Gilbert L. Sánchez

Gilbert L. Sánchez was born in May 1954 and was 66 years old when he joined our Lord on Monday June 1, 2020.

He was born and lived his life in the Town of Atrisco in Albuquerque, NM.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Victor F. Sánchez and mother, Jesusita “Susie” Sánchez.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Ruth A. Sánchez, daughter Victoria Sánchez Martinez, son Jason Sánchez and wife Alyssa, and son Bryan Sánchez and wife Sonja. Gilbert had eight grandchildren, Tiana, Mia, Gabriel, Aliyas, Juaquin, Isaiah, Thiago, and Julian. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Cris Sánchez and wife Rose, Diana Pino and husband Johnny, Albert Sánchez, Liz Montoya and James Aguilar, Elaine Lopez and husband Anthony. Gilbert has four godchildren, Shaun Sánchez, Peter John Turrietta, Erron Montoya, and Aaron Fernandez.

Gilbert was a true cowboy who loved his horses and enjoyed long rides along the bosque. He had a strong connection with nature and loved spending time outdoors, camping, fishing and tending to his garden and animals. Gilbert was a master storyteller and took pleasure in frightening his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews with tales of La Llorona and the Little Nun. It was rare to find him not listening to music and he often whistled his favorite tunes while he worked. While the Beatles were his favorite band, his musical tastes ranged from mariachi and rancheras to country and oldies. His music library consisted of 8-tracks, vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and a YouTube playlist. He had a musical ear and taught himself to play the guitar and piano.

Gilbert was a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He owned and operated three restaurants for nearly 20 years and had several rental properties. Early in his career he worked in hotels, the country club, and managed several other restaurants in town. Gilbert had a big heart and shared his knowledge and talents with everyone that crossed his path. He provided mentorship and guidance to his many employees.

Memorial scholarships in Gilbert’s name have been established through the CNM Foundation and the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. The family requests that in lieu of flowers gifts be made to the CNM Foundation https://www.cnm.edu/depts/foundation or CNM Foundation, 525 Buena Vista Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 or to the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation of the New Mexico Restaurant Association, 9201 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

Gilbert's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, 87105. Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 9:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102.

The church has a capacity of 125 people. Mask are required to attend the Rosary and Mass.

For online condolences or questions the family can be contacted at GLSMemorial2020@gmail.com