Duane R. Archuleta

Duane Archuleta, 56, beloved son, father, brother and friend left us unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 to be with the Lord. He was born August 15, 1964 in Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his mother, Theresa Martinez; his children, Tamara, Mario (Marissa), Santiago and Adiana; sister, Jolyn (Jon) Janelle; nephew, Sam; and niece, Emma; grandchildren, Dominic, Destiny and Dionna; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Duane lived in northern New Mexico where he had an accomplished career with the US Forest Service for 30 years before retiring. He began his career as a Santa Fe Hotshot and spent the next 25+ years in various roles on Southwest Incident Management Teams fighting fires throughout the US, Canada and Australia. He was in Fire Management with Bandelier National Monument and then on the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. Duane was also a member of the Southwest Incident Management Team that went to Ground Zero immediately after 911. Those he mentored gained so much of their professionalism due to his knowledge and experience, which he freely gave and shared. His contributions were immeasurable.

Duane loved his friends and family. He would have rather been outdoors than anywhere else. He spent much of his time at his Grandpa Mel's ranch as a young boy helping to herd cattle. He loved all sports, especially baseball, both playing and coaching. His quick wit and "Duane-isms" brought laughter and cheer, and his smile could light up a room. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9th, 2021 at Sagebrush Church, 6440 Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque. The service will also be lived streamed via Sagebrush Funerals on YouTube.com.

Honorary pallbearers will be his friends, Jake Salazar, Lawrence Fresquez, and Ronald Leeway; and his cousins, Kevin Duran, Aaron Garcia, and David Montez.

In lieu of flowers, should family and friends desire, contributions may be sent to Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2393 W Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705 https://wffoundation.org