Ben L. Moffett

Ben L. Moffett has passed away at age 79 on Monday, August 19, 2019 at his home in Bosque Farms, New Mexico. Moffett was a longtime sports writer for the Albuquerque Journal, news reporter, National Park Service public affairs officer and freelance writer over most of his later working years, He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lesta Davidson Moffett; his three children, Bret Moffett, Marc Moffett and Pamela Moffett; and seven grandchildren.

Moffett was born Thursday, September 7, 1939, a half mile south of San Antonio, New Mexico in a three-room home built of adobe by father and mother, John B. and Regina Moffett, and several children who had matriculated to New Mexico from Louisiana and Arkansas long before he was born.

Moffett spent most of his life in New Mexico, with a long stay in Albuquerque, where he attended Ernie Pyle Jr. High, Albuquerque High and the University of New Mexico. At UNM he earned BA and MA degrees in journalism and communication while working as a sportswriter, sports editor, and state editor, at the Albuquerque Journal. As a student of language he challenged himself to study and learn Spanish; he loved being fluent and conversing in his second language. He then went on to a successful career with the National Park Service that spanned 23 years and two distinct offices in Santa Fe, NM, and Denver, CO. During that tenure he was responsible for informing the public about the 1988 Yellowstone fires and the wolf reintroduction mission to name a few. During his retirement he worked tirelessly to write a book on the history of basketball in New Mexico, a labor of love as sports, particularly high school sports, were always close to his heart.

An avid gardener and bird watcher, he enjoyed all time spent in his yard and the out of doors. He could name birds and wildflowers by the dozens. He was an active person who enjoyed sports himself playing a mean game of softball or racquetball or basketball, always a competitor. One could find him just as easily pitching horseshoes or casting a rod from a placid lake bank.

He will be sorely missed for his wry sense of humor, his support for the underdog, his wealth of knowledge on so many subjects, and his care for his family. May you rest in peace, Dad…A Memorial Service will be hold on Friday, August 23, 2019, 3:00 p.m. at FRENCH – University.