Gilbert Cano

Gilbert L. Cano

1932 - 2024

Dr. Gilbert Lucero Cano left this world to join his beloved wife in heaven on August 8, 2024. He was born January 7, 1932, in Mesilla, New Mexico and attended Las Cruces Public Schools. His mother passed away when he was 10 years old and his father when he was 15 years old, he was raised by his sister and brothers. Gilbert attended New Mexico State University and received a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, with a major in Physics in 1954. It was there he met his wife of 71 years, Dolores Chavez. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles while in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Captain. He completed his tour of service in Okinawa, Japan and Florida. Gilbert returned to NMSU and in June 1964, received a Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Atomic Physics. He was employed for 32 years by Sandia National Laboratories, in Atomic, Nuclear and Laser Physics programs. He was widely published in the open scientific and security classified literature and made numerous presentations about his research in national and international meetings.

In 1975, Dr. Cano served as Science and Energy Advisor to the Governor of New Mexico where he was responsible for the selection of scientific research proposals. He also served on the New Mexico Paleontology Task Force to evaluate fossil assets in New Mexico. During this time, he was named to the Natural History Museum Policy Advisory Committee, whose ultimate and lasting accomplishment was the creation of the impressive New Mexico Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque. In 1985, the Governor appointed Dr. Cano to the Board of Regents of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where he served as a member and became President of the Board.

Dr. Cano returned to Sandia Laboratories where he worked in Advanced Nuclear Reactor Safety Research for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He was appointed manager of a scientific-engineering division at Sandia, specializing in Nuclear Physics research. He then became manager of the U.S./Mexico Program Development Department for Sandia Laboratories and led a multinational technology and engineering initiative with private industry for energy and maquiladora programs.

Dr. Cano was elected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who's Who in the West and Who's Who in America. He was a member of the American Physical Society, the science honorary society, Sigma Xi, and was a member and officer in Civitan International. In 1970, he was recognized as "Outstanding President" of the Great Southwest District of Civitan International. In October 2004, Dr. Cano was named "Distinguished Alumnus" of New Mexico State University where he and his wife established an endowed scholarship in Physics. In September 2009, he received the "Distinguished Service Award" from Sandia Laboratories Retirees Association.

Gilbert's many hobbies included traveling, playing bridge and golf. Throughout their lives together, Gilbert and Dolores traveled extensively to Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Egypt, The Holy Land, China, and lived in Okinawa for several years. He became an accomplished artist in several mediums: wood sculpting, glass mosaics, charcoal portraits, and oil painting. Gilbert continued to study French, German, and Spanish, languages he often used while at Sandia Laboratories. He was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church and was a member of the Laudate Men's Choir.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Dolores, his six brothers and his sister. He is survived by his daughters: Melinda Cano Howes (Ron) of Los Lunas, Cynthia Cano Riddle (Guy) of Escondido, CA, Carla Cano of Los Lunas, Marissa Cano Montaño, two grandchildren: Michael Montaño (Kim), Marina Montaño Lopez (Juan) and three great- grandchildren: Josiah, Layla and Ezekiel Montaño all of Las Cruces, as well as, sisters-in-law Emilie Cano of Las Cruces, Pat Cano of Silver City, Virginia Laughlin of Ranchos de Taos and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Gilbert will be greatly missed by family and friends. We will miss his sense of humor, his smile, his never-ending thirst for knowledge and his love of family. His passion for life influenced many and will never be forgotten.

A rosary will be held for Gilbert at FRENCH-Wyoming, August 20 at 6 pm. Gilbert's life celebration will be held August 21 at 10 am at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, followed by graveside services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in his memory.