This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Lopez, Rivas, Mendoza Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5275/mb.ashx Message Board Post: BERNARDO M. "BERNIE" LOPEZ, 60, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 13, 2011. He was born August 29, 1950 in Las Cruces, NM to Bernardo D. and Consuelo Mendoza Lopez. He graduated from Mayfield High School in 1969 and immediately after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served two tours in Vietnam and received various awards such as the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Most Prestigious of Valor the "Purple Heart Medal." The actual order includes the phrase, "Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen." Upon returning in 1973, he married his wife of 37 years Norma Rivas Lopez. Bernie began his federal career as a Department of Defense security guard at White Sands Missile R! ange. He then became an Electronic Telecommunication Systems Specialist at the U.S. Army information systems command WSMR. Bernie was a dedicated employee with multiple commendations, he received sustained superior performance awards, on the spot cash awards, letters of appreciation for outstanding performance, just to name a few, Bernie retired after 30 years of dedicated Federal Service. Bernies' greatest love was his family, particularly his grandbabies, Joslyn and Jasmine. After retirement he enjoyed taking and picking up the girls at school and attending Joslyn's band concerts and Jasmine's choir concerts. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending family time, going fishing, deer, quail and dove hunting. He enjoyed being outside in the patio just talking with friends and family who would just be driving by and stopped in to say hello. Bernie was a very kind hearted individual who was sincere, honest, giving and caring, he was someone you could always depend o! n and often put the needs of others before his very own and never expe cted anything in return. Bernie is survived by his wife, Norma, his daughter, Bernadette Jacquelyn Lopez, her companion, Jesus "Chuy" Osollo and son Gilbert Jeremy Lopez, his companion, Stephanie Kirker, granddaughters, Joslyn and Jasmine. Parents, Bernardo and Consuelo Lopez, sisters, Mercy Benavidez, Vicky and husband Gilbert Apodaca, Eloisa and husband Raymundo "Mundo" Ramirez, brother, Gene Lopez. Sister-in-law, Lydia Rivas-Guaderrama and husband James V. Guaderrama, all of Las Cruces, NM. He is survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jesus M. Lopez, paternal grandparents, Anastasio and Maria Mercedes Lopez, Maternal grandparents, Daniel, Eloisa and Victoria Mendoza. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church on Friday, March 18, 2011. The Rite of Commital and interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Masonic Cemetery. Serving as casket bearers will be Gilbert Jeremy Lopez, Jesus Osollo, James Guaderrama, Raymond Chavez, Gilbert Marrujo, George Navarro, Tom Parra. Honorary bearers will be Lucas Guaderrama, Mike Sorenson, H.C. Molina, Gilbert Apodaca, Rick Duarte, Jesse De La O, Tommy Chavez, Andy Kirker. Funeral Services have been entrusted to La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, 526-6891. To sign the guest book log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 18, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.