Billy Garnand

Billy Garnand , Age 76, a kind, gentle and loving soul passed away on December 2nd after a short illness. He was surrounded by numerous friends and family. Billy was born on February 7th, 1938 in Vaughn, New Mexico and was raised in a beautiful homestead ranch nearby in Milagro, New Mexico. He came from a large family consisting of 7 brothers and two sisters. He attended school in Milagro and Santa Rosa, graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1957. Billy was drafted and served honorably in the United States Army. He married the love of his life Viola (Madrid) Garnand and celebrated 48 years of marriage last May. Billy and Viola moved to Albuquerque where he began 22 years of service as a firefighter with Albuquerque Fire Department. He was a member of the AFD Retiree’s Association. He enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for others, reading and studying the Bible, fishing, working and volunteering at St. Mary’s School in Albuquerque, and spending time with friends and family especially his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Hilaria and Robert-Benjamin Garnand and brothers, Narciso Garnand, George Garnand and Alex Garnand. He is survived by his wife Viola of 48 years, son Mark Garnand and wife Juanita, son Daniel Garnand and wife Dominca, daughter Kristina Flores and husband Steve, grandchildren Candice Garnand, Mikayla Garnand, Krista Garnand, Addyson Garnand, Marcus Flores, Hannah Flores, Angelo Anaya and Justin Anaya and wife Nichele and 7 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Chris Garnand, Duane Garnand, Robert Garnand, David Garnand, Elizabeth Felix and Mary McKinstry as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Billy lived a full and blessed life. He will be missed by many who enjoyed his kind nature and generous spirit. A rosary will be held at 10 am on Friday, December 5, 2014 followed by the Mass of Christian burial from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa with Father Sotero A. Sena Officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Gilbert Garnand, Christopher Garnand, Benjamin Garnand, Casey Aragon, Arthur Gonzales and Ernest Sanchez. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Dave Sanchez, Leon Garnand and members of the Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees. All services for Mr. Garnand have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369. To place an online condolence please visits our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.