Bernard Baca

1923-2017 Bernard Baca, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, dedicated family man, decorated WWII Veteran, Educator, Farmer, and Rancher. Bernard was born in Los Trujillos, to Jose Maria and Carmen Ortiz Baca. He served honorably with distinction in World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He attended St. Mary’s school, Belen High School, and graduated from New Mexico A and M (NMSU) with a Bachelors and a Masters. Bernard was a respected teacher, mentor, and school administrator for 40 years. After retirement, he served on numerous committees and boards pertaining to agriculture and education. He was a lifelong member of the Republican Party. Bernard married Fidelina (Fillie) Garcia in 1953 and they had 4 children; Arthur, Carl, Vincent (died in infancy), and Bernardine. Bernard and Fillie were married for 63 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Vincent; and siblings, Pat Baca Sr., Edwin Baca, Gilbert Baca, and Rosina Gurule Perez. Bernard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Fillie Garcia Baca; son, Arthur Baca and wife, Carol; son, Carl Baca and wife Carole; daughter, Bernardine Baca and husband, Dave Spiers; beloved grandchildren, Adian Emilio Baca, Kiri Baca, Rose Baca, and Lakota “Koko” Spiers; great-grandchildren, Tony Baca, Sonya Baca, and Alina Baca; sister-in-laws, Margaret Baca, Mary Rose Baca, Andrea Eichhorn, and Emma Tafoya; numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his caregivers, Irma, Rose, Sylvia, Rocio, Norma, Jasmine, and Betty. Also, a special thanks to the staff at Gentiva Hospice and the staff at Klarus Homecare. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Mexico Boys Ranch, Saint Mary’s Belen, or Gentiva Hospice. Special thanks to his son Arthur for years of dedicated care of his father. All services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., and funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers are Adian Baca, Adrian Baca, Martin Baca, Joe Baca, Gilbert Baca, and Dave Spier. Honorary Pallbearers; Mike Gurule, Rose Baca, Kiri Baca, Koko Spiers, Jake Tafoya, John Tafoya, and Robert Tabet.

Bernard Baca

June 22, 1923 - February 15, 2017