Gary R. Esquibel

On Monday, August 10, 2020, this world lost one of the strongest young men we were all blessed to know and love. Gary R. Esquibel died peacefully in his home in the arms of his beloved mother and surrounded by his family. Gary was born on February 17, 1994 in Las Vegas, NM, but has called Albuquerque, NM home since 2003. On April 13, 2012, Gary was involved in a near-death motorcycle accident which left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury. Because of the TBI, Gary was non-ambulatory, non-verbal, had right hemiparesis and required 24-hour care. Because of this, his mother, Melissa, devoted her life to caring for him out of their home. For over more than eight years after his accident, Gary endured several other medical complications which led him to many, many hospitalizations and 54 surgeries/procedures. Although Gary was non-verbal, he was able to communicate his wants and needs effectively with the use of communication devices, body language, facial expressions and his favorite, sign language.

Despite the challenges of his disability, he was still able to graduate from high school two years after his original anticipated graduation date. With the love and devotion from his mother, and just as she never gave up on him, Gary lived his life to “Never Give Up.”

Gary leaves behind “his right hand,”  his biggest fan, and also his mother, Melissa “Missie” Esquibel; his sister, Kenidie Esquibel-Garcia; his grandparents, Marcie Sandoval and Gilbert Pino, and Isidro “Sider” Esquibel, Jr. and his wife, Carole Esquibel; his bro, “BUD” (Brother/Uncle/Dad) Sider Esquibel, III; godson, Gage Esquibel; aunt, Nancy “Nanny” Esquibel; cousins, Katrina and Justina Torres; uncles, Francisco (Louisa) and Roy (Libby) Sandoval; and godfather, Jeff Torres.

He was preceded in death by his godmother, Marlena “Nina” Torres; great-grandparents, Agnes “Aggie” Sandoval, Isidro Esquibel, Sr. and Elvira “Vera” Esquibel; and his great-aunt, Patsy “Patches” Esquibel.

Special appreciation and gratitude to the healthcare professionals at UNMH, Carrie Tingley Hospital, Dr. Riley, Dr. Benton, Dr. Caulder, Dr. Pedrotty, Cindy Moore, CNP, and Dr. Clark, all amazing staff at Ambercare, Always There Home Care, Compassus Hospice, Dr. Weintraub and staff at Craig Hospital in CO, Dr. Higuchi and staff at The University of Colorado Medical Center, and all the other extraordinary health care professionals and caregivers who were a big part in Gary’s medical journey.

Serving as Pallbearers are Sider Esquibel, III, Jacob Sedillo, Gilbert Pino, Roy Sandoval, Dr. Mark Pedrotty and Geoff Romero. Honorary Pallbearers are his godson, Gage Esquibel and his godfather, Jeff Torres.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107 with Father Vincent Chavez presiding. The Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd, NW, Albuquerque.