! Savanna Ashley Hands. A new dream was born and a new home was built. This one on Zamora Rd. There, they were blessed with a son, Shane Cedric Hands.

Gene was a busy man and wanted to spend more time with his family. He decided to become an entrepreneur and opened up a stove and spa shop in Tijeras. He called it "East Mountain Hot Spot." Together with his wife and children, they ran the store for several years. It was during those years while working his own schedule, Gene was able to find time to spend with his family. He coached basketball and made many new friends within the community. He enjoyed camping at the lake. He loved to boat and jet ski. He taught his nephews and nieces to jump from the rocks at Navajo!  That was not necessarily appreciated by his siblings but, the kids loved it!

Gene was blessed with three older brothers and a sister. The eldest brother is George Hands, from Los Lunas, who was blessed with a wife and five children. Billy Hands and Angela Moroco are his eldest. He is married to Sylvia and they have three daughters. Andrea Turrietta, Annette Trujillo and LeAnne Hands.

Gene's sister, Josephine married David Torres. Their children are Nathan, Blanche Green and David.

Tony Hands, also an older brother and his son, Sean.

Leroy Hands who went to meet the Lord in 1978.

Gene's family through marriage included Gilbert and Carmen Whatley. They raised their family in the South Valley. Carmen, laughingly, claimed to have met Gene first and introduced Gene to her daughter. Gene had two sisters-in-law, Rosemary Sjoberg, from Houston, and Kathy and Joel Valdez and their daughter, Jennifer from Sandia Park. Also, a brother-in-law, Norman Whatley and his children: Stephanie Jaramillo, Vincent Jaramillo, Norman Whatley, Jr., and Anjaleah Whatley. Together, Gene was a great-uncle to six nephews and six nieces.

Going back a few years, Gene was called in a different direction. By then, he had built his third home which he loved and was comfortably surrounded by his family. His skill and knowledge landed him a job at UNMH. He became a project manager where he helped orchestrate the everchanging developments required by the hospital. Over the years, his friends, co-workers and acquaintances were many. Those bonds were strengthened by the activities they all enjoyed together. His passion for golf grew as they played weekly and spent time socially.

This beloved man will be remembered in so many ways and it is heart breaking that we will not be with him in this world. Our faith is not believing that God can-it is knowing that he will raise him up with all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eugene's Life Celebration will begin on Monday, May 24, 2021 with a Rosary at 11:00 a.m. at Salazar Mortuary followed by a Catholic Service for in-person services.  Parking is available in both parking lots adjacent to the building on the south side of chapel and east side of building.

Both services will be live-streamed through Reflections Facebook page for those that will not be attending in-person. Please click the link below.  A Facebook account is NOT REQUIRED to view the service.  It will begin streaming 10 minutes before the service begins.